Effective Design & Delivery of Graduate Courses via Web-Based

Distance Learning

Robert D. Soule

Indiana Univ of PA

Some Background

~1997, SSHE began to encourage development of distance education

anything you wanted to do as long as it didn’t require any “new” money

~1999, IUP committed to fund limited number of “pilot” programs

criteria were developed for projects

Safety Sciences

BS & MS programs multi-faceted ABET-accredited practical orientation of

curriculum responsive to the

“marketplace”

The Problem

increasing demand for academically prepared professionals

scarcity of programs busy professionals mobile workforce regular attendance at

classes is difficult

IUP’s Offering

M.S., safety sciences 36-credit requirement 18 cr. Core courses;

18 cr. Electives; thesis option

concentrations: safety; industrial hygiene; fire protection; management

Course Development

team approach survey of students interviews with subject

matter experts review of existing

course materials activity theory analysis

Course Design

cognitive flexibility theory case studies embedded activities information searches asynchronous vs

synchronous activities pilot test

Course Delivery

student orientation CD for the course modular availability and

use of windows of access e-mail & chat rooms bulletin boards for

meaningful feedback

Student Learning

solicited feedback at each chat room formal evaluation required

– student satisfaction 75%– valuable learning 88%– satisfactory technology 90%– convenience 100%

comparable to conventional delivery

Instructor Learning

underestimation of time required time commitment required from students directed/focused chat rooms critical to

evaluating student learning correspondence via e-mail can get out-of-

hand Distance education not for everyone!

Meanwhile…..

Historically, many applicants for the M.S. program did not meet admission criteria.– long list of deficiency-clearing courses– look for something else

Many were interested because of collateral responsibilities, e.g. Human Resource Mgr.

Do we develop a different program (B.A.)?

Enter Duquesne University

They have a prominent M.S. program in environmental science management

Their Advisory Committee said they had to incorporate safety/health.

IUP had strong safety/health program but minimal environmental safety.

Each had what the other needed!

…a reciprocal trade agreement!

concept of a 12-15 cr. “certificate”

core & electives student receives a B.S.

from the “home” institution and a “certificate” from the other

~25 students to date

IUP’s Certificate of Recognition

12 graduate credits– 6 core; 6 electives– increasing choices

admission requirements same as for degree program

satisfies needs of M.S. program “rejects” and Duquesne students

Summary

The need for academically-prepared S/H/E professionals will continue to increase.

Difficulties faced by working professionals in pursuing graduate education will not improve.

Distance education is a viable option for delivering the product to the custom.

The quality of the experience CAN match that of more conventional learning modes.