It's Not Rocket Science, or is It? Large Scale Quality Engineering in Distance Learning Programs

Presenter(s)
Rita (Rene) Herron (Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, US)
Cinda Holsombach-Ebner (Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, US)
Alice Shomate (Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, US)
Kimberly Szathmary (Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, US)
Session Information
November 11, 2011 - 10:40am
Track: 
Faculty and Professional Development and Support
Areas of Special Interest: 
Blended Program/Degree; Practical Application
Institutional Level: 
Universities and Four Year Institutions
Audience Level: 
All
Session Type: 
Best in Track
Location: 
Asia 4
Session Duration: 
80 Minutes
11 & 12 (combined)
Virtual Session
Abstract

ERAU-Worldwide presents its highly-centralized model of distance learning, delivering 200+ turnkey-style online courses, facilitated by 800+ instructors, to 36,000+ students across the globe. How do we ensure instructional quality is pervasive while innovating through emerging technologies and delivery mode diversification? What initiatives can smaller organizations take away and apply?

 

Files
Final Presentation: 
Extended Abstract

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University serves more than 36,000 online students across the globe, many of whom are military and other non-traditional students, offering 34 undergraduate, graduate, and professional education/workforce certificate programs, presented both online (Blackboard) and via blended delivery modes. Our highly-centralized model of online course production and management produces and maintains more than 200 turnkey-style courses, including several award winners, which all meet the highest quality standards. Courses are designed by faculty members in partnership with an instructional design production team, working together to ensure course goals and learning objectives are achieved. Then, more than 800+ geographically- dispersed instructors are prepared to facilitate the courses and are monitored and coached throughout each course delivery term. With a student satisfaction rate above 85%, how do we ensure that quality is pervasive at every stage in the distance learning process? In addition, how do we innovate and continue to ensure the quality of design and instruction remains our top priority? While it may not be actual rocket science, it is truly an art and a science. This presentation will address components of our distance learning model at ERAU-Worldwide, including administration, course design, instructor professional development, and course delivery, all with a focus on how we assure instructional quality at every stage. We will detail the people and processes used and how we harness Web 2.0, mobile, and cloud technologies to facilitate distance learning administration, teaching, and learning. During the presentation, we'll demonstrate how we use our Web conferencing system, EagleVision (a Saba Centra product) to communicate and collaborate with our students, instructors, and course production/administration staff members. The goals for the presentation include illustrating the methods used to assure quality, lessons learned and best practices, and providing insight into the ERAU-Worldwide distance learning model. In addition, we will give tips and suggestions for how smaller organizations can apply some of our best practices to their own models of distance learning. The audience for this presentation includes institutions exploring alternative models for delivering quality distance education; department chairs and other supervisors of online instructors; and online instructors seeking insight into the design and delivery of high quality courses. Attendees will be encouraged to contribute questions and comments via polls and a Twitter backchat channel to be shared during the Q&A session.

Lead Presenter

Dr. Rita (Rene) I. Herron is currently the Interim Dean for the Department of Online Instruction with Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU) - Worldwide, where she oversees the credentialing, scheduling, contracting, payroll, and quality management of all undergraduate and graduate academic courses offered online. In addition to her administrative duties, she is an Assistant Professor within the Department of Arts and Sciences and Course Developer for one of the award winning Faculty Development courses, FACD700 - Basic Blackboard - with ERAU - Worldwide. Both of these appointments allow Dr. Herron to share her love for learning by teaching students and faculty through academic and development courses. Additionally, Dr. Herron is active with Blackboard as a member of ERAU's oversight committee and a beta-tester for various Blackboard upgrades. Dr. Herron has a Ph.D. in History and Philosophy of Education from The Florida State University and a Master's degree from the University of North Florida in Public Administration.

Notes: 

Visit the presentation site for more information: https://sites.google.com/site/erau2011sloancpresentation/