Development of an Online Masters Jim Flowers Ball State University

Master of Arts Technology Education Industrial Vocational / Technical Education –(Career and Technical Education)

Logistical 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 Status Two Masters proposed Fourteen courses scheduled to go online Faculty preparation Local administration Pilot online course in 2 nd implementation Marketing work

Inception Declining F2F Enrollments Championed Idea Individual Pilot Course: –ITEDU 510: Technology, Use & Assessment

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

Needs Assessment Survey sent to Tech. Ed. (ITEA members) Substantial need exists Obstacles exit

Need Convenience –Place –Time flexibility Continuing education credits Graduate degree & course in Tech. Ed.

Obstacles Misconceptions? –Poor quality –Not much human contact Ignorance (Where to find courses) Technological obstacles Administrative obstacles

Decision to Go Online Declining F2F enrollment 8 profs – unanimous decision Both masters Proposal: –

Approvals Program Committee & Chair Dean Continuing Education Dean “Teleplex” (funds for development) Univ. Graduate Education Committee Indiana Commission on Higher Education

Financial Faculty Support / Course $ $1500 development –Stipend or course buy out $ st implementation bonus –Stipend or course buy out $50 / student over minimum (6) $750 course revision

Non-Financial Faculty Support Workshops Assistance in planning online learning Assistance in using online learning tools Reviews of course materials and plans

Administration Director of Online Education (department) Two colleges

On-Campus vs. Off-Campus Advertisements and course listings Fee structure Faculty load

(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 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 Course ITEDU 510, Technology: Use & Assessment Info: – Modules: –

Blackboard L3 Course Site

Discussion Board Forums

Sample Thread

Sample Posting

Learning Modules

Research Opportunities Collaborative Online Learning Reusable Learning Objects (Stimulating faculty research)

Challenges Marketing Course and program development Ownership issues Promotion, tenure, salary issues Possible off-campus instructors Technical issues (bandwidth, etc.)

Development of an Online Masters Dr. Jim Flowers Associate Prof. & Director of Online Education Industry & Technology, Ball State University