Introduction The following materials provide details of the assignments
for this course. As students, you are asked to read all materials
and react to those materials specifically assigned. You will
be receiving additional information as appropriate through the
system and will be dialoging with your instructor and peer students
through the six- (6) workshops. Please send all materials to
the main virtual classroom (VC) unless specified otherwise in
the assignments.
There is a requirement for one team project in
this simulation - please pick a partner to work with on this
project which will be due in the last workshop. Additional details
are provided later. You are also expected to participate in the
Seminars 5 to 7 days a week.
Student Competency Expectations:
The combination of group, individual, and computer mediated activities
included in this course will result in your acquiring knowledge and
skills that you can apply in the workplace to:
Develop a functional understanding of the nature
and importance of online learning in the context of contemporary
educational offerings.
Define how distance learning and online are
related.
Identify and apply key factors that contribute
to the success of an online program including an understanding
of the Online Model.
Develop an understanding of the characteristics
that identify a good online instructor as contrasted to an
on-ground instructor.
Identify the characteristics of the students
that will be participating in successful online programs. Relate
the implications of the various student selection criteria
to the online model.
Identify the characteristics of curriculum used
in the online paradigm and be able to differentiate online
curriculum from on-ground curriculum.
Identify the characteristics of the various
technology options available in the online environment and
define the selection criteria.
Define the most common carrier technologies
used in the delivery of online education. Define the selection
criteria, and the implications of various alternatives on the
online model.
Be able to synthesize the content of this course
into a project that reflects understanding of the concepts
presented in the course. This will be accomplished in a team
environment.
The overall learning objectives will be supplemented
by assignments in the support materials provided with this course.
TEXT:
Bedore, G. L., Bedore, M. ,and Bedore, G. L. (1997).
Book Draft: Online Education: The Future is Here Now.
READINGS:
Seminar 1: Read chapters 1 and 2 in the text. These
chapters have been posted to the web site for you (some of you
may not have received your text at this point).
Seminar 2: Read chapters 3 and 4 in the text.
Seminar 3: Read chapters 5 and 6 in the text.
Seminar 4: Read chapters 7 and 8 in the text.
Seminar 5: Read chapters 9, 10, and 11 in the text.
Seminar 6: Read chapter 12 in the text.
The Learning Environment:
To meet the planned student competencies, the course will use virtual
classroom meetings and a virtual classroom conference conducted in
a networked computer environment. The virtual classroom meetings and
conferences provide a method of performing many of the activities traditionally
accomplished in the physical classroom, but eliminating the need for
travel and reducing the dependence on specific scheduled events.
The learning environment options can be combined
in a number of ways to meet the needs of a particular group.
The Seminars are designed to be presented interchangeably across
the options.
What Day Is It?
Seminar days are as follows. Assignments are due on the day of the seminar
specified (by the END OF THE DAY...Midnight) and must have the appropriate
day recorded in the sign-on logo (or an earlier date) for full credit.
DAY ONE (1) is MONDAY
DAY TWO (2) is TUESDAY
DAY THREE (3) is WEDNESDAY
DAY FOUR (4) is THURSDAY
DAY FIVE (5) is FREDAY
DAY SIX (6) is SATURDAY
DAY SEVEN (7) is SUNDAY
The Virtual Classroom
Virtual Classroom (VC) seminars will be accomplished through the use
of Convene. In this environment we will essentially replicate the activities
normally conducted in a traditional classroom setting, except activities
of a general nature will be submitted to an "electronic forum" (called
a Virtual Classroom) for review and discussion. Students can "attend" the
Virtual Classroom discussions at times convenient to them rather than
having to be at a specific place at a specific time. The Virtual Classroom(s)
are reached by dialing into the system (or entering through Internet),
picking up comments and responses submitted since your last connection
(usually by "downloading them to your system for off-line review
and comment), and then submitting your latest materials (uploading).
Generally, work is done "off-line" and then "uploaded" to
the Virtual Classroom. The Convene software automatically accomplishes
the necessary file transfers.
Optionally, work that is not to be shared with
the team (such as examinations) can be directly submitted to
your instructor's mailbox. All work will be graded by the instructor
and returned to the teams or individuals electronically.
Grading Criteria:
The basis for the evaluation of this course will be as follows:
Overall Participation 15%
Team Project 20%
Virtual Classroom 15%
Individual Papers 25%
Midterm Examination 10%
Final Examination 15%
100%
Good grades are usually correlated with regular
attendance and with assignments (written, reading, design projects,
and all other kinds) completed and on time. On the other hand,
poor grades are often correlated with frequent absences and incomplete
and/or missing assignments.
Computer Transmission Format:
Please observe the "ASCII" rule when transmitting your materials
- if you use your own word processor, please convert your text to ASCII.
Documents sent in the ASCII format are portable to all recognized word
processors and also lend themselves to transmission through Internet
or Convene. Single spacing in text documents is permitted as a means
of saving transmission times. You may also prepare your documents directly
in the Convene editor and send it in the formatted mode if you desire.
There will be instances where files formatted in
a particular applications package may be requested (usually Lotus,
or a Graphics mode). This is permitted if the instructor specifies
the desired format and you can meet this format requirement.
Such files can be sent attached to your ASCII files through The
Convene Network. If you have problems with this method, contact
your friendly SYSOP, or send a note to your instructor's mailbox.
Team Term Project:
A team term project is required for the course. The project will be completed
by teams of 2-3 students working together to produce a written analysis
(to be sent over Convene to the Virtual Classroom). The project will
be submitted electronically to the Virtual Classroom for review and
comment by Day 2 of Seminar 6. The final submission of the paper to
the instructor for grading can wait until DAY 7 of the Seminar to give
your teams time to review the comments from others and incorporate
any improvements in the final paper.
PLEASE PLAN NOW FOR THE ON-TIME SUBMISSION OF THE
PAPER - IT ISN'T SOMETHING THAT CAN BE COMPLETED THE LAST WEEK.
THANK YOU
The team project will be as follows:
The paper is to be 3-6 pages in length and will
summarize the concepts covered in the six seminars. The paper
will have the following sections:
Section I - Introduction
Section II - Define Key Elements of an Online
Program
Section III - Strengths and Weaknesses of an
Online Program
Section IV - Summary
Project Criteria - Written:
Your project will be graded considering content, clarity, validity, and
conformance to APA style parameters regarding citations, references,
general format, and comprehensiveness of coverage rather than length.
Each person in the Team will receive the same grade for the project.
You are to use and cite at least two literature sources other than
the textbook. One interview is encouraged.
You are asked to send an ASCII copy of the project
to your instructor's mailbox for grading. A hard copy submission
is not necessary.
Examinations:
At the instructor's discretion, a midterm exam and a final exam will
be provided. The Midterm will be sent to you at the beginning of Seminar
4 and must be individually completed by the end of Seminar 4 and the
answers sent to the instructor’s mailbox. The Final examination
will be sent to you at the beginning of Seminar 6 and must be individually
completed by the end of Seminar 6 and the answers sent to the instructor’s
mailbox. Remember - examinations are to be an individual effort (as
opposed to a team effort).
Specific Seminar Assignments:
SEMINAR 1
OVERVIEW
In Seminar one, we will begin to look at the general
topic of distance learning and then move to the online methodologies.
We will develop a framework for the study of Distance Learning
programs and more specifically, online programs. We will begin
by providing an overview of an online program and recognizing
the various roles associated with such a program. We will build
on this base to understand the specific concerns for the selection
for online students. Specific learning objectives for this Seminar
are as follows:
Develop a functional understanding of the nature
and importance of online learning in the context of contemporary
educational offerings.
Define how distance learning and online are
related.
Relate the implications of the various student
selection criteria to the online model.
Identify and apply key factors that contribute
to the success of an online program including a understanding
of the Online Model.
Develop a understanding of the characteristics
associated with the successful online student.
Assignments:
Required Reading. Read from the Text: Chapter
1 and 2
Go to the internet and find one article that
relates to students in the online educational process. Send
a one screen critique of the article and send your response
to the VC by DAY 3 of the Seminar.
Send a brief bio (1-2 screens) that will familiarize
the class with your work background, leadership experience,
and what you would like to gain from this class. Send your
Bio to the VC by DAY 2 of the seminar.
Your instructor will assign each member of the
class, as part of the Weekly Seminar inputs, one or more discussion
questions from assigned reading materials. Each of you is to
develop a 1-2 screen response to the assigned question(s) and
submit them to the Virtual Classroom on or before day three
of the seminar week. Your response should both answer the fundamental
question asked and provide an example of a related instance
from your workplace or experiential base. In addition to your
submission, you are expected to review the responses of your
fellow students and comment as appropriate on their contributions.
Your comments relative to experiences in your workplace are
particularly useful in helping all of us to develop a complete
understanding of the concept as it relates to the real world.
Working in the VC, find a partner or two to
work with you on the course project to be submitted in Seminar
6. Please negotiate the partnerships online and report the
results to the classroom by day 7 of the seminar week.
By Day 7 of the Seminar week, please individually
prepare and submit a 1-2 screen summary of what you felt were
the key items covered in this seminar and how they might apply
in the workplace.
SEMINAR 2
OVERVIEW
In Seminar two, we will look at the role of the
facilitator in the online learning process We will look at facilitator
selection and training issues, and how the role of the facilitator
changes from on model to another.
Specific learning objective for this Seminar are
as follows:
Identify the characteristics of the successful
online facilitator and how the facilitator functions in the
VC.
Provide an overview of the current facilitator
training models being used by successful Institutions and organizations.
Assignments:
Required Reading: Read from Text: Chapter 3
and 4.
Locate an article on the WEB relating to the
role or characteristics of the facilitator in the VC. Submit
a one page critique of the article and the web address to the
VC by DAY 3 of the Seminar.
Your instructor will assign each member of the
class, as part of the Weekly Seminar inputs, one or more discussion
questions from assigned reading materials. Each of you is to
develop a 1-2 screen response to the assigned question(s) and
submit them to the Virtual Classroom on or before day three
of the seminar week. Your response should both answer the fundamental
question asked and provide an example of a related Instance
from your workplace. In addition to your submission, you are
expected to review the responses of your fellow students and
comment as appropriate on their contributions. Your comments
relative to experiences in your workplace are particularly
useful in helping all of us to develop a complete understanding
of the concept as it relates to the real world.
Prepare a two-three screen outline of how you
would convert a piece of curriculum from an existing on-ground
class to the online format. Submit your work to the VC by DAY
3 of the seminar. Comment on the work of others and take suggestions
from others and refine your work until it represents the best
case. Continue this process throughout the Seminar.
By Day 7 of the Seminar week, please individually
prepare and submit a 1-2 screen summary of what you felt were
the key items covered in this seminar and how they might apply
in the workplace.
SEMINAR 3
OVERVIEW
In Seminar three, we will explore the implications
of curriculum and technology on the success of online programs.
The learning continuum, the implications of positioning on the
continuum, and the relationships between the curricula, facilitation,
and technology will be considered. We will focus on asynchronous
technologies and implications on the online model. We will also
look at synchronous models, hybrids, and special learning situations
and how models might be developed for various student levels.
Specific learning objective for this Seminar are
as follows:
Be able to discuss how curriculum used in the
online paradigm and be able to differentiate online curriculum
from on-ground curriculum.
Demonstrate a basic understanding of how learning
models function at various points on the learning continuum.
Identify the characteristics of the various
technology options available in the online environment and
define the selection criteria.
Assignments:
Required Reading. Read the Text: Chapter 5 and
6
Read the supplemental article supplied to you
by your instructor in the VC. Locate and critique an article
relating to this weeks course material Send your response to
the VC by DAY 3 of the Seminar.
Your instructor will assign each member of the
class, as part of the Weekly Seminar inputs, one or more discussion
questions from assigned reading materials. Each of you is to
develop a 1-2 screen response to the assigned question(s) and
submit them to the Virtual Classroom on or before day three
of the seminar week. Your response should both answer the fundamental
question asked and provide an example of a related instance
from your workplace. In addition to your submission, you are
expected to review the responses of your fellow students and
comment as appropriate on their contributions. Your comments
relative to experiences in your workplace are particularly
useful in helping all of us to develop a complete understanding
of the concept as it relates to the real world.
By Day 7 of the Seminar week, please individually
prepare and submit a 1-2 screen summary of what you felt were
the key items covered in this seminar and how they might apply
in the workplace.
SEMINAR 4
In Seminar 4, we will identify the purpose and
function of various learning models, we will consider how many
students make a class, and we will discuss the role of dialogue
in the online learning processes.
Specific learning objective for this Seminar are
as follows
Develop an understanding of the role dialogue
plays in the online learning process
Be able to define the characteristics of the
learning models discussed
Assignments:
Required Reading from the text: Chapter 7 and
8
Locate and critique an article relating to this
week's subject matter and submit your response to the
your response to the VC by DAY 3 of the Seminar.
Your instructor will assign each member of the
class, as part of the Weekly Seminar inputs, one or more discussion
questions from assigned reading materials. Each of you is to
develop a 1-2 screen response to the assigned question(s) and
submit them to the Virtual Classroom on or before day three
of the seminar week. Your response should both answer the fundamental
question asked and provide an example of a related instance
from your workplace. In addition to your submission, you are
expected to review the responses of your fellow students and
comment as appropriate on their contributions. Your comments
relative to experiences in your workplace are particularly
useful in helping all of us to develop a complete understanding
of the concept as it relates to the real world.
Complete midterm exam by DAY 7 of the seminar
week and submit to the instructor's Mailbox.
By Day 7 of the Seminar week, please individually
prepare and submit a 1-2 screen summary of what you felt were
the key items covered in this seminar and how they might apply
in the workplace.
SEMINAR 5:
In seminar 5, we will look at what is involved
with developing and implementing an online program. We will discuss
and explore the challenges associated with bringing a program
into an institution or organization.
Specific learning objectives for this Seminar are
as follows:
Identify what elements are to be considered
in the development and implementation of an online learning
program
Identify where online programs will work and
areas where online programs may not be applicable
Assignments:
Required Reading. Read the Text Chapters 9,
10, and 11
Work on the Group projects - discuss any concerns
associated with the projects
Your instructor will assign each member of the
class, as part of the Weekly Seminar inputs, one or more discussion
questions from assigned reading materials. Each of you is to
develop a 1-2 screen response to the assigned question(s) and
submit them to the Virtual Classroom on or before day three
of the seminar week. Your response should both answer the fundamental
question asked and provide an example of a related Instance
from your workplace. In addition to your submission, you are
expected to review the responses of your fellow students and
comment as appropriate on their contributions. Your comments
relative to experiences in your workplace are particularly
useful in helping all of us to develop a complete understanding
of the concept as it relates to the real world.
Form four teams and complete the following group
project assignment.
In seminar 5 there are 4 scenarios which we will
pursue. The class is already divided into 4 groups; each team
answer 1 question, and submit the answer to the VC for discussion
by the whole group. The problem is due to the VC on day 5 of
the seminar (or sooner). You are welcome to create a meeting
room to work on the project (send me the name of your meeting
and invite me if you decide to do this). The entire class can
share information when the groups submit the reports on DAY 5
of the seminar.
I am NOT looking for detailed and accurate costing
models. What I am interested in is how you will think about the
scenario assigned to your group and what you think is important
in the costing. Please don't take a lot of time trying to do
spreadsheets or such - a good estimate made by group consensus
is adequate for what we are trying to do here.
Group 1
Approximate the costing of a distance learning program using the web
as the total communication package. Define what the costs to the students
and institution will be (cost to the student and total cost to institution
per student for the technology). Assume that the typical student cost
is $7.25 per month/per student to use the virtual campus. There is
a one time set up fee of $750.00 to the institution to set up the virtual
campus. You decide which software package to use, how the students
will link up etc., Use 20 students as the class size and the course
is 6 weeks long. We want a per month cost that each student will incur
and the cost to the institution. The IPP connect is $20.00 per month
per student.
Group 2:
Approximate the costing of an online distance learning program using
direct dial access as the means of linking up. Define what the costs
to the student and institution will be. You decide where the server
will come from and how involved the institution will be in administering
the program. Assume that the cost per student utilizing the software
providers server is $60.00 per month/per student with a one-time charge
of $100.00 dollars for the software and the connection processing.
(you are welcome to cost out bringing the technology in-house). The
course will be 6 weeks long and has 20 students signed up.
Group 3 :
Decide how many students should be in an on-line class (use the class
we are currently participating in as the model). Assuming the revenue
is $300.00 per student, the faculty expense is $1800.00 per class,
and the all other fixed and variable costs = $60.00 per student.
Should the class size be: 10, 15, 30, or 50. Discuss
the implications of each.
Group 4:
You are on a team to develop a pay scale for on-line instructors. 6 seminars,
going for 6 weeks. Determine what should be considered in this process
and what the salary structure should be. Give your rational. Student
count may range from 10 to 30 students.
5. By Day 7 of the Seminar week, please individually
prepare and submit a 1-2 screen summary of what you feel were
the key items covered in this seminar and how they might affect
your workplace.
Seminar 6:
In Seminar 6, we will concentrate on the presentation
and critique of the Group Team Projects. We will also look at
the future of online learning technologies defining critical
trends and how to factor these trends into strategic planning
for online products and programs.
Specific learning objective for this Seminar are
as follows:
Be able to synthesize the content of this course
into a project that reflects understanding of the concepts
presented in the course. This will be accomplished in a team
environment.
Assignments:
Required Reading. Read the Text Chapter 12
Locate and article on the web and critique the
article and send a one page summary to the VC by DAY 4 of the
Seminar.
By Day 3 of the Seminar, submit your team project
to the Virtual Classroom. Comment on the submissions of others
- accept their comments relative to yours. Change your paper
as necessary to bring it to the highest reasonable level -
I will view and grade your papers on Day 7 of the Seminar.
Complete your final examinations and submit
to your instructor's private mailbox by DAY 5. No summary is
required this week.
