eServices: Access and Learning Enhancement for Online Students

1. eServices: Access and Learning Enhancement for Online Students 10th Sloan-C International Conference on Asynchronous Learning Networks Orlando, FL November 13-14, 2004

3. Presenters From The University of Toledo: Karen I. Rhoda, Ph.D.DirectorDivision of Distance and eLearningDaniel Solarek, M.S.E.E.Chair and Professor Engineering Technology

4. Distance and eLearning at The University of Toledo Facts and Figures

5. A Centralized Operation • UT’s centralized Division of Distance Learning facilities and coordinates all DL & WA courses • DL began as a self-supporting unit is now base budgeted • After expenses, “profit” is split between the Division and the College/Department offering the course • University retains all subsidy

6. Faculty Participation • Faculty are encouraged to develop “web assisted” courses • Putting syllabus on web • Putting handouts on web • Transition to web-based courses is easier • Proceeds from departmental share go to support participating faculty

7. Faculty Participation • Faculty may teach distance learning courses in load or out of load • Compensation for out of load teaching is based on enrollment • Some departments view faculty efforts in distance learning as meritorious

8. Course Management System (CMS) • Courses developed using WebCT • Alternative approaches allowed • Access via WebCT “title” page • Comprehensive training and technical support • Faculty compensated for developing course materials

9. UT Distance Learning – Course Enrollment by Year *Enrollment as of 10/8/2004

10. UT Distance & eLearning – Course Enrollment by Year *Enrollment as of 10/8/2004

11. UT Distance Learning – Number of Courses by Year *Number of courses as of 10/8/2004

12. Distribution of Faculty and Instructors Teaching Distance Learning CoursesAcademic Year 2003-2004; n = 148 faculty

13. DL Grant Funding Collaborated with UT's Colleges and External Institutions: $3.05 million

14. Undergraduate & Graduate Programs Online Programs and Degrees • Associate degrees in Accounting Technology, Business Management Technology, Marketing & Sales Technology, and Technical Studies • B.A. in Adult Liberal Studies • CSET Program (Computer Science and Engineering Technology degree completion) • Masters in Liberal Studies • M.S. in Engineering • M. Ed., Curriculum & Instruction • B.S. in Health Information Management (degree completion program) • Certificate Programs

15. Collaboration • University, community college, state agency collaboration

16. Student Services in Distance and eLearning

17. Services from DL • Admission • Registration and schedule adjustment • Textbook and software purchasing • Use of university libraries • Online orientation

18. Services from DL • 1-800 number • email • Professional staff and students • Technical support evening & weekends • Connections, information, and problem resolution • Accessing DL courses • WebCT help

19. Services from DL • Three full-time student services professionals • Position funded by grant • Email and telephone support

20. Services from the University • Apply online • View course schedules • Register for classes • View grades • Degree audit • Apply for and check financial aid information • Check student account and pay online • Update contact information

21. Services from WebCT • Help using WebCT, beyond the help that students can get from the UT support network • FAQs • Discussion groups • Search answers to previously asked and answered questions

22. Services Coordinated with the UT Bookstore • Faculty identify textbook(s) needed • Students order books • Online or • By Phone • Can pick up or have shipped • Credit card payment • Rocket Card payment

23. Services Coordinated with UT Libraries • Search catalog of library collections • Search online databases • Search OhioLINK • Borrow a book • Check electronic reserve list by course/instructor • Ask a librarian

24. Services from OBOR • Course Applicability System (CAS) • www.transfer.org • Course equivalencies • Planning guides • Cross reference guide • Degree audit • Multi institutional • National in scope

25. Services from OBOR • Clicking on the states with active implementations leads to a display similar to the one shown at right. • Login as a guest or read about the system.

26. Services Under Development • Pilot project underway • Equipment clusters at four of our partner community colleges • Specialized software • Web cameras • Scanners • Similar equipment clusters at UT • Distance learning offices • Engineering Technology offices • Expansion to all ten partners after pilot period

27. Services Under Development • Online connections with faculty and other advising personnel • Database driven • Determine online office hours • Make an appointment • Conduct a voice, video, whiteboard session

28. Services Under Development • Aptitude / interest inventory • Career Advising • Learning styles • Online study skills • How to take an online course • Now available in video tape format • Porting to video streaming and Flash movies • e for Me • Class provided by OLN to help students determine if online learning is for them

29. Assisting Students and Faculty • Requires knowledgeable support staff to troubleshoot student and faculty problems • Contributing support staff must be able to communicate well to assist in resolving technical issues • At minimum, faculty expect well trained technical support to be available 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday • Students expect some level of extended coverage

30. Questions and Discussion Q? Your questions and comments are welcome. A!

31. The University of Toledo Contact Information Karen Rhoda Email: karen.rhoda@utoledo.edu Daniel Solarek Email: daniel.solarek@utoledo.edu