Development of an Online Development of an Online MastersMastersJim FlowersJim Flowers

Ball State UniversityBall State University

jcflowers1@bsu.edujcflowers1@bsu.edu

Master of ArtsMaster of Arts

• Technology Education

• Industrial Vocational / Technical Education– (Career and Technical Education)

Logistical ParametersLogistical Parameters

• Online courses to replace F2F courses• 100% online from Ball State• 30 Credit Hours (thesis opt.)• 9 hours may be transferred• Technology Education

– All courses offered in a 1-year period

• Industrial Vocational Technical Education– All courses offered in a 2-year period

Current StatusCurrent Status

• Two Masters proposed

• Fourteen courses scheduled to go online

• Faculty preparation

• Local administration

• Pilot online course in 2nd implementation

• Marketing work

InceptionInception

• Declining F2F Enrollments

• Championed Idea

• Individual Pilot Course:– ITEDU 510: Technology, Use & Assessment

Pilot Course DevelopmentPilot Course Development

• Contract– 2 semesters work with Inst. Technologist– Assigned time– Taking an online course– Taking workshops– Using BSU tools– Course ownership

Needs AssessmentNeeds Assessment

• Survey sent to Tech. Ed. (ITEA members)

• Substantial need exists

• Obstacles exit

• http://scholar.lib.vt.edu/ejournals/JTE/v13n1/flowers.html

NeedNeed

• Convenience– Place– Time flexibility

• Continuing education credits

• Graduate degree & course in Tech. Ed.

ObstaclesObstacles

• Misconceptions?– Poor quality– Not much human contact

• Ignorance (Where to find courses)

• Technological obstacles

• Administrative obstacles

Decision to Go OnlineDecision to Go Online

• Declining F2F enrollment

• 8 profs – unanimous decision

• Both masters

• Proposal:– www.bsu.edu/web/jcflowers1/projects/onlinemasters/proposal.htm

ApprovalsApprovals

• Program Committee & Chair

• Dean

• Continuing Education Dean

• “Teleplex” (funds for development)

• Univ. Graduate Education Committee

• Indiana Commission on Higher Education

Financial Faculty Support / CourseFinancial Faculty Support / Course

• $1500 + $1500 development– Stipend or course buy out

• $1500 1st implementation bonus– Stipend or course buy out

• $50 / student over minimum (6)

• $750 course revision

Non-Financial Faculty SupportNon-Financial Faculty Support

• Workshops

• Assistance in planning online learning

• Assistance in using online learning tools

• Reviews of course materials and plans

AdministrationAdministration

• Director of Online Education (department)

• Two colleges

On-Campus vs. Off-CampusOn-Campus vs. Off-Campus

• Advertisements and course listings

• Fee structure

• Faculty load

(Program) Lessons Learned(Program) Lessons Learned

• Find and support a champion.

• Justify a need. Fill a niche.

• Pilot a course.

• Fit university goals & mission.

• Utilize university support systems.

• Provide for assessment.

(Course) Lessons Learned(Course) Lessons Learned

• Eliminate garbage.

• Go beyond shovelware.– Provide for student-student communication.– Provide for student-instructor communication.

• Be prepared for non-target students.

• Be prepared for technical problems.

Sample CourseSample Course

• ITEDU 510, Technology: Use & Assessment

• Info:– www.bsu.edu/web/jcflowers1/510intro.htm

• Modules:– www.bsu.edu/web/jcflowers1/rlo/510.htm

Blackboard 5.5.1 L3 Course SiteBlackboard 5.5.1 L3 Course Site

Discussion Board ForumsDiscussion Board Forums

Sample ThreadSample Thread

Sample PostingSample Posting

Learning ModulesLearning Modules

Learning ModulesLearning Modules

Research OpportunitiesResearch Opportunities

• Collaborative Online Learning

• Reusable Learning Objects

• (Stimulating faculty research)

ChallengesChallenges

• Marketing

• Course and program development

• Ownership issues

• Promotion, tenure, salary issues

• Possible off-campus instructors

• Technical issues (bandwidth, etc.)

Development of an Online Development of an Online MastersMastersDr. Jim FlowersDr. Jim Flowers

Associate Prof. & Director of Online EducationAssociate Prof. & Director of Online Education

Industry & Technology, Ball State UniversityIndustry & Technology, Ball State University

jcflowers1@bsu.edujcflowers1@bsu.edu