MOVING FORWARD WITH WEBNET+: Opening New Avenues for the Military Learner March 26, 2018 PRESENTERS: Dr. Beth Vivaldi and Mrs. Beth Fiock, MA

Agenda What is WebNet+? What are the processes in place to make WebNet+ successful? Statistical Data to date Report on Discipline-Specific Ventures: Cybersecurity + MHA offerings (Colorado and Ft Bliss TX) Information Technology offerings across South West Region (Memphis Naval). Inclusion of Corporate Partners via Project Management seminars on weekends. Present Status and where are we going? Best Practices How does this support the CCME Theme “Navigating Change: Transforming Challenges Into Opportunities in Military and Veteran Education”

What is WebNet+? … a Webster Networked experience that assists faculty to deliver media rich, real-time learning experiences to students across geographic locations, linking learners via video livestream.

Why did Webster University pursue using VTC (enhanced) = WebNet+? Linkage capability for over 100+ sites and can be linked to 8 international sites Cost factor minimal Reduction of cost for site: Faculty & Equipment (significant savings) Enhanced collaboration between sites – students – faculty. Allows face to face Instructor-Student for military that are geographically separated from the main servicing site.

Cost Factor Minimal equipment needed: 1 camera to pan classroom 1 enhanced audio speakers LED Projector in order to view other sites participating WebEx capability TOTAL COST FOR SITE: Less than $700.00

WebNet+ Equipment The list of equipment for HOST campuses includes the following: Logictech CC3300e video conferencing camera Speaker/Microphone with long cord VGA Splitter, VGA Cables, 2nd computer monitor (the site must provide the 2nd monitor) A Hovercam Solo 8 video camera this is to be used to provide an alternative to a whiteboard when teaching a class

Behind The Scenes: Timeline Year prep starts January before next Academic year Academic year is Summer to Spring Term prep starts T-17 weeks out from start of term with first e-mail to WebNet+ regional representatives. T-14 weeks out: e-mail sent to all extended sites requesting for WebNet+ applications and faculty lists for training Continued reminders until T-7 weeks when applications are due T-10 weeks and on going until start of term Faculty trained in asynchronous course built by OLC WebNet+ team

Ever evolving process – required flexibility T-7 weeks: Start processing applications Facilitate with extended sites to ensure courses are cross-listed properly T-4 weeks: "Next Steps" e-mail sent to faculty T-2 weeks: Extended sites conduct a technical walkthrough with faculty T-1 week: Student Orientation & Training live webinar Students uploaded into asynchronous training Constant communication with sites to ensure courses are running properly. Pair, create, and cancel courses as needed.  Ever evolving process – required flexibility

Behind The Scenes: Campuses & Support Regional representatives Low Enrollment report Course application Spreadsheet Technology testing IT Support implemented Summer 2017

Behind The Scenes: Faculty Live Webinar Training Pedagogical Technical Asynchronous Training course Course Prep assistance Instructional Designer

Behind The Scenes: Students Orientation & Training Live Webinar Students are given opportunity to participate in training webinar and asynchronous course by OLC WebNet+ team to familiarize themselves with the unique modality. Asynchronous course Students are able to log in and view videos about WebEx and see how the online component of their course will look and function.

Statistical Data: Credit Hours Enrollment Numbers Summer 2016 Summer 2017 676.5 1,569 Fall 1 2015 Fall 1 2016 Fall 1 2017 73 967.5 2,447 Fall 2 2015 Fall 2 2016 Fall 2 2017 264 1,032 2,060.5 Spring 1 2016 Spring 1 2017 Spring 1 2018 636 1,189 2,712 Spring 2 2016 Spring 2 2017 Spring 2 2018 486 1,759 3,684

Statistical Data: Courses Course Pairings Summer 2016 Summer 2017 25 60 Fall 1 2015 Fall 1 2016 Fall 1 2017 9 32 83 Fall 2 2015 Fall 2 2016 Fall 2 2017 8 36 79 Spring 1 2016 Spring 1 2017 Spring 1 2018 27 45 89 Spring 2 2016 Spring 2 2017 Spring 2 2018 17 61 115

Statistical Data: Involvement Campuses Involved Summer 2016 Summer 2017 26 34 Fall 1 2015 Fall 1 2016 Fall 1 2017 7 30 37 Fall 2 2015 Fall 2 2016 Fall 2 2017 12 31 35 Spring 1 2016 Spring 1 2017 Spring 1 2018 21 38 Spring 2 2016 Spring 2 2017 Spring 2 2018 17 49

Specific Program Integration Cybersecurity (Colorado) Due to the population it has received much interest thus enrollment is stable Ft Bliss wants to increase enrollment by offering as electives and eventually build on its interest to offer as a full program on ground MHA (Ft Bliss) MHA is not offered online due to accreditation restrictions Faculty are specialized thus smaller pool of individuals who can get approved for faculty positions in this degree This allows maximum sharing of qualified faculty Now offered each term to 3-4 satellite sites Increases their enrollments in this program so they may eventually offer the program at their own sites with a full complement of enrollment

What does this bring to our military clients? Optimizes choices! Classroom to classroom enhanced collaboration Does not matter if they are geographically separated – we can service their needs! Can survive in an increasingly networked world Gain insight into effective communication strategies for web environments Increase technology skills while working toward their degree.

What does this bring to our military clients? For a niche program such as MHA or Cybersecurity that is NOT offered online – students have delays in program completion if only offered onground. New approach streamlines all students to the same courses with no delays. Degree completion is now ON TIME!

How does this support the CCME Theme “Navigating Change: Transforming Challenges into Opportunities in Military and Veteran Education” Statistically has proven that this modality was warranted in order to serve our military & vets who were geographically separated…..but are NOT embracing online Eventually all courses will be synchronized to offer the SAME courses across Webster University. This allows any students to take ANY degree from any site they are near or stay with their current servicing site. It also allows no change in original degree pathway – thus completion of degree is ON TIME!

QUESTIONS?