Distance Learning NFTS April 11, 2007 Scott E. Grasman Engineering Management and Systems Engineering

Outline Introduction Motivation Methodology Communication Student/Instructor During Lecture Student/Instructor Outside Lecture Student/Student Communication Administration Summary and Conclusions

Motivation Emergence of Distance Education Programs “Boeing” Systems Engineering Program University of Missouri – Rolla (UMR) University of Southern California (USC)

Virtual Classroom Live Streaming- Video/Audio over Internet up to 60 second delay Real-time Audio using Conference Call video lags audio by up to 60 seconds

Virtual Classroom WebExhttps://umr.webex.com/ Web Conferencing Voice Over Internet Instant Messaging File/Desktop Sharing Classes are Recorded and Archived

WebEx

My Experiences Internet-Based Courses EMgt 209 Engineering Economy and Management EMgt 365 Operations Management Science EMgt 372 Production Planning and Scheduling EMgt 408 Advanced Engineering Economy SysE 368 Systems Engineering Analysis PDH Courses Survey of Former Internet Students

Communication Student – Instructor During Lecture Student – Instructor Outside Lecture Student – Student Communication

Student – Instructor During Lecture Technology Streaming Video/Audio WebEx Presentation Format Lecture Notes Classroom Discussion

Technology Live Streaming Time Lags Audio Feedback Freezing & System Stability Student Comfort Level Leads to limited student participation!

Presentation Format Lecture Notes Thorough notes posted prior to lecture! Limited deviations from outline! Discussion Periods Leads to limited student participation!

Suggestions Lecture Notes holes in the notes! work out examples!! use the technology!!! Discussion Periods leave room for discussion periods keep class structure similar Do NOT forget about the in-class students!!!!

Student – Instructor Outside Lecture “Online Education’s Drawbacks Include Misunderstood Messages” The Chronicle of Higher Education.

Student – Instructor Outside Lecture Limited Face-to-face Access Phone Blackboard ™ Announcements Collaboration Discussion Board Group Pages

Student – Student Communication Similar Issues During Lecture Outside Lecture Group Work??? Students lose the ability to learn from other students!

Administration Notes Preparation of Class Materials Software Availability and Compatibility Access to Students Delivery/Submittal of Assignments Fax or Scan Handwritten Assignments Electronic Submission Difficulties

Administration Notes Delivery/Submittal of Exams Timed Exams Proctors Return of Grades and Graded Material

Summary and Conclusions Communication is the Key (even “Administration” involves communication) Modification of Teaching Style Continuous Feedback from Students

Incentives Access to a Non-Traditional Students Continuing Education Incentive (CEI) Outstanding Teaching Commendation Award of Excellence

Questions?