EDC&I 505

Online and Distance Learning

Parsing the "Invisible Infrastructure"

1. Students

Support

To register

To connect initially

To use interface (bulletin boards, messaging, chat, etc.)

Training/materials for student orientation

To upload, download, post, view, etc.

Interaction among students

Privacy vs. engagement

Personal statement, bio blurb, picture

Level of mutual engagement – everything, or course-specific?

Limitations/direction for assignments – flaming vs. shutting down

Nurturing collaboration and mutual discussion

Interaction with instructor

Expectations for speed of response

Expectations for complexity of response

On-line vs. e-mail vs. phone vs. ….

Library and other non-e resources

E-reserve

Assuring permissions

Course materials (texts, workbooks, etc.)

On-line or e-texts?

How provided to student?

How complex to assemble, send?

2. Instructors

Course preparation

Degree of support provided

Specificity of outcomes, objectives

Course renewal, redesign

Faculty "ownership" of course, materials, software, approach?

Time, support for student interaction

Faculty vs. TA

On-line engagement with students

Special tutoring on "how-to"?

"Workload" issues

How does an on-line course fit?

3. Institution

Status of the course (parallel to f2f offerings?)

Status of credits/course hours earned/transfer/acceptance/etc.

How integrated with other offerings in same dept./program?

Continuing support for on-line offerings?