In the Trenches at Colorado State University Innovation 2008 Breckenridge, Colorado April 14-15, 2008

Presentation Overview Who we are How we got here What we hope to accomplish

Introductions Project Directors: Ann Bruce-oversight of instruction Gena Sandberg-oversight of course develop. Advising: Anne Van Arsdall Technical Support: Tamara Medland Instructing: Jennifer Aberle

On-line Bachelor’s Degree in Human Development and Family Studies Funding source: U.S. Dept of Health and Human Services, Administration on Families and Children Two Main Goals: 1. Meet federal goal of higher education standards for Head Start educators 2. Increase positive outcomes and school readiness for the Hispanic/Latino population in Colorado.

Accomplishments 12 Instructors 3 PhD level 9 Master’s level (several seeking PhD) 15 courses 159 Students (78% currently have a job; 64.8% are from CO) Distant degree seeking Resident degree Other Statewide bilingual traveling advisor/recruiter Culture of online programming that prioritizes access to higher education by students with a variety of life circumstances – Ratings on all outcomes assessment measures are between the two highest numbers possible (Agree & Strongly Agree, or Good & Excellent) – this philosophy guides all daily decisions and practices

Challenges overcome Resistance to online format of university coursework – at multiple levels (college, departmental, individual) – Buy-in by a tenured, respected member of the academic department was key to future success Systems integration within our institution Success of online programming requires the willingness to think outside of the RI box! Program directors and faculty began with a vision, but no experience with online education

Unforeseen Benefits of the Online Program Provides additional options for RI students Additional income for the department – For course development, enhancements – Instructor professional development – Student support Technical skills of adjunct instructors strengthened Spillover of technical capabilities into RI courses

Unforeseen Benefits, continued Growth as a program Growth as individual professionals Student feedback reflects a positive experience, even when students have had low expectations or poor past experiences with online coursework

Ongoing priorities Communication with community colleges Cooperative relationships with key figures in the early childhood community Keeping up with professional development requirements/needs of the field Ease of course transfer Financial assistance for students

Bridging Online with Resident Instruction (RI) through Advising Easing the transfer process Providing options most appropriate for particular student needs Efficient student course planning (preventing unnecessary coursework, ensuring fit with career objectives) Planning student field placement opportunities

Technical preparation for student success Consistent course development throughout all courses in program Students require multiple supports for use of technology – Tutorials (Camtasia), Step-by-step instruction files, Instructor familiarity, Program tech support chain of contact Utilize appropriate tools for efficient instructor-to-student interaction

Lessons learned from evaluation data Students really do get to know their online instructors on a personal level, and they appreciate it! Some RI students reflect that they got to know their online instructor better than their RI instructors.

Comments from students “I was very impressed with (instructor’s name)! She was a great teacher! I have taken other online courses and this one out of them all was the best because of the professor”. “(Another instructor) is a great professor, very understanding” “Learning about different races and family issues helped me to work with my clients better and understand where they are coming from”. “I am more acceptable and more understanding of the children and their families”. “I really liked how the text book incorporated... development from around the world and took into account the differences and similarities among our American culture and the others around the world”. “This was the first online course that I have taken and I was very apprehensive as I am a person who learns from going to class. Though that was the case I enjoyed the class very much and would recommend it again to other people ” “Everything was good. I had never taken an online course before and this course exceeded my expectations for an online course”.

Nurturing Student Success through High Quality Instruction Stories of student challenges & success Instructor outreach: Student engagement techniques & active learning strategies for a community of learning Bridging the need for flexibility with distant (often nontraditional) student needs & life circumstances while upholding student accountability & rigor of content Instructor professional development