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Synchronicity in Distance Learning Catherine Flynn Assistant Dean of Faculty College of Business Kaplan University. The 12th Sloan-C International Conference on Asynchronous Learning Networks November 2006. Online in Real Time?. Asynchronous distance learning is Flexible Convenient
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Synchronicity in Distance LearningCatherine FlynnAssistant Dean of FacultyCollege of BusinessKaplan University The 12th Sloan-C International Conference on Asynchronous Learning Networks November 2006
Online in Real Time? • Asynchronous distance learning is • Flexible • Convenient • Cost-effective • Distance learning with formalized synchronous elements is • Less flexible • Less convenient • More labor intensive for the institution
Synchronicity Model - Presentation Agenda • Definition of the Problem • Hypothesis • Research Questions • Research Methodology & Results • Research Limitations • Future Research Opportunities • Conclusions
Synchronicity Model • Definition of the Problem Development of a synchronous distance learning model that meets student learning outcomes cost effectively.
Synchronicity Model HYPOTHESIS: Synchronous learning components enhance student comprehension in online courses and can be cost-effectively blended into distance learning delivery models.
Synchronicity Model Research Questions • How do synchronous components affect student learning outcomes? • Does a cost-benefit analysis support the use of synchronous components?
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY The Synchronicity Model Interviews Observations The SynchronicityModel Surveys Mini-CaseStudy
Synchronicity Model • RQ1 – How do synchronous components affect student learning outcomes? • Comparative Pilot Study • Institutional Survey of Students • Faculty Survey
Synchronicity Model • RQ2 – Does a cost-benefit analysis support the use of formal synchronous components? • Time and budget investment • Alternatives to formal synchronous components
Synchronicity Model • Design & Methodology • Participants • Students enrolled in CM310 Async & Sync • CM 310 course instructor • Academic and Support Personnel • Budget Managers
Synchronicity Model • Design & Methodology • Procedures • Analysis of CM310 content and activity • Anonymous surveys • Telephone interview
Synchronicity Model Results • Pilot Study: • Grade distributions + student completion • Student satisfaction levels • Instructor observations • Role of synchronous seminar • Shortcomings of asynchronous course
Synchronicity Model Grade Distributions – CM 310 Pilot
Synchronicity Model • Satisfaction Levels: Students & Faculty • STUDENTS: • Asynchronous class workload • Increase in Discussion Board • Addition of team projects • FACULTY: • Motivation levels • Connectivity
Synchronicity Model • Role of the Synchronous Seminar • Transcript analysis • Results • Implications
Synchronicity Model • Academic Support Personnel • TIME Investment – 25% • Qualitative evaluation
Synchronicity Model • Research Limitations • One institution • One pilot course • One term
Synchronicity Model • Future Research Opportunities • Expand the comparison of asynchronous v. synchronous courses • Test the Model of Synchronicity within Kaplan University with faculty autonomy • Conduct cost-benefit analysis of telephone call options
Synchronicity Model • Conclusions • Synchronicity improves the online learning experience by providing • Connectivity • Social interaction • Support
Synchronicity Model • Conclusions • Synchronous components can be cost-effectively incorporated into distance learning programs using • Instant Messenger technologies • Telephone connection • Chat functions
Synchronicity Model • Recommendations for Synchronous Components • Eliminate formalized synchronous seminars • Replace with instructor-driven synchronous components that meet individual needs • Redirect efforts toward training faculty
Model of Synchronicity Questions, Comments? Thank you for your time!