During 1998-1999, the UNC School of Public Health developed an on-line core curriculum, aided by a UNC instructional technology grant. This process involved re-conceptualizing (a) the relationships among the 5 core courses (Biostatistics, Epidemiology, Health Behavior and Education, Health Policy and Administration, and Environmental Health), (b) the content of the courses, (c) teaching strategies, and (d) faculty development. The courses were taught in residential and distance programs in the 1999-2000 academic year. This presentation will describe the collaborative evaluation process developed and implemented by faculty and staff, along with main findings after one year about both process and outcomes. The process included many formative evaluation methods such as frequent student surveys, interviews with faculty and students, faculty research on teaching and article preparation, and faculty reflection/learning groups, in addition to evaluations of student performance in the assignments and courses. Findings include information about effective evaluation methods for continuous improvement in distance learning, including useful instruments; effective teaching strategies using case studies, discussion forums, assessment, readings, lectures, and other activities; effective faculty and student development and support activities; and learning outcomes. The findings are very relevant to on-line and distance learning programs of all types.
Learning Objectives: After attending this session, participants will be able to: 1. Describe the principles of curriculum and instruction underlying the UNC on-line core curriculum; 2. Describe the findings of the first year of curriculum and course evaluation, including effective on-line teaching methods; effective use of teaching assistants; faculty, TA, and student training in the use of on-line courses; and student learning outcomes. 3. Describe how faculty and instructional staff collaboratively developed and implemented formative and summative evaluations at the course and curriculum levels
Keywords: Distance Education, World Wide Web
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I have a significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.
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