Transcript Video-Based Distance Learning

Video-Based Distance Learning
Dr. Marilyn A. Hirth
October 16, 2000 – EDCI 591Z
Overview
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Cohort Doctoral Program in Educational
Administration
Use of video-based instruction to deliver
the courses.
Tips for effective use of video in distance
learning
Cohort Doctoral Program in
Educational Administration
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Ameritech Grant funded purchase of
interactive video equipment.
A collaborative partnership with our
Purdue Calumet campus established
offering doctoral cohort classes on their
campus to students enrolled in the program.
Our first cohort “The Pioneers” started Fall
1995.
Why expand our Ph.D. program?
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Ph.D.s are not offered
at the Purdue Calumet
campus.
A large pool of
potential students
with more diversity
than in areas
surrounding WL.
Why use interactive video?
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Interactive video enabled us to offer face-to-face
classes without professors traveling to Hammond
or students driving here.
Funding was provided to purchase the equipment
and support program development.
Students in NW Indiana were anxious to have the
opportunity to earn a Ph.D. in educational
administration from Purdue.
Why a cohort program?
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Improve student
retention and
completion.
Enhance support in a
distance learning
environment.
Scheduling of courses
more efficient.
Program Expansion
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In 1997 we added a site in Indianapolis (Pike
Twp.), making the video delivery multi-point –
Indy, WL, & Calumet sites
In 1999 we added another site in Indianapolis at
an IPS school, also a multi-point delivery.
Instead of offering only core EDFA courses and
technology courses with the addition of
Indianapolis to the mix we now offer all of the
courses required for the degree via interactive
video.
Where are we now?
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We have five cohorts with a total of 27
students enrolled. The first 3 cohorts have
completed coursework and are at various
stages of prelim and proposal writing.
We are in the process of moving from using
ISDN lines to connect sites to a new
internet based interactive video system.
Why change systems?
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Phone line
connections,
especially between
more than two sites
have become
increasingly
unreliable.
Cost - you pay for
long-distance charges.
Internet-Based System
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Polycom – connects sites via the Internet.
No phone lines or long distance charges –
it’s free (at least for the moment).
One semester of use will likely pay for the
equipment since we won’t have line
charges to pay.
More reliable and connections more robust
(we hope!!).
Marilyn’s Teaching Tips!!
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Everything that
applies to good
teaching in a
traditional setting
applies to videobased distance
learning.
There are a few tips
however that will be
useful to remember…
Tips!!
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Tips
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You must prepare ahead of time – at least a week.
Visual material facilitates presentation of material
and discussion. (I like PowerPoint)
Provide students with handouts, PowerPoint
presentations, etc. to view ahead of time.
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It’s easier now than 5 years ago– put them on your
website, e-mail them as attachments or use WebCT.
Elicit student interaction whenever appropriate–
don’t be a talking head!!
Back-up Plans
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Be prepared if the video fails!!
Have activities prepared that students can
engage in as a group at each site if the class
gets disconnected.
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I used case studies to supplement the course
and utilized them when we had connection
problems.
What other types of activities might be
appropriate?
WebCT
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We are also experimenting, this semester using
WebCT instead of meeting face-to-face every
week.
So far it’s working out fantastic!!
We meet approximately every 3rd week face-toface and conduct discussion of the course
readings on-line.
It’s an excellent supplement when equipment fails
to take the discussion on-line instead.
Recommendations
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Be positive even
when the equipment
fails.
Support students – be
available via phone,
e-mail, or in person to
answer questions,
concerns and
problems.
Recommendations, cont.
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If possible, visit each
site in-person at least
once during the
semester.
Encourage students to
ask questions and
interact during class.
Have a back-up plan.
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Utilize other modes
of distance learning
such as WebCT to
supplement or
supplant in-class
discussions.
Always look your
best – you’re on TV!!
Summary/Conclusion
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What is the Cohort Doctoral Program in
Educational Administration?
How and why is video-based instruction
used to deliver the courses?
What are some of Marilyn’s tips and
recommendations for teaching in a videobased environment?