Introductory Biology Redesign

Quick Facts State University of NY, Canton: Four and two-year college for technology, health, management and public service. Twelve majors leading to bachelor degrees 23 programs leading to associate degrees 12 programs leading to one-year certificates. Total Student Population 2600 Intro Bio Redesign Fall Enrollment: 240 Replacement Model

Timeline Fall 07 Began planning Spring 08 Finalize and submit grant proposal Summer 08 Awarded grant AHHHHHHH!!! Fall 08 Redesign team meets regularly Building of redesign Spring 09 Pilot Implementation of redesign Fall 09 Full Implementation Scheduled

Initial Planning State University of New York Initiative Fall 07 $40,000 Grant Award Acting Provost provided the initial impetus. Trio of biology instructors formed redesign team. Provided updates to both school and department throughout the process. Sought assistance and assurances from all members of the campus community who would be directly or indirectly affected by the redesign.

Student Reactions Developmental/Remedial All students have either failed science in high school or are non-traditional students with low science aptitude. Reactions Best described as mixed. Anecdotally Mostly positive to online learning environment. Some problems with student access to computers. Some resistance from older, non-traditional students. Results Too early to tell!

Faculty Development and Training Development of Online Learning Environment Instructor Learning to build online learning modules Development of Active Learning Activities Course Administrator Shifting Job Role Uncertainty of job Support