Effective Design & Delivery of Graduate Courses via Web-Based Distance Learning Robert D. Soule Indiana Univ of PA

Some Background ~1997, SSHE began to encourage development of distance education anything you wanted to do as long as it didn’t require any “new” money ~1999, IUP committed to fund limited number of “pilot” programs criteria were developed for projects

Safety Sciences BS & MS programs multi-faceted ABET-accredited practical orientation of curriculum responsive to the “marketplace”

The Problem increasing demand for academically prepared professionals scarcity of programs busy professionals mobile workforce regular attendance at classes is difficult

IUP’s Offering M.S., safety sciences 36-credit requirement 18 cr. Core courses; 18 cr. Electives; thesis option concentrations: safety; industrial hygiene; fire protection; management

Course Development team approach survey of students interviews with subject matter experts review of existing course materials activity theory analysis

Course Design cognitive flexibility theory case studies embedded activities information searches asynchronous vs synchronous activities pilot test

Course Delivery student orientation CD for the course modular availability and use of windows of access & chat rooms bulletin boards for meaningful feedback

Student Learning solicited feedback at each chat room formal evaluation required – student satisfaction75% – valuable learning88% – satisfactory technology90% – convenience 100% comparable to conventional delivery

Instructor Learning underestimation of time required time commitment required from students directed/focused chat rooms critical to evaluating student learning correspondence via can get out-of- hand Distance education not for everyone!

Meanwhile….. Historically, many applicants for the M.S. program did not meet admission criteria. – long list of deficiency-clearing courses – look for something else Many were interested because of collateral responsibilities, e.g. Human Resource Mgr. Do we develop a different program (B.A.)?

Enter Duquesne University They have a prominent M.S. program in environmental science management Their Advisory Committee said they had to incorporate safety/health. IUP had strong safety/health program but minimal environmental safety. Each had what the other needed!

…a reciprocal trade agreement! concept of a cr. “certificate” core & electives student receives a B.S. from the “home” institution and a “certificate” from the other ~25 students to date

IUP’s Certificate of Recognition 12 graduate credits – 6 core; 6 electives – increasing choices admission requirements same as for degree program satisfies needs of M.S. program “rejects” and Duquesne students

Summary The need for academically-prepared S/H/E professionals will continue to increase. Difficulties faced by working professionals in pursuing graduate education will not improve. Distance education is a viable option for delivering the product to the custom. The quality of the experience CAN match that of more conventional learning modes.