New Policies
What are some of the new policies regarding online delivery of courses and programs at your institution?
We're just getting started, but policies we are formulating include: establishing a minimum response standard for technical problems and learning inquiries; requiring faculty to provide a minimum number of hours per week to spend in communicating with students through office hours, chats, web conferences, etc., incentivizing peer-to-peer engagement through recognition of top contributors of the week, month, etc., requiring a minimum number of postings or contributions from students to discussion threads that go deeper than "I agree" or "like;" and requiring a standard video production quality for program content. On the last point, the administrative support team would coordinate the production of videos to ensure the best production quality. Our Dean has made it clear that webcam videos are not what he wants to represent the university.
Veronica,
It looks like you are on the right track!
Dr. Robert Roehrich
Hi Dr. Roehrich. Some of the new policies regarding online delivery courses include attendance and students' participation, grading criteria, appropriate language to use when responding to discussion threads, deadlines, tutoring sessions, technical issues, returning students, ect.
Martha,
Thank you for your posting to this Forum. It appears that your policy focus is narrowly concentrated on the "mechanics" of student participation in online instruction. I suggest you consider exploring broader applications of policy, for example: academic issues, e.g. quality, integrity, curriculum development and compatibility, standardization of syllabi, advisory board input, transfer-ability, instructional outcomes and assessment, credit matching, tutoring, advisement, transcript processes, etc. Additional policy areas that should be included and reviewed for compatibility to on-ground/face-to-face instruction are: admissions; faculty (identification, training, pedagogy, workload, development., evaluation, etc.) fiscal and budget; governance; security; student support; technology (infrastructure, LMS/CMS interfaces, technical support; organizational cultural issues; financial aid; and compliance with state and accreditation requirements. To assist you as you address these areas, I suggest you search the EDUCAUSE web site at: www.educause.edu/library/campus-policy-and-law for a library of policies that can assist you in addressing your institution's online policy needs.
Dr. Robert Roehrich
One of our policies makes sure all online students complete Moodle training before they are able to take any online class. I really like this policy because it allows the students to gain a better understanding about Moodle!
Phillip,
Unless an institution develops a comprehensive series of policies that govern the development, implementation, delivery and assessment of online offerings, the success of the online program is at risk. Simply having students take LMS training doesn't reflect this type of approach.
Dr. Robert Roehrich
We do not offer online classes but we plan on doing so in the very near future. That said, my school is currently researching the ways to launch an online program and is taking a holistic approach. That includes developing policies to evaluate resources, utilizing advisor board expertise, benchmarks to ensure quality online education, academic advising, implementing LMS, curriculum development, faculty and student training and assessment, and specifics on online course delivery such as attendance, participation, communication, plagiarism, support, etc. Equally important, we plan on soliciting expert advice on how to assess the success of an online program early on in the process.
We use online classes in our institution to teach different classes and the new policies we have are for instance:
-The online class does not require that the student participate in a face-to-face class.
-The students should participate in a seminar to obtain a final grade in the subject
-The participation in the forums is important to allow the students to take the final test
-The adequate use of the netiquette in the website is indispensable to continue with the privilege of receiving the instruction.
among others
Mileidys,
These are good examples, how would you assess their effectiveness from the perspective of the administration, the faculty and the students?
Dr. Robert Roehrich
In my institution, there are different policies regarding online delivery of courses and programs. For instance, we offer blended instruction to students because they receive face-to-face interaction at the same time they need to complete exercises online; for these students the attendance to classes is mandatory as well as the completion of the activities in the website. We also offer e-learning for those students who live far away from the main campus. For these kinds of students the attendance is not necessary because they are asked to participate in the online class and not in the face-to-face instruction.
Melva,
Great post! Keep in mind that your policies and procedures will also have to comply with federal, state and accreditation requirements. How do you endure this is happening on your campus?
Dr. Robert Roehrich
