Instructional Systems Distance Learners:
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Three years ago our department launched into the great unknown of cyberspace by offering instructional systems courses taught completely on the web as part of the Master's Degree in Instructional Systems with a major in Open and Distance Learning. Based on the solid foundation of good instructional design principles we began developing and delivering online courses. And thus began a great adventure! It has definitely taken a village to conceive and deliver the online courses --- from the development teams who had to overcome numerous barriers to creating effective online instruction --- to our indomitable program coordinator, Mary Kate, who helps students forge their way through the maze of administrative functions --- to the online learners and our wonderful online instructors! It's definitely a team effort! We truly have gone where few before us have dared! And, based upon indicators such as our course evaluations and the growth of interest and enrollment in our courses, we are doing it well! We currently plan to offer 5 courses during each of the Fall and Spring semesters and at least two courses every summer session. We have 38 students who have been admitted into the Master's Degree for Instructional Systems with a major in Open and Distance Learning and 75 are enrolled in classes this semester. At the beginning of the Fall 2000 semester approximately 20 of our distance learners traveled to the campus from various parts of Florida and Georgia for the department's orientation session and social. Students who did not attend live in Indiana, Ohio, Virginia, Oklahoma, and Connecticut. So what's it like being an online learner? There are definitely special challenges. One student indicated it's more difficult because you have to motivate yourself to get the work done --- you don't have that weekly scheduled class to get you back on track. Others have commented that, with their family and work schedules they simply would not have been able to pursue a degree in a traditional manner so they appreciate the flexibility of online learning. Can distance learning replace the thrill of a face-to-face class discussion with any of our world-renowned faculty? Definitely not! But what it CAN do is provide a means of expanding our community of learners. Our distance learning colleagues work in professional positions in military, corporate and higher education organizations. Many of them are working as instructional designers and are seeking to expand their skills and knowledge. It's particularly thrilling to see the birth of ISUnion. It's just what we need to bring us all together and provide the connection among all IS learners near AND far!
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