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This report by the Senate Working Group on Online Education provides an evaluation of the costs and benefits of developing a strong online instructional presence at Rice University. It includes recommendations on implementation and addresses policy issues related to online communication.
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Senate Working Group on Online Education Interim Report to Faculty Senate November 14, 2012
Working Group Members • David Alexander (Chair) • Margaret Beier • John Greiner • Don Johnson • Kirsten Ostherr • Fred Oswald • Matt Taylor (Implementation WG liaison) Working Group Charge To evaluate the costs and benefits related to developing a strong online instructional presence at Rice, to issue recommendations on its implementation, and to address general policy issues related to online communication.
Key Points • No policy recommendations are being made at this time • Focused on development of guiding principles • Identification of key issues common to online pedagogy • Objective consideration of current approaches • Drinking from the firehose SWG is working on processing vast quantities of info in a rapidly changing environment. Ideally we would do so at a slower pace, but we also need to be responsive to the fact that if we wait, there are some advantages to be lost.
Guiding Principles • Quality of online components is paramount • Enhance students' on-campus experience • Maintain key elements of Rice uniqueness • Protect and enhance Rice brand • Provide broader access to high-quality education
Major Common Issues • Certification • Transfer credit • Accreditation • Investment in resources for development, implementation, oversight and improvement • Flexibility to respond to rapidly changing environment
Rice Online Rice should develop a multifaceted high-quality online presence that meets the needs of the students on campus and that, where appropriate, can be scaled for use by a broader population off-campus. This can be realized by the combination of an investment in and enhancement of existing resources and selective partnership with outside entities. Potential Partners • Coursera • 2U: Professional Masters & Semester Online • edX • Others
$100 M in Venture Capital Prof. Masters degree program Semester Online Sync. & Async content Innovative interface Small class sizes Multiple sections Exclusive partnership for specific program Growth in # of sections 10 consortium members 33
WG plans for Spring semester • Identify required resources • Define 'Rice quality' wrt online presence • Develop guiding principles and values • Consider creation of a Faculty Advisory Committee • Make recommendations on resources by February • Make general recommendations by end of semester