Video-Based Distance Learning Dr. Marilyn A. Hirth October 16, 2000 – EDCI 591Z

Overview 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 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? 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? 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? Improve student retention and completion. Enhance support in a distance learning environment. Scheduling of courses more efficient.

Program Expansion 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? 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? Phone line connections, especially between more than two sites have become increasingly unreliable. Cost - you pay for long-distance charges.

Internet-Based System 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!! Everything that applies to good teaching in a traditional setting applies to video- based distance learning. There are a few tips however that will be useful to remember… Tips!!

Tips 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. It’s easier now than 5 years ago– put them on your website, them as attachments or use WebCT. Elicit student interaction whenever appropriate– don’t be a talking head!!

Back-up Plans 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. 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 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 3 rd week face-to- face 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 Be positive even when the equipment fails. Support students – be available via phone, , or in person to answer questions, concerns and problems.

Recommendations, cont. 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. 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 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 video- based environment?