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Natural ResourcesNatural ResourcesDistance Learning Distance Learning

ConsortiumConsortiumGary R. Evans, Ph.D.

DirectorNatural Resources Distance Learning Program

Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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