Developing a Distance Learning and Online Strategy: A Case Study of a Small, Private University using the Hedgehog Approach

Authors Monica J. Parzinger Carol Luckhardt Redfield Robert Skipper Necia Wolff St. Mary's University San Antonio, Texas

Presentation Overview  University Description  Reason for Committee’s Charge  The Hedgehog Approach  Measures of Overall Success  Subsequent Activity  Conclusion

University Description Small 3100 Undergrad 400 Grad 400 Law Private Catholic Marianist Ad hoc DL/Online No Guidelines Experimental Offerings Declining Enrollment Reputation if W/O Competition

Committee  Subcommittee of UTC  Volunteers School of Business  IS  Taught Online Humanities  Philosophy  Power User Science & Engineering  Computer Science  Preparing to Teach Online Law School  Associate Dean  Recruits from Functional Areas Library  Masters in CIS  Support Existing Online Technology Services  Faculty Training  Supporting Existing Online

Charge  Consider how DL might add value to the educational mission of the university While improving enrollment And/or retention  Admin open to any suggestions  Formulate a strategy to guide the consideration, planning and implementation of distance learning

Business Case  Hedgehog Approach Good to Great Jim Collins Hedgehogs see what is essential and ignore the rest  SWOT Indirectly Useful Focus on Differentiating Factors

Leading Questions 1. Does distance learning help strengthen those areas in which St. Mary’s University already excels? 2. Does distance learning support the passion of the campus members who are or will be directly or indirectly involved in distance learning? 3. Is implementation of distance learning economically feasible? Passion Excellence Economics

Excellence  Nurturing well-rounded professionals  Fostering strong sense of community of faith  Fostering strong sense of civic responsibility  How? Liberal arts core curriculum Catholic intellectual tradition Close attention to individual student needs The Princeton Review’s best business schools guide for the second year in a row.

DL & Core Values  Catholic Intellectual Tradition Encourages Keeping in Touch w/Changes in Society & Technology  Advanced Technology can Bring People Together  Can Provide a Level of Experiential Learning  Strengthen Core Values

Core Value Safeguards  Size not Exceed 20 Unless Shared Course Two Professors Different Disciplines 30 Max  The Instructor’s Direct Involvement is Increased  No Undergrad “Online Degree”  Significant Residency Requirement Fulfilled Upper Division or Elective Courses  Synchronous Technologies Preferred  Encourage Use of Blackboard-like Technologies for Non-DL Courses

Passion  Easy Identification: Knowledge  Faculty Learning  Distributing Knowledge  Commitment to Teaching & Service

St. Mary’s Passion  Cross-disciplinary Friendships Small Campus Numerous Committee Meetings Convocations Socials  Build Community

Right Technology  Faculty Alone Should Originate Courses Not from a College of Distance Learning  Hybrid Courses Encouraged Combine DL & In-class Components  Full Time, Highly Visible Support Staff for Teachers Course Development Training Assessment Technical Support

Feasibility  Need not be a Profit Center  Recognize Direct/Indirect Costs/Benefits  Financial Information Not Captured Support Division Laptop University  2 Year Exchange  Need for Recordkeeping Retention Enrollment Recruitment

Economic Impact Recommendations  Own Certification Program for Faculty  Certification Training Available to ALL Teaching Faculty Including Adjuncts  Release Time Granted for Course Development

Success Measures  Institute for Higher Education Policy Benchmarks 7 Areas April 2000  Recommended 7 Benchmarks be Applied  Recommended New Measures Mission Related Efforts Values Related Efforts

Recommended Measures  Clear Statement of the Primary Measures of Success of the DL Strategy will Help in Design & Administration  Multiple & Redundant Measures Vision Enrollment Goals Retention Goals Faculty Enthusiasm Student Enthusiasm Costs & Benefits

Faculty Survey  Developing a Technology Strategic Plan  25 Questions  Related to DL More online classes should be offered I prefer online courses to traditional classroom instruction The University uses IT to enhance its sense of community in the Marianist tradition

Conclusion  Importance of Committee Members  Hedgehog Approach  Admin Action

Dialogue Encouraged!