Attachment B-1

Faculty Senate Agenda

November 19, 2009

 

Revision of Distance Education Policy: Background and Summary

 

Overview: The existing policy governing electronically supported courses and programs is entitled ÒDistance EducationÓ and was revised in April 2001. The rapid and dramatic changes in the integration of technology with instruction necessitate revisiting and revising this policy.

 

Summary of Proposed Substantive Changes to the existing policy:

 

1.      Definitional changes include:

 

a.       Renaming the policy from ÒDistance EducationÓ to ÒeLearningÓ(most of the students in electronically supported courses are part of the on-campus student community).

b.      Including definitions for courses that combine electronic and face-to-face modes of instruction (i.e. hybrid courses).

 

2.      Procedural changes include:

 

a.       Establishing Departmental/Divisional jurisdiction for changes in course modality (this conforms to current observed practice and is consistent with current research findings.)

b.      Including mandated evaluation processes for eLearning offerings

c.       Developing a campus reporting system for new and existing hybrid as well as on-line courses.

d.      Mandating review of the policy after a three-year period.

 

 

Rationale: As normal campus curricular practice, Departments/Divisions oversee course modality, while faculty are ultimately held responsible for their teaching methods. Current policy mandates that an existing course that changes instructional modality must be re-approved as a ÒnewÓ course. This requirement has no support in current research and, while often disregarded by faculty, actually undercuts meaningful Departmental review of course modality changes.