virginia tech1 natural resources distance learning consortium gary r. evans, ph.d. director natural...
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Virginia Tech 1
Natural ResourcesNatural ResourcesDistance Learning Distance Learning
ConsortiumConsortiumGary R. Evans, Ph.D.
DirectorNatural Resources Distance Learning Program
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Virginia Tech 2
Natural Resources Distance LearningNatural Resources Distance Learning
Recent Study– Initial sample of 300 US Universities– 55% - listed Distance Learning courses– <9% - listed Natural Resource courses
within their Distance Learning programs
– <5% - Universities sampled listing any Natural Resource courses on line
Virginia Tech 3
Key Word Key Word SearchSearch
Forest Natural Resources Range Wildlife Environmental Science Fisheries Recreation / Tourism Soils Conservation Biology EcotourismWatershed Water Resource Natural Resources Environmental EducationWildland Fire Science Meteorology Conservation Studies Statistics Geographic Information System (GIS) Human Dimensions of Natural Resources
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THE NEEDTHE NEEDRenewable Natural Resources Foundation
Report– 50% of SES in natural resources can retire, now– 45% of GS 14 – 15 in natural resources can
retire, now
Universities have opportunities– Deliver natural resource education through non-
traditional learning technologies– Significant need for professional degrees in
natural resources, eg. M NR, M For, M Interp, M GIS
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The Continuing QuestionThe Continuing Question
Why should a natural resources agency employee’s education stop the day they become employed?
– William Woodland, USDA FS
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WHY?WHY?
What are Natural Resource employees seeking?– Single Courses
gain expertise for their particular job– Certificate Programs
gain expertise for their specific program area
– Graduate Professional Degrees – professional growth and development
Virginia Tech 7
Why Virginia Tech?Why Virginia Tech? College of Natural Resources
– Joint Venture Agreement with USDA Forest Service
– Developing courses to meet Agency needs– Developing beyond traditional
correspondence courses Institute for Distance and Distributed
Learning– Among The Top Ranked in U.S.– Delivering 24/7 – 365, World Wide– 500 Courses on line
Virginia Tech 8
Virginia TechVirginia Tech Courses within the Joint Venture Agreement
– Upgrade to VA Tech academic and teaching standards– Redesigning to distance learning instructional formats
Courses on-line for Fall 2007 - Spr 2008– Partnership and Volunteerism– Foundations of Public Land Management– Interdisciplinary Recreation Planning &
Design/Develop– Global Issues in Natural Resources– Public Ecology- Natural Resource Law and Policy- Conservation Economics- Modern Wildlife Management- nrdlc.iddl.vt.edu
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Consortium?Consortium? New Opportunity
– Develop a Consortium to create and deliver courses via Distance Learning
University limitations to meet rapidly growing
demands– Time– Faculty– Funding– Physical infrastructure
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Consortium? Who?Consortium? Who?
Universities– They develop and deliver on-line courses
Federal, State and Local land managing agencies – They have employees seeking education
Non Governmental Organizations– They have employees seeking education
Professional Societies – They set standards for certification and
accreditation
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““community of interest”community of interest” Natural Resources Distance Learning
Consortium Virginia Tech – College of Natural Resources University of Idaho – College of Natural Resources Northern Arizona University – College of Forestry University of Montana – College of Forestry and Conservation Penn State University - World Campus Stephen F Austin State University - College of Forestry University of Tennessee - Martin - College of Agr Sciences Oregon State University - College of Natural Resources North Carolina State University – College of Natural Resources Mississippi State University
USDA Forest Service DOI Bureau of Land Management DOI National Park Service National Wildland Fire Management Academy Army Corp of Engineers
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Consortium AdvantagesConsortium Advantages Develop certificate programs (12 – 15 credits) Provide unique curriculum –
– Certificates in Graduate Studies– Graduate Professional Degrees
Build on existing programs strengths Deliver education to a broader student base Provide flexibility to working professionals seeking
education Combine top faculty & best available courses Provide a venue to broaden available curriculum
– upper division– graduate programs
Virginia Tech 13
Strategic GoalsStrategic GoalsProvide for working professionals
– Natural resource courses, – Certificate of graduate study – Degree opportunities
Provide Broad Suite of Courses– On-Line– Meeting non-campus education needs
Utilize existing on-line courses – identify courses where needs exist
Virginia Tech 14
Strategic GoalsStrategic GoalsIdentify on-line courses opportunities
– Meet student needs – Where faculty shortages exist or – Courses are not offered
Augment curriculum requirements– Utilize on-line courses
Provide common entry point– Students access consortium – Access courses where they are located.
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Agency NeedsAgency Needs Price sensitivity - Travel and Lodging cost reductions
Blended education program development– On-line delivery, video technology, field programs– Collaborative approaches:
On-line Modules & Field Modules Pre & Post on-line modules with Intensive classroom component(s) at National
Training Centers (Phoenix & Shepherdstown)
Field methodologies - – Forest Service/Bureau of Land Management --Wildland Fire Management
Wilderness management - Carhart Wilderness Center
Upper division undergrad courses with grad courses?
Training Modules - non-degree/non-credit course modules?
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Today’s Learner – A Market Today’s Learner – A Market SurveySurvey
21% have taken an online course 60% interested in taking online course in next
3 years 52% want undergrad courses 31% want graduate courses 15% want special interest courses 11% want certificate programs 96% have internet at home 80% have internet at work
Virginia Tech 17
Today’s Learner – A Market Today’s Learner – A Market SurveySurvey
Leading Barriers?– Student Finances– Not enough time
What’s important?– On-line resources– Contact with faculty– Transfer of credits– Year-round availability– Length of time
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THANKS !THANKS ! Gary R Evans, Ph D
Director, Natural Resources Distance Learning Program National Capital Region
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State College Northern Virginia Center
Falls Church, Virginia
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