Distance Learning Development in The College of Natural

Distance Learning Development in The College of Natural Resources • A brief history • Programs under development • Survey of CNR Faculty & Staff - delivery of courses - student interaction - technologies - challenges

A Brief History in our College • Some faculty involved in DE since 1980’s • Creation of Distance Education & Learning Technology Applications (DELTA) unit within University Information Technology in 1990’s provided grant & technical support • Currently, there approximately 30 faculty in three departments teaching 35 DE courses • There is one DE Masters degree operating, and five programs under development

DE Programs • Master of Wood & Paper Science (2000) - Wood Products concentration - Paper Science concentration • Master of Environmental Assessment (2009) • GIS Certificate (2008) • Master in GIS (2009) • Master of Parks, Rec. & Tourism Mgmt (2009) • MS in Biomass Sustainability (2009)

Delivery Methods of Courses • Lectures taped onto DVD - with or without students present - mailed to distance students • Lectures posted onto course web sites: - created by faculty - Vista, Blackboard • Classroom Capture - sent by web to distance students who participate actively

Delivery Methods of Courses • Course Power. Point visuals and text - with or without voice over - with or without visible instructor (“talking head”) • Web courses delivered directly to the student by faculty from their offices, using webcam on computer • Lectures recorded using blue / green screen technology (expensive). • No satellite transmission is used

Delivery Methods of Courses • Overall assessment is that faculty groups become comfortable with their own form of delivery, and learn from each other • As technology simplifies the process, faculty will adapt • One area of difference, is the importance of seeing the instructor (not needed; or human factor is very important)

Student Interaction • Considered to be the most important and greatest challenge • All faculty use the web & e-mail • Low enrollment classes use telephone • Time is a major issue. Faculty noted distance students require twice as much interaction time.

Student Interaction • Faculty are continually increasing the level of resource material available electronically • Differences in skill level (prerequisites, and computer technology) are more common with DE students • Teaching assistant support is desired

Student Interaction • Faculty generally believe in the beauty of DE course flexibility for the student • Many faculty believe that DE is more effective than on–campus learning - adult learners more motivated - actually more interaction with student

Technology and Support Software / Hardware Systems used by faculty include: Capture & Deliver - Classroom Capture - Real Presenter - Webcam - Camtasia Real-Time Interaction - TV Studio Classroom - Elluminate - Centra - Skype Currently, there seems to be a sense that Classroom Capture offers the most flexibility, although it still has a way to go (resolution, band width, visibility of instructor)

Technology and Support • Approximately 80% of all DE faculty received support / training / grants from the University’s IT group (DELTA) • Support of various technologies is available from University IT, College IT, and other faculty • Faculty are responsible for content • Programming is an IT support function, until process is universally simplified

Visions and Challenges • Which technology should I use and why? • Provide all lecture content forms, easily intermixed and delivered with best quality • Release time is needed for course development – DE courses require more work • Student Disability considerations • Intellectual property issues may affect delivery

Visions and Challenges Assessment of value - To faculty, for promotion & tenure. How to balance effort with research and on-campus courses - To department and college, for financial resources, enrollment, credit production - To all parties, recognition in the field

Marketing • What are general and niche markets? • Distinguish between the markets for - short courses - traditional courses - certificates - degrees