The Redgate Read On Online Learning

If a school that is either wholly online or has a significant online presence is worth its salt, the key stakeholders of those institutions must constantly be strategizing on the emergence of new technologies for teaching and learning.  Just this afternoon, I participated in a demo of Ellimunate which is a live eLearning solution and collaboration software.  Although its benefits for asynchronous learning are not as broad as they are for synchronous, it is something that we at Liberty are considering to address a number of needs for our online programs like tutoring, international delivery, and adjunct faculty development.  To be honest, we are somewhat late into this particular game.  Nevertheless, it is my goal to make sure that Liberty’s online programs keep pace with the emergence and evolution of these new technologies.  Why?  Because it enhances the learning experience of the online learner and offers that person a better chance of meeting with success.

Also, as it relates to enhancing and improving online student’s learning experiences, in a recent Eduventures (www.eduventures.com) survey, respondents indicated that enhanced discussion boards and virtual lab simulations are technologies that faculty and online course designers will require in the next three to five years.  I also feel that other technologies that embrace the social networking forums will be key in the coming years.  

And don’t rule out this new phenomenon called Second Life (www.secondlife.com), which is the 3D online virtual world.  I am still trying to understand the “education regions” within Second Life, but it is certainly a platform favored by many institutions and instructors.

I have the privilege accepting an invitation to speak at the upcoming “Online Lead Quality Summit” at Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino in Las Vegas on September 17 - 18.  It is being hosted by TARGUSinfo.  I am looking forward to sharing just a few of the things I have learned about online lead generation, lead scoring, prioritizing your call center and online enrollment in general.  Of course, we have seen tremendous success here at Liberty University for online enrollment, with enrollment growing from 12,000 students two years ago, when I began my second “tour of duty” at the university after a ten year stint in the private sector, to nearly 28,000 today.  

This space of online education is dynamic, multi-faceted, and highly competitive.  To gain an advantage, a school must perfect the “fundamentals” day in and day out.  A school might have all the “bells and whistles” needed to succeed, but to not pay attention to the details will hinder growth.  Lead generation, interactive and otherwise, is one of the major fundamentals of any online school but you would be surprised at the “throw it against the wall and if it sticks” mentality that is so pervasive among our ranks.  I will be sharing in my session a few “Redgate Remedies” as it relates to lead scoring.

To learn more or register, visit http://www.targusinfo.com/summit/ or call 800.6.TARGUS (800.682.7487).

For the detailed agenda, click here.  I speak on September 18th.

First of all, let me clearly state that I am a propenent of ensuring academic integrity whether in the traditional or virtual classroom.   Part of my responsibilities as an adjunct instructor in Liberty University’s Distance Learning Program is to ensure that my students are aware of the serious consequences of cheating and plagiarism.  Does it happen in the virtual classroom?  The answer is “yes” just as it happens in the traditional classroom. 

There is an article in the Chronicle of Higher Education that tells of a 1,200-page bill now in Congress that includes a small paragraph that could lead online institutions to require spy cameras in their students’ homes.

As crazy as it sounds — part of legislation renewing the Higher Education Act — is all but assured of becoming law by the fall.   The wording is actually about clamping down on cheating.  It says that an institution that offers an online program must prove that an enrolled student is the same person who does the work.

Again, I am all for ways of ensuring academic honesty and integrity within the virtual classroom, but this bill goes too far and places an inordinate burden on online institutions.   Each of my children have been in traditional college classrooms with hundreds of other students.  How can the professor in those classrooms guarantee that each student is who they say they are and academic dishonesty is not taking place at some level?  And the next question is how far does an institution take it?  Are those in the online space needing to look at fingerprint technology, eyeball scanning …?

As online education continues to grow, there is corresponding growth in the number of adjunct faculty needed to properly support online courses. A significant number of online institutions are actually deploying adjunct faculty. Qualified adjuncts make good sense both academically and financially.

I actually ran across a book written by Dr. Danielle Babb and Dr. Jim Mirabella entitled “Make Money Teaching Online.” An interesting side note is that Dr. Babb has done some adjunct work for Liberty University’s Distance Learning Program which, of course, I am personally involved with.

Here is an excerpt from a recent article that featured me and my colleague, Ron Kennedy, that gives a high-level view to what some would consider an unusual approach to online learning:

“As distance learning continues to become an increasingly popular education option, universities too must keep pace by meeting the growing needs of students who seek all the conveniences of a distance learning program without sacrificing a quality education. “Liberty University strives to continue to set itself apart from other distance learning programs,” says Ronald Kennedy, executive director, distance learning and graduate studies. “Liberty University has more than 20 years of experience in distance learning and is one of the pioneers in this industry. We’re the world’s largest evangelical university and because our school is based on a solid Christian foundation, students not only get top-notch educational and technical support, but spiritual support as well. This is what we call our 360 Degree Approach to Student Success. We are not only addressing a student’s need for a top quality, nationally recognized online degree program, but we are also caring for them as an individual.”

This 360-degree approach, unique in online learning, is attracting many students to Liberty University. Kimberly Gunther of Hamilton, N.Y. was seeking an accredited school rooted in Christian values. “I have such peace knowing that I have finally found the school that I was looking for. I can’t describe how wonderful it is to know that I am being prayed for as a student! Liberty doesn’t just teach about the Christian life, it is also lived out…” says Gunther.

Though distance learning students do not have the traditional face-to-face interaction with professors and other students, they do not have to sacrifice educational quality. “Many of Liberty University’s resident faculty members also teach distance learning courses, so students are guaranteed the same quality education as those students who attend classes on our ground campus in Lynchburg, Virginia” says Shaun Redgate, Liberty University’s senior associate for online programs. Several research studies echo this truth and indicate that distance learners perform as well or better than their on-campus counterparts.”