A TALE OF TWO METHODS: COMPARATIVE ASSESSMENT OF FACE- TO-FACE AND ONLINE LEARNING National Institute on the Assessment of Adult Learning 2011: Virtual Assessment. Real Outcomes. Yuerong Sweetland, PhD – Director of Assessment, Franklin University
Presentation Overview Institutional Context and Background Assessment Model and Process Case Studies Closing the Loop Questions & Answers
Background (1) Founded in 1902 as the YMCA School of Commerce Accrediting bodies: HLC and IACBE Adult students Undergraduate Average Age: 33 Graduate Average Age: 35
Background (2) First online courses offered 1998 As of Fall 2010, Franklin Offers 28 undergraduate majors & 4 graduate majors, available both f2f and online More than 11,000 students enrolled annually Multiple Locations: Domestic and International
Online vs. F2F Trend (1)
Education Philosophy Ensuring academic quality Providing access to educational opportunities Adapting to the needs of students Responding to changes in society, professions, and the business community
Academic Model Centralized academic model Curriculum development: Team-based approach Fulltime faculty Design faculty Content contributor Adjunct
Cascading Systems of Outcomes Module Outcomes Course Outcomes Program Outcomes
Assessment Assessment - the “systemic collection, review and use of information about academic programs for improving student learning and development.” Each Academic Program has an Assessment Plan, which identifies outcomes, assessment methods, and implementation schedules
Assessment: Key Elements Multi-faceted assessment model Strong linkages between assessment and curriculum re-design Streamlined process Transparency to all stakeholders
Multi-faceted Assessment Model Direct Capstone projects Selected course projects/assignments E-Portfolios Locally designed exams in capstone/other courses Nationally normed exams (Proficiency Profile, MFT) Indirect Current student survey Graduating student survey Alumni survey NSSE Grades
Assessment Process Make Improvements Draft Assessment plans (Outcomes and assessment methods) Gather & Analyze Evidence Interpret and Discuss Assessment Findings
Assessment Artifacts Collection
Assessment DropBox Interface
Examples: Direct Assessment (Undergraduate)
Examples: Indirect Assessment (Undergraduate)
Examples: Indirect Assessment (Graduate)
Closing the Loop…. Major impacts of assessment findings: Curriculum Redesign Informing hiring plans Changes in assessment criteria Changes in assignment requirements, supporting materials Additional support services provided by the Student Learning Center
Questions or Comments? Dr. Yuerong Sweetland A Tale of Two Methods: Comparative Assessment of Face-to- face and Online Learning