EME-4454 Distributed EducationTechnologies - Syllabus

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I. Course Description

Examines the uses of distance learning in education and training environments as distance systems are increasingly used for teaching and learning.  Distance education will be investigated as an instructional method in terms of delivery, development, and implementation. Students will design a distributed learning system that uses emerging technologies that support distance delivery. Prerequisite: EME3402 (undergraduates only)

II. Purpose of the Course

Students will acquire knowledge, skills, abilities, and attitudes necessary to provide support in the development of technology-rich teaching and learning environments in distance education.  Students will facilitate the design, and development of distributed learning systems.  In addition, students will identify, evaluate, and select effective distance education offerings.

III. Major Goal

Upon completion of this course, students will be able to plan for and design distance education systems, as well as evaluate instructional content to determine the most appropriate technological delivery system.

IV. Objectives

A.  Terminology and Concepts Associated with Distance Education.

  1. Define distance education, distance learning, and distributed learning systems.
  2. Define terminology related to distance education, distance learning and distributed learning systems.

B. Educational Issues

  1. Demonstrate an understanding of the transactional relationship of learning.

  2. Identify learning variables and their role in determining the appropriate distributed learning systems used to facilitate learning.

  3. Identify key characteristics of various distributed learning systems and discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each.

  4. Determine appropriate distributed learning systems for specific instructional objectives.

C: Distributed Learning Systems Maintenance

  1. Identify major components of various types of distributive learning systems.
  2. Explain the logical and functional position of each component within the distributive learning system
  3. Describe the optimal physical environment specifications for defined distributive learning systems
  4. Develop distributive learning systems trouble reporting procedures
  5. Identify distributive learning system service providers trouble reporting procedure
  6. Diagnose and troubleshoot common technological problems associated with distributive learning systems
  7. Evaluate potential system upgrades and enhancement for adoption.
  8. Manage implementation process for system upgrades and enhancements.

D: Contract Services Management

  1. Develop criteria for determining what distributive learning system related services should be contracted to outside vendors
  2. Identify and evaluate distributive learning system service providers
  3. Articulate to the service provider distributive learning system technological requirements aligned with organizational goals
  4. Establish criteria for monitoring distributive learning system contract services

 E:  Project Management & Evaluation

  1. Identify elements of project management (e.g. timelines, milestones, staging, etc.) for the implementation of and installation, or enhancement of distributive learning system
  2. Explain the need for and summarize the components of a Request for Proposal (RFP)
  3. Identify financial and operational issues related to the transition to a new distributive learning system
  4. Identify elements that should be included in a performance evaluation of a distributive learning system

 V. Course Requirements and Evaluation

Required Materials:

1)  Internet Access

2)  E-mail Account   

Required Book:

Evaluation and Implementation of Distance Learning:  Technologies, Tools and Techniques, France Belanger & Dianne H. Jordan.  Published by: IDEA Group Publishing, 2000.

Book can be ordered directly from the publisher by email or phone: cust@idea-group.com or 1-800-345-4332.  ISBN:  1-878289-63-2

Recommended, but NOT required:

Distance Education:  A Systems View, Michael G. Moore & Greg Kearsley. Published by: Wadsworth Publishing Co., 1996.  ISBN:  0-534-26496-4

Course Guidelines:

Students should expect to spend approximately 8 hours completing online lessons and activities each week.

All students must have an electronic mail account and subscribe to the class listserv by the end of the first week.

Instructional Technology Labs in building 86 are available for student use.

Assignments:

Online Activities (30%): Students will participate in a variety of online activities related to distance education, distance learning and distributive learning systems.

Product: (50%): Students will add to their portfolio:

Plan and design for distributed learning system

Final Exam (20%):

Grades:

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