Sustaining Distance LearningPanel DiscussionMay 27, 2011

John F. Beyers, Ph.D.Academic Director, UMUC

USDLA, MD Chapter

Welcome & IntroductionsNational Council of Teachers of MathematicsJohns Hopkins University, Associate Director,

Distance EducationUniversity of Maryland University College,

Academic DirectorMaryland Distance Learning Association,

Past-PresidentUS Distance Learning Association, MD-

Chapter Representative

Overview of Online Education"Today, I don't think any college or university has an

option not to have a virtual presence. So the question is , what form does that take, and who drives that in terms of its full integration into a face-to-face campus ...“

“Two benefits of online learning -- cost reduction and the ability to use educational technology to create and measure more standardized learning outcomes.”

Western Governors University (May 2011) http://www.edpath.com/images/EightQuestions.pdf

Grants and Sustainability (Brief Overview, Selected)

AT&T Foundation: $500,000Toyota Foundation: $250,000Gates Foundation: $750,000 (University

Program)

University Program SustainabilityUniversity Program Sustainability is the

ability of a program to continue engaging students to meet the needs of the students, through potentially changing circumstances and sources of support.

Components for University Program SustainabilitySYNERGY among:University Mission / GoalsProgram Level OutcomesCourse Level OutcomesOutcomes-based Assessment (Evaluation

of Programs, Courses, Faculty, and Students)

Sufficient “Business Model”

Quality of ProgramsExternal Accrediting Entities (University /

Program Level): Outcomes-based assessmentQuality Matters (Course Level)Faculty Input/FeedbackStudent Input/Feedback

Mission and Purpose of USDLA State Chapters Mission: State Chapters

To support the development and application of distance learning, education and training (DLE&T) by uniting state-wide learners.

Purpose: State ChaptersCreate powerful alliances to meet the burgeoning education and training needs of state-wide learning communities.Learning, education and training communities include:

Corporate Training - Pre K-12 - Higher Education Home Schooling - Continuing Education Military & Government Education & Training

Goals of USDLA State ChaptersTo provide state-wide leadership in the field of

distance learning, education & training.

To advocate and promote the use of distance learning, education & training within the state.

To provide current information on distance learning, education & training within the state.

To represent the distance learning, education & training community before state-wide government policy and regulatory bodies.

State Chapter Benefits Washington Policy Emphasis and

Congressional Relations Global Focus Gateway to USDLA and Distance Learning National Recognition Practitioners’ Publication Powerful network of Leaders in Business

and Industry Chapter Support Legal Representation

Organizations… a Start…US Distance Learning Association (USDLA):

www.usdla.org

Maryland Distance Learning Association (MDLA): http://www.marylanddla.org/

University Professional & Continuing Education Association (UPCEA): http://upcea.edu/

Welcome DiscussionFeel free to contact me if you would like to

continue a discussion…

jbeyers@umuc.edu