an independent supplement by m ediaplanet to us a today...
TRANSCRIPT
An Independent supplement by medIAplAnet to usA todAy
Month 2012
margin to mainstreamWhile Magic Johnson’s basketball career is what
launched him into sports super-stardom, he has never forgotten the importance of education.
DISTANCE LEARNINGNo.6 /June 2012
DISTANCE LEARNING
GuIDEto onlineeducation
the coMplete
Armed support Flexibility for military students
A global perspective distance learning goes international
Tech advancements Improve learning experiences
COVER PHOTO: EDISONLEARNING/MAGIC JOHNSON ENTERPRISES
2 · June 2012 An independent supplement by mediAplAnet to usA todAy
CHALLENGESToday’s students not only expect more, but are also choosing to further their education via online learning.
Redefining the classroom
Enrollment num-bers are booming across all sectors of online learning, from K-12 classes through commu-nity colleges to all
types of four-year institutions, public, private, for-profit, all the way up to the most elite institu-tions. High quality educational experiences are being provided to students across the country via online learning and the United States Distance Learning Asso-ciation (USDLA) is a growing and powerful voice supporting all of these organizations.
an endless exposureFounded in 1987, the USDLA serves a broad set of constituencies in the distance learning world including pK-12, higher education, continuing education, corporate training, military and govern-ment training, home schooling and telemedicine. This breadth of exposure and experience allows the USDLA to speak with author-
ity on policy and practice in the online learning arena.
We are very proud to support the production of this report. The title, “From the Margin to the Mainstream,” truly captures the path which online learn-ing has traveled over the past 20 years. When online delivery was in its infancy, most institutions looked at it as an experiment. Cur-rently, with over six million stu-dents taking at least one online course and with online learning experiencing a growth rate ten times that of higher education in general, we are definitely in the mainstream. (source: Going the Distance: Online Education in the United States 2011, Sloan-C).
Now that online providers are firmly in the mainstream, our association is laser-focused on quality. Too often, online learning is tarnished by the “bad actors.” Unaccredited degree-mills who happen to use online delivery promote confusion between the delivery mode and the quality of the provider. Fully accredited
institutions of the highest quality are now utilizing online courses to increase student access, reach out to non-traditional learners, connect military students to educational resources, provide options to primary and secondary school students, and enable life-long learners to continue experi-encing the joy of education.
powered learningWhether you are a provider of
Rob Robinson, ph.d.usdlA president
online learning:An Affordable option
WE RECOMMEND
pAge 07
DISTANCE LEARNING, SIxTH EDITION, JuNE 2012
publisher: Jourdan [email protected]: Alana Giordano and Beth GothamManaging director: Luciana [email protected] Manager: Sara [email protected]: Mary Bold, Ph.D.,Helenjene Curtis, William Dorman, Max Friend, Jenny JoplingDr. Robert Mendenhall, Michael SerpeWayne D. Smutz, Binh Tran, Becky urlaub, Alina Zater,Dr. Caroline Westerhof
distributed within: uSA Today, June 2012This section was created by Mediaplanet and did not involve uSA Today or its Editorial Departments.
mediaplanet’s business is to create new customers for our advertisers by providing readers with high-quality editorial content that motivates them to act.
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Rob Robinson, Ph.D.usdlA presIdent,
solutIons dIrector oFblAckboArd consultIng
“Currently with over six million students taking at least one online course, and with online learning experiencing a growth rate ten times that of higher education in general, we are definitely in the mainstream.”
online learning, an active online student or just curious about online learning, this report will help you understand the power and quality of online learning. This is a very exciting time to be involved in online learning, and the USDLA is proud to be support-ing this report.
4 · June 2012 An independent supplement by mediAplAnet to usA todAy
INSPIRATIONMilitary service members who study online deal with unique circumstances while pursuing their education during active duty.
Mission accomplished, onlineLieutenant Rob Woodall, US Marine Corps air traffic control officer took his first online course while deployed in Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Army Specialist Charles C. James began the ambitious pursuit of three online graduate certificates while deployed in Iraq.
Q: What made you decide to pursue graduate studies while in the military?Woodall: I knew there would be some downtime while deployed and had already completed my bachelor’s degree. I figured since I’m a Marine, studying homeland security (HLS) would be helpful in teaching my own Marines.James: I joined the military for education benefits and as soon as I was back from basic, I completed my bachelor’s with the goal of applying to law school. Deploy-ment came, so I knew I had to delay law school. I figured I might as well get more education while there to help flesh out law school applications.
Q: What did you like best about learning online?
Woodall: Being able to self-pace was a huge benefit. Online dis-cussions were much better than expected. There were lots of dif-ferent experience levels from students who were professionals in government and the private sector.James: The freedom of setting up my own schedule with my own pace for reading. I liked the flexibility of interacting with the class when it fit my schedule. In all honesty, I want to say that the online staff members were fantas-tic. Anything I needed, they were there to help me with.
Q: What was the most diffi-cult thing you had to over-come while taking online courses?Woodall: Balancing missions with assignments. Time man-agement really works if you have planned events (big paper due on a certain day); but with missions, you don’t always have that. James: Doing extensive research. When all you have is the Internet, you can’t go get a book from the library. You can’t meet with people to compare notes. A
lot of sites were inaccessible due to high security. While working on homeland security assign-ments, the Department of Defense doesn’t necessarily want soldiers to research terrorism sites.
Q: What was a typical day like for you?Woodall: Always carrying books or printouts and reading through-out the day whenever there was any free time. Evenings were for writing assignments. Some days were really long with having to balance studying with work. It’s all about time management. If five minutes were free, I would start reading and highlighting. You make it work.James: Coffee and reading for an hour, then prepare for work. I would knock out maintenance scheduled for the day; and then, when I had downtime, I had my Kindle with me; so I could do some reading. I was off duty between 3 – 4:00 a.m. and would spend a little downtime with the guys, then work on papers and discussion posts. My goal was always to be done by about 6:30 or 7:00 a.m. and get on Skype with my wife before
Jenny JoPlingdIrector, extended educAtIon,
texAs A&m unIversIty, bush school oF government
And publIc servIce, presIdent-elect, [email protected]
she went to bed. Then I would go to bed.
Q: Were there any lessons learned that you would pass on to other online mili-tary students?Woodall: Yes, I say before you enroll in a course, know as much as you can about training, deploy-ment, anything that would take you to the desert for week/s. A week is the most you can miss. Three weeks is too much of a struggle, so know as much as you can about the next ten weeks. James: Time management. Be open with your command by let-ting them know what you are doing and how much time you need. Always engage them with what you’re doing.
Q: how do you plan to use your certificate?Woodall: I am already using the certificate. I taught a couple of courses to my marines just to teach some of the things I had learned. Right now I’m look-ing for jobs since I’m exiting the military in August. I’m exploring other segments of government
and the private sector in security and emergency management. My educational goal is to get a master’s in homeland security or international affairs. Online would be the best way to go if I’m going to be working full time. As an undergrad, I wanted a resident program; but with a job, blended and online works. No problem online if taught the way the Bush School does it. I’m very impressed.James: To assist with applica-tion to law school. It’s made me ramp-up for international rela-tions and public policy plus added credibility by learning from a rep-utable school. (Specialist James was recently accepted to New England Law — Boston.)
NEwS
Big data and web tools introduce more personalized education
Out with the old stunted struc-ture of education and in with the new online system of adapting and growing with each and every student.
As groundbreaking advance-ments in distance learning have begun to proliferate over the past decade, including initiatives such as the free tutorial database Khan Academy and adaptive learning platform Knewton, new tech-nologies are opening the door to a more tailored and productive educational experience that rival the intimacy of the traditional classroom. No longer is proximity between a student and teacher the determining factor for success.
a personal touchAccording to Ray Schroeder, Asso-ciate Vice Chancellor for Online Learning and Founding Director of the Center for Online Learning, Research, and Service at the Uni-versity of Illinois Springfield, with adaptive learning “the computer assesses the student responses and, when mastery of the topic is detected, it moves on. This kind of individualized assessment and modified curriculum deployment assures that each student is able to move forward at his/her own
pace.” Schroeder also emphasizes the power of immersive educa-tional games to engage youth and predictive data analytics to identify “which students are more likely to be at risk so that we can apply resources such as tutors, individual advisors and workshops to help those students to succeed where they may have failed in the past.”
Flexibility in the classroomNot only is this customized approach reactive, but also inter-active. David Wicks, Assistant Professor Director of Instruc-tional Technology Seattle Pacific University, incorporates blended learning into his teaching meth-odology to supplement his pre-recorded lessons with a range of online tools to communicate with his students face-to-face, including Google+ Hangouts and Vialogues. “This quarter my goal is to give students more flexibility. The technologies I am using are freely available to anyone who has access to current computer tech-nology and a broadband internet connection. It can be accessed using mobile technology. This means that not only am I using this technology with my students, but they can use it with their classmates.”
Online learning: Closing the distance
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STEM fields online: Remote access to the future
As demand for education in the STEM fields heats up, online learning platforms’ access to real-world resources finally arrives.
Science facilities open their doors to SteM students onlineWhile the private and public sec-tor weigh the most viable options to innovate and restore the Ameri-can economy, no potential path holds more promise to the next generation of America’s workforce than the STEM fields of study: Sci-ence, Technology, Engineering and Math. Up until recently how-ever, education in these realms has been limited to students with access to the facilities that house the cutting-edge equipment nec-essary for experimentation. But with advancements in online learning tools and their integra-tion with real-world resources, these barriers are beginning to fall.
According to Frank Mayadas, Senior Advisor to the Alfred P
Sloan Foundation and Found-ing President of the Sloan Con-sortium (Sloan-C), “advanced chemistry instrumentation for instance costs many millions of dollars, and cannot be afforded by many schools and colleges. It is now being demonstrated by several institutions that access to high-priced laboratory equipment located remotely, can now be pro-vided over the internet. Schools such as Northwestern, W. Wash-ington University, Thompson Rivers University (in Canada) and MIT have shown this. These are not simulations of laboratories, but access to real instrumenta-tion, greatly leveling the playing field for all.”
opening the doorNow that the potential to intro-duce a much larger scope of the
next generation to the STEM fields has been unlocked, the focus shifts to taking advantage of this opportunity. In addition to emphasizing the importance of training teachers to inspire, retain, and guide students’ explo-ration of the STEM fields through online education opportunities, Dr. John R. Bourne, Provost of American Sentinel University, wants to make sure that the potentially game-changing appli-cations of online learning are not overlooked: “Online education can uplift the ability of faculty in any school to provide discussions with experts, virtual field trips to review the impact of STEM out-comes, and provide many experi-ences that could not be obtained otherwise.”
Distance learning in a global environmentDistance learning in the U.S. has grown dramatically over the years. While the United States has embraced distance learning as a viable form of higher educa-tion, the influence of distance learning in a global context is not as well defined.
INSIGHT
http://viterbi.usc.edu/DEN
q Celebrating 40 years of distance education, with Viterbi students earning their master’s degrees in over 40 states and 15 countries
q Offering 40+ graduate programs completely online, including degrees in: Nuclear Power, Financial Engineering, Health Systems Management, Sustainable Infrastructure Systems, and Astronautical Engineering
q Providing engineering professionals with the flexibility and interactivity to connect with faculty and students on USC’s campus, as well as with fellow DEN@Viterbi students throughout the world
DEN@Viterbi — Your Education Engineered
USA Today June 15-17. USC Viterbi Candace House 213-821-4172. Warren Group 310-204-4012.indd 1 5/30/12 6:52 PM
Binh tranexecutive director for the distance education network at the usc viterbi school of engineering
new paradigms of learning Distance learning has expanded towards global audiences and enables new paradigms of learn-ing and collaboration. The flexibil-ity of distance learning appeals to students who travel extensively, as well as those based outside the United States.
uniting global leadersGlobal partnerships have also been developed and sustained through distance learning. A corporate partnership with Kuwait Oil Company (KOC) allowed qualified graduate students from KOC to earn their degrees while continu-ing to work in Kuwait. Whether it is flexibility for the global student, industry or university—distance learning can provide high quality education and adaptable solu-tions.
binh TRAn
[email protected] MAx fRienD
NEWS IN BRIEF
June 2012 · 7An independent supplement by mediAplAnet to usA todAy
The zen of online teaching
Relationship development: Motivation and emotional labor
The dynamics of relationship development is what makes online teaching, “guanxi” the Chinese word for relationship — build personal connections. Jiao pengyou (making friends) links with janli ganquing; that is developing connections of feeling between people.
“Karuna,” in Sanskrit is com-passion. “Once we experience and feel this inter-dependence of all living beings, we will cease to hurt, humiliate …” Compassion gives rise to the responsibility to create happiness and its causes for all.” (Suresh Jindal; Inter-dependence All Living Beings; The Times of India (New Delhi); November 13, 2003) This is online teaching in its fulfillment.
The on-campus settings, for the most part, do not encourage such relationships. Students are run-
ning into class; homework not done – it appears many are filled with complaints…they run to the dean, and complain about the pro-fessor; many are continuously on cell phones, and become resentful when asked to shut them. How can the teacher teach in such a mentally rumpled setting? Faculty have the ability to ener-gize and motivate students. Online teaching need not be a more disciplined environment than on-site campus teaching. In “heart over mind,” faculty rec-ognize the awareness of viabil-ity and flexibility. Such learn-ing offers challenge in building appropriate attitudes, and linking them through carefully developed processes. Because there is no camera, just voice in this online interaction, the linkage is very dif-ferent than on-campus settings.
It is well known that decision making in higher education has opposing forces of autonomy and centralization. Individual success may be enhanced by balancing them through effective use of par-ticipation and nurturing. Distance learning provides opportunity for social interaction. Computer mediated communica-tion (CMC) between learner and teacher provide the opportunity to “think” aloud without fear or anxiety. Students seem to be well aware of the fact that distance learning classes demand an inner discipline to accomplish one’s goals.
INSIGHT
Quality higher education can be affordableAmericans now owe more in stu-dent loans than they do on their credit cards. In 2009-2010, stu-dents borrowed nearly $110 bil-lion to pay for college. To encour-age college attendance, we’ve made student loans easier to get,
but loaning more money isn’t the answer. We need to reduce the cost of college.
the key to cutting costsThe key to reducing college costs lies in using technology to facili-tate learning, ensuring that what we’re teaching is relevant by work-ing more closely with employers, and focusing on measuring actual learning rather than time spent in class.
the power of a degreeEven in times of recession, unem-ployment is much lower among college graduates—getting a degree is still worth it. There are affordable, high quality options—let’s encourage students to find one that meets their needs before burdening themselves with debt that can take a lifetime to repay.
DR. RobeRT W. MenDenhAll
dr. Robert W. Mendenhallpresident, Western governors university
NEWS IN BRIEF
DR. cARoline WesTeRhof
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PANEL Of ExPERTS
Question 1:What is one of the greatest benefits you’ve experienced by utilizing distance learning courses?
Question 2:What is one recommendation you would give to a potential student looking into distance learning programs?
alina Zater American Public university, STuDENT
helenjene curtis American Public university, STuDENT
Becky urlaub Bellevue university, STuDENT
the greatest benefit of distance learning education can simply be summarized in two words, flexibility and convenience! The non-conventional learning capability allowed me to pursue my “dream” degree while at the same time continue homeschooling my daughter as well as participate in several NASA internship opportunities.
online education is the ingenious method which permits students to com-bine working on attaining a degree while at the same time maintaining their everyday demands of life such as being a stay at home parent or developing a successful career. It is truly the best of both worlds.
Flexibility. I am able to drive my children to and from school, I am able to be at home when they are sick, and I am able to wake up with them and read to them before bed with-out having to worry about making time for a classroom. Additionally, I am able to do all coursework at my own convenience.
online classes enabled me to “attend” class when it was convenient for me. This allowed me to dedicate the time and attention my program demanded of me, but didn’t force me to put the rest of my life on hold. It’s the only way I can imagine earning my degree at this stage in my life.
Research the reputation of the uni-versity offering the program, as well as read reviews about professors, finance centers, registrar offices, and technical support staff associated with the university. The prospec-tive student needs to make sure they are going to feel comfortable with each and every service and/or aspect offered.
earning a degree can be an overwhelm-ing thought, especially if you’re already working full-time. Online learning offers an extremely flexible format for learning and getting homework done. I found that the faculty and staff at Bellevue University were really dedicated to my success.
June 2012 · 9An independent supplement by mediAplAnet to usA todAy
PANEL Of ExPERTS
online learning allows the learner to customize their schedules and experi-ences. Trends show learning programs are increasingly adapting to the learner’s schedule. Online learning provides ulti-mate flexibility, thus allowing education to reach the hands of more of our nation’s population.
online programs provide the convenience and flexibility that those who are working need. But, access is not enough. Increasing the nation’s education level requires ensur-ing that students complete their degrees. Finally, we need to find ways to use technol-ogy to reduce the cost of higher education and deliver personalized learning.
Question 1:How can we leverage online learning programs to increase the nation’s education level?
Question 2:What is the greatest stigma around online degrees, and how can we combat it?
Wayne d. Smutz, ph.d.Executive Director, Penn State university World Campus
Mary Bold, ph.d.Academic Dean,American College of Education
William dormanChief Executive Officer,kRYTERION
adult learners are eager to move forward in education but barriers persist – especially cost, restraints on time, and family responsi-bilities. We have seen in the past decade that online education can tear down those barriers because of its interactive nature, flexibility, lack of reliance on bricks-and-mortar infra-structure and ability to leverage advanced and efficient technology systems.
as more research is conducted, it will be widely accepted that online learning is an equally effective delivery method to tradi-tional classrooms. A quality online degree is dependent on quality content, effective delivery and secure assessment methods. It is our job as education technology com-panies to provide our clients with simple, quality products.
the issue of “quality.” Faculty who teach online need to talk more about its potential. Employers who hire graduates of online pro-grams need to talk about their experiences with such graduates. And, the more that tra-ditional colleges start putting courses online, the more online learning will not be branded low quality.
the scrutiny around quality in online edu-cation probably reflects the assumption that face-to-face learning is superior; however, recent studies indicate that online educa-tion is on par with or even superior to face-to-face education. Online institutions must deliver sound, student-centric curricula from extraordinary faculty to eager, active learners.
10 · June 2012 An independent supplement by mediAplAnet to usA todAy
INSIGHT
A ‘Magic’ partnershipprogressing performance Stressing that education is “an essential component of any effort to grow, improve, and redevelop the social and economic fabric of urban communities,” Earvin “Magic” Johnson announced last September that Magic Johnson Enterprises and EdisonLearning, a leading international educa-tional services provider, would work together to advance effec-tive and sustainable programs to educate America’s urban students and help turnaround underper-forming public schools.
a family affairWhile his skill on a basketball court propelled him into the stratosphere of sports super-stardom, Earvin never forgot the importance of education. “My parents were on top of us every day,” he recently said. Today, five of his six sisters are public
school teachers and the sixth is an elementary school princi-pal back in their home state of Michigan. “I am looking at all these educators in my family after my mom and my dad fin-ished seventh or eighth grade.”
Partnering with EdisonLearn-ing was a natural extension of his family’s focus on education and his passion to help urban communities.
“We’re linking Earvin’s pas-sion and leadership for improv-ing the quality of life in urban communities – with the exper-tise we have developed over the past 20 years helping to improve schools,” said Jeff Wahl, Presi-dent and CEO of EdisonLearn-ing. “Our focus is to provide effective educational options for students to help prepare them for the workforce and to become contributing members of their communities.”
Worldwide partnershipsAs one of the first educational management organizations in the United States, Edison-Learning has evolved from solely working with charter schools. It is now an interna-tional provider of educational solutions, including school turnaround services, dropout prevention and recovery cen-ters, charter school manage-ment, online high schools, and other online learning solu-tions. Currently, EdisonLearn-ing has more than 300 school partnerships with 500,000 stu-dents in 24 states, the United Kingdom, and the Middle East.
Recently in Atlanta, the alli-ance announced that Magic Johnson Bridgescape Learn-ing Centers will be part of Pro-vost Academy Georgia (PAGA), a new statewide online high school.
school directory
The University of Illinois Springfield (UIS) is one of three campuses of the world class Uni-versity of Illinois. Located in the state
capital, UIS is known for prepar-ing future leaders in business and government. To learn more visit www.uis.edu. MichAel seRPe
An inside look at a collaborative effort by Magic Johnson Enterprises and EdisonLearning, to help improve education in urban communities.
innovative solutionsThe Magic Johnson Bridgescape Learning Centers at Provost Academy Georgia will provide supplementary onsite support from highly qualified teachers and paraprofessionals to eligible PAGA students. The innovative educational solution offers one of the most unique blended learning programs in the country – digital learning, combined with indi-vidual, face-to-face instruction, computers, internet access, and personalized lesson plans.
“When nearly 1.2 million stu-dents drop out each year – aver-aging 7,000 every school day or one every 26 seconds – we need to ensure that no student falls through the cracks,” Johnson says.
Distance Learning at the Univer-sity of Florida offers over 50 fully-online graduate and executive education programs. Program areas include but not limited to Business, Construction, Education, Engineering, Environmental Sci-ence, Fine Arts, Forensic Science, Health Care, Pharmacy and Web Design. For more information visit distance.ufl.edu.
Oregon State University Ecampus provides learners with access to a high-quality OSU education no matter where they live. We offer 30 undergraduate and graduate degree programs and are consis-tently ranked among the nation’s 25 best providers of online edu-cation. Learn more about OSU degrees online by visiting ecam-pus.oregonstate.edu.
