Details of the Distance Learning Endorsement Program

Introduction

Distance learning is a leading growth area in education. The use of technologies such as Microsoft's Net-Meeting and Sorenson Envision to link remote sites for access to information gains unprecedented in history are now relatively commonplace. With the advent of pioneering statewide organizations such as EDNET the ability to offer advanced or singular courses to students without qualified teachers in their locales is now a regular occurrence. In fact many, if not most school districts across the nation are considering different ways to link schools and create a local connection to statewide networks and the Internet.

Utah is one of the first states in the nation to recognize the need for teachers qualified to teach Distance Learning classes. Since 1988, the Utah Education Network (UEN) has connected schools for distance learning through EDNET. Since then thousands of high school and college students have participated in courses delivered over the EDNET (Distance Learning) system.

Currently, any teacher or professor wishing to deliver courses over the EDNET system is required to complete a 20 hours technical training offered by USOE specialists. Over the last few years more than 500 educators have been so trained. However around the state there is a growing demand for additional trained educators who can use the EDNET system or other ways of delivering instruction at a distance. This demand led to collaboration between the USOE and Westminster College in developing and producing this Distance Learning Endorsement Program. The sixteen credit hours developed include much more than the traditional EDNET training; the opportunity is provided for participants whose skills range from beginning to technology specialists to learn multiple technologies and to become familiar with distance learning theory and practice. Furthermore, this initiative meets specific standards-approved by the state-for those wanting to complete the endorsement.

School of Education faculty understand that as Public School student numbers continue to grow the capability of teacher education institutions to graduate sufficient qualified teachers in all areas of need will be severely tested. Through this in-service model of a Distance Learning Endorsement run through the School of Education Master of Education Program, current teachers wishing to broaden their instructional capabilities can renew their teaching skills while gaining the endorsement as part or all of their graduate studies.

Program Description

The Distance Learning Endorsement comprises 6 graduate level courses. Each is detailed below with its commensurate standards.

• MED 610-Diversity in Education (3 credit hours). Explores strategies for effecting positive experiences for all students. Educational issues to be examined include: diverse barriers in school settings (gender, culture, exceptionalities, distance), learning styles, communication and communication means, and parent and community involvement. Methods for empowering teachers and student interaction are developed within the concept of cultural expectations and teaching at a distance. This course is conducted online through WebCT. This course meets:
  
• Standard I
  
• Standard II
  
• Standard IV
  
• Standard XII
  
• Standard XIII

• MED 672-Instructional Technology (3 credit hours). An introductory course to expose teachers to methods of teaching with technology. The course is highly experiential with generous time given to exploring behavioral, constructivist and distance learning theories as they pertain to the practical aspects of teaching with technology. Students explore email applications, threaded discussions within WebCT, PowerPoint presentations, web page design through Dreamweaver, and integrating technology into teaching through the development of technology enriched lesson plans and presentations built upon the state core. Special attention is paid to the needs of diverse cultures and student abilities. This course meets:
  
• Standard I
  
• Standard IX
  
• Standard X
  
• Standard XIII
  
• Standard XV

• MED 616-Information Technology (3 credit hours). This course explores Internet based information literacy, child development, constructivist learning theory, exposure to distance learning theory, technology and hypermedia innovations in the classroom and cooperative information technology practices. Students engage in capturing and editing digital video, advanced web page design, rudimentary online course development, use of mimio and Smartboard, and use of Envision as a communication and teaching tool. This course meets:
  
• Standard II
  
• Standard V
  
• Standard VI
  
• Standard XIV
  
• Standard XV

• MED 617-Instructional Design with Technology (3 credit hours). This course focuses on developing beginning instructional design skills for the online environment, blending theory (Gardner's theory of Multiple Intelligences) and distance learning practices into curriculum. Students develop and present group based EDNET mini-lessons that focuses upon the development and application of technology based teaching practices. This course will be conducted at an EDNET site. This course meets:
  
• Standard III
  
• Standard IV
  
• Standard V
  
• Standard VI
  
• Standard VII
  
• Standard VIII
  
• Standard XI
  
• Standard XIV
  
• Standard XVI

• MED 618 Online Education: Teaching and Learning at a Distance (3 credit hours, conducted online via WebCT) An introductory distance learning course for those who wish to teach at a distance or manage distance education systems. Provides the theoretical framework as well as practical considerations for planning and implementing a distance learning program. Concepts of distance learning (Cyrs), planning, program development and basic technologies are presented. Students will create (via WebCT) and teach to instructors an online course exploring principles of distance learning and assessment. This course meets:
  
• Standard III
  
• Standard IV
  
• Standard V
  
• Standard VI
  
• Standard VII
  
• Standard IX
  
• Standard XI
  
• Standard XII
  
• Standard XIV
  
• Standard XVI

• MED 619: Distance Learning Field Experience (1 credit hour, offered concurrent with MED 617). Students develop and present lessons from remote EDNET sites for evaluation and assessment of their online teaching knowledge and skills. This course meets:
  
• Standard I
  
• Standard III
  
• Standard XI
  
• Standard XII
  
• Standard XIV

Sample Syllabus
MED 618 Online Education: Teaching and Learning at a Distance
3 credit hours
Professor: David Stokes, Ph.D.
Phone: 801-832-2490
Email: d-stokes@westminstercollege.edu
Course Description: An introductory distance learning course for in-service or preservice teachers or those who work in training programs who wish to teach at a distance or manage distance education systems. The course provides the theoretical framework as well as practical considerations for planning and implementing distance learning programs. Concepts of distance learning, planning, program development and basic technologies are presented. The course is meant to provide a foundation to viewing distance education as an appropriate approach for meeting the ever-expanding needs of students and business in synchronous and asynchronous settings.
Abstract: Explores the foundations and theories of distance education, the distance education student, distance education technologies, applications, and design. Provides opportunity to create, implement, and assess an online distance education course.
Course Goals/outcomes: Students will explore and develop knowledge and strategies leading them to the effective design and implementation of an online course. Practical demonstration of these goals is required.
Outline of Course Content:
Unit of Study 1: Foundations of Distance Learning
What is Distance Education? Media in Education. Status of Distance Education. Characteristics of Distance Education. A brief history of Distance Education.
Distance Teaching Universities. Theory and Distance Education. Theory of independent Study. Equivalency theory. A theoretical framework for Distance Education.
Unit of Study 2: The Distance Education Student
Learning outcomes. Learner perceptions. Learner attributes. Interaction methodologies. Cognition. Learner responsibilities. Experience.
Unit of Study 3: Distance Education Technologies
A taxonomy of Distance Education Technologies. Correspondence study. Prerecorded media. Two-way audio. Two-way audio with graphics. Synchronous and asynchronous video. Distance Education classrooms - EDNET. Copyright essentials in Distance Education.
Unit of Study 4: Designing and creating the online course
Issues to address in the design process. Who are the learners? What is the essential content? What teaching strategies and media should be used? What is the learning environment? Role of the teacher. Handouts, study guides, visuals? Graphic design principles. Visual analogies. Advantages of internet based courses. Limitations of internet based courses. Components of Web based courses.
Unit of Study 5: Teaching on the Web
Gaining the experience. Computer conferencing. The web as a course delivery vehicle . Assessing learning gains. Characteristics of effective assessments. Advantages and disadvantages of alternative assessment. Evaluating course instruction and design.

Evaluation:
Participation in two on campus class sessions 10%
Participation in online and email discussion forums 20%
Instructional design for a Distance Learning course 30%
Creation and application of the Web based course 30%
Self Evaluation of the efficacy of the designed course 10%
Total 100%
Required Texts:
Kearsley, G. (2000) Online Education. Learning and Teaching in Cyberspace. Wadsworth: United States.
Picciano, A.G. (2000) Distance Learning. Making Connections Across Virtual Space and Time. Merrill Prentice Hall: Upper Saddle River, New Jersey.
Other Reading:
Simonson, M., Smaldino, S., Albright, M., and Zvacek, S. (2000) Teaching and Learning at a Distance. Foundations of Distance Education. Merrill: Upper Saddle River, New Jersey.

Sample Syllabus
MED 619: Distance Learning Field Experience
1 credit hour

Professor: David Stokes, Ph.D.
Location: 223 Carleson Hall,
Phone: 832-2490
Email: d-stokes@westminstercollege.edu

Instructor: George T. W. Miller Jr.
EDNET Faculty Training Specialist
Utah State Office of Education
250 East 500 South
Salt Lake City, UT 84111
office phone--801-538-7790
office cell--801-652-2552
gtmiller@usoe.k12.ut.us

Note: This course is a practicum for theory explored in MED 617 Instructional Design with Technology.
As such you must register for this course at the same time as for MED 617. To register requires
permission from the MED Program Director.
Course Description: A key component of any Distance Learning Endorsement is a thorough
understanding of the operation of an EDNET site and the opportunity by use of that site to connect
distance learning theory to practice. This course provides practical knowledge to operate at a beginning
level, an EDNET site, along with how to plan to teach, and to teach using the EDNET system.

This course will be conducted at a designated EDNET site (possibly Milton Bennion Hall at the
University of Utah, or Hillcrest High School).
Abstract: Provides a field experience component for the Distance Learning Endorsement exploring
various online technologies. Explores the practice of teaching at a distance learning site in a hands-on environment. Provides opportunity to implement curriculum developed in MED 617 Instructional
Design with Technology.
Course Goals/Outcomes: Students will explore and develop knowledge of distance learning
technologies and teaching strategies leading them to competence in the implementation and instruction
of online courses. Practical demonstration of these goals is required.
Outline of Course Content:
Unit of Study 1: Distance Education Technologies
A taxonomy of Distance Education Technologies
Correspondence study
Prerecorded media
Two-way audio
Two-way audio with graphics
Synchronous and asynchronous video
The Distance Education classroom - EDNET site
Copyright essentials using EDNET
Unit of Study 2: Teaching via EDNET
Gaining the experience
EDNET as a course delivery vehicle
Assessing audience learning gains remotely
Reflecting on the experience

Evaluation:
Participation in EDNET lesson design 30%
Participation teaching using EDNET 40%
Demonstrated mastery of distance learning technologies 30%
Total 100%
No texts required for this course.