Sustaining Distance Learning

1. Sustaining Distance Learning Panel Discussion May 27, 2011 John F. Beyers, Ph.D. Academic Director, UMUC USDLA, MD Chapter

2. Welcome & Introductions • National Council of Teachers of Mathematics • Johns Hopkins University, Associate Director, Distance Education • University of Maryland University College, Academic Director • Maryland Distance Learning Association, Past-President • US Distance Learning Association, MD-Chapter Representative

3. Overview of Online Education • "Today, I don't think any college or university has an option not to have a virtual presence. So the question is , what form does that take, and who drives that in terms of its full integration into a face-to-face campus ...“ • “Two benefits of online learning -- cost reduction and the ability to use educational technology to create and measure more standardized learning outcomes.” Western Governors University (May 2011) http://www.edpath.com/images/EightQuestions.pdf

4. Grants and Sustainability (Brief Overview, Selected) • AT&T Foundation: $500,000 • Toyota Foundation: $250,000 • Gates Foundation: $750,000 (University Program)

5. University Program Sustainability • University Program Sustainability is the ability of a program to continue engaging students to meet the needs of the students, through potentially changing circumstances and sources of support.

6. Components for University Program Sustainability SYNERGY among: • University Mission / Goals • Program Level Outcomes • Course Level Outcomes • Outcomes-based Assessment (Evaluation of Programs, Courses, Faculty, and Students) • Sufficient “Business Model”

7. Quality of Programs • External Accrediting Entities (University / Program Level): Outcomes-based assessment • Quality Matters (Course Level) • Faculty Input/Feedback • Student Input/Feedback

8. Mission and Purpose of USDLA State Chapters • Mission: State Chapters To support the development and application of distance learning, education and training (DLE&T) by uniting state-wide learners. • Purpose: State Chapters Create powerful alliances to meet the burgeoning education and training needs of state-wide learning communities. Learning, education and training communities include: • Corporate Training - Pre K-12 - Higher Education • Home Schooling - Continuing Education • Military & Government Education & Training

9. Goals of USDLA State Chapters • To provide state-wide leadership in the field of distance learning, education & training. • To advocate and promote the use of distance learning, education & training within the state. • To provide current information on distance learning, education & training within the state. • To represent the distance learning, education & training community before state-wide government policy and regulatory bodies.

10. State Chapter Benefits • Washington Policy Emphasis and Congressional Relations • Global Focus • Gateway to USDLA and Distance Learning • National Recognition • Practitioners’ Publication • Powerful network of Leaders in Business and Industry • Chapter Support • Legal Representation

11. Organizations… a Start… US Distance Learning Association (USDLA): www.usdla.org Maryland Distance Learning Association (MDLA): http://www.marylanddla.org/ University Professional & Continuing Education Association (UPCEA): http://upcea.edu/

12. Welcome Discussion Feel free to contact me if you would like to continue a discussion… jbeyers@umuc.edu