Development of an Online Development of an Online MastersMastersJim FlowersJim Flowers
Ball State UniversityBall State University
[email protected]@bsu.edu
Master of ArtsMaster of Arts
• Technology Education
• Industrial Vocational / Technical Education– (Career and Technical Education)
Logistical ParametersLogistical Parameters
• Online courses to replace F2F courses• 100% online from Ball State• 30 Credit Hours (thesis opt.)• 9 hours may be transferred• Technology Education
– All courses offered in a 1-year period
• Industrial Vocational Technical Education– All courses offered in a 2-year period
Current StatusCurrent Status
• Two Masters proposed
• Fourteen courses scheduled to go online
• Faculty preparation
• Local administration
• Pilot online course in 2nd implementation
• Marketing work
InceptionInception
• Declining F2F Enrollments
• Championed Idea
• Individual Pilot Course:– ITEDU 510: Technology, Use & Assessment
Pilot Course DevelopmentPilot Course Development
• Contract– 2 semesters work with Inst. Technologist– Assigned time– Taking an online course– Taking workshops– Using BSU tools– Course ownership
Needs AssessmentNeeds Assessment
• Survey sent to Tech. Ed. (ITEA members)
• Substantial need exists
• Obstacles exit
• http://scholar.lib.vt.edu/ejournals/JTE/v13n1/flowers.html
NeedNeed
• Convenience– Place– Time flexibility
• Continuing education credits
• Graduate degree & course in Tech. Ed.
ObstaclesObstacles
• Misconceptions?– Poor quality– Not much human contact
• Ignorance (Where to find courses)
• Technological obstacles
• Administrative obstacles
Decision to Go OnlineDecision to Go Online
• Declining F2F enrollment
• 8 profs – unanimous decision
• Both masters
• Proposal:– www.bsu.edu/web/jcflowers1/projects/onlinemasters/proposal.htm
ApprovalsApprovals
• Program Committee & Chair
• Dean
• Continuing Education Dean
• “Teleplex” (funds for development)
• Univ. Graduate Education Committee
• Indiana Commission on Higher Education
Financial Faculty Support / CourseFinancial Faculty Support / Course
• $1500 + $1500 development– Stipend or course buy out
• $1500 1st implementation bonus– Stipend or course buy out
• $50 / student over minimum (6)
• $750 course revision
Non-Financial Faculty SupportNon-Financial Faculty Support
• Workshops
• Assistance in planning online learning
• Assistance in using online learning tools
• Reviews of course materials and plans
AdministrationAdministration
• Director of Online Education (department)
• Two colleges
On-Campus vs. Off-CampusOn-Campus vs. Off-Campus
• Advertisements and course listings
• Fee structure
• Faculty load
(Program) Lessons Learned(Program) Lessons Learned
• Find and support a champion.
• Justify a need. Fill a niche.
• Pilot a course.
• Fit university goals & mission.
• Utilize university support systems.
• Provide for assessment.
(Course) Lessons Learned(Course) Lessons Learned
• Eliminate garbage.
• Go beyond shovelware.– Provide for student-student communication.– Provide for student-instructor communication.
• Be prepared for non-target students.
• Be prepared for technical problems.
Sample CourseSample Course
• ITEDU 510, Technology: Use & Assessment
• Info:– www.bsu.edu/web/jcflowers1/510intro.htm
• Modules:– www.bsu.edu/web/jcflowers1/rlo/510.htm
Blackboard 5.5.1 L3 Course SiteBlackboard 5.5.1 L3 Course Site
Discussion Board ForumsDiscussion Board Forums
Sample ThreadSample Thread
Sample PostingSample Posting
Learning ModulesLearning Modules
Learning ModulesLearning Modules
Research OpportunitiesResearch Opportunities
• Collaborative Online Learning
• Reusable Learning Objects
• (Stimulating faculty research)
ChallengesChallenges
• Marketing
• Course and program development
• Ownership issues
• Promotion, tenure, salary issues
• Possible off-campus instructors
• Technical issues (bandwidth, etc.)
Development of an Online Development of an Online MastersMastersDr. Jim FlowersDr. Jim Flowers
Associate Prof. & Director of Online EducationAssociate Prof. & Director of Online Education
Industry & Technology, Ball State UniversityIndustry & Technology, Ball State University
[email protected]@bsu.edu