Teaching computer information systems via distance education: a researched and personal perspective

1
Teaching computer information systems via
distance education a researched and personal
perspective

• Alan Peslak, Ph.D.
• Penn State University
• Nova Southeastern University

2
My Background

• Work experience
• Nova Southeastern University
• Penn State University

3
Courses

• Traditional
• Introduction to Information Sciences and
  Technology
• Information and Organizations
• Human-Computer Interaction
• Interface Design
• Systems Analysis and Design
• Systems Integration
• Software Engineering
• Capstone Project

4
Distance Graduate Courses

• Management Information Systems
• Database Systems
• Software Engineering
• Survey of Programming Languages
• Object-Oriented Applications
• Decision Support Systems

5
Distance education

• 2/3 of all 2 and 4 year institutions
• 90 public
• 52 graduate schools
• 2,876,000 enrollments
• 118,100 courses
• 90 via Internet
• Source US Dept of Education 2003

6
Concerns over DE

• Failures in programs
• Effectiveness versus traditional
• Limited research

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Review of the literature

• Alley and Jansak (2001)
• Roblyer and Marshall (2002-2003)
• Alley and Jansak (2001)
• Wegner, Holloway, and Garton (1999)
• Eastmond (2000)
• Soong, Chan, Chua, and Loh (2001)
• Stidham and Frieden (2002)
• Piercy (2000)
• McGill, Volet, and Hobbs (1997)
• Swan, Shea, Frederickson, Pickett, Pelz, and
  Maher (2000)
• Jegede, Taplin, Fan, Chan, and Yum (1999)
• Hillesheim (1998)
• Wang (1994)
• Meyen, Tangen, and Lian (1999)
• Hara and Kling (2000)

8
Review of the literature

• Many factors suggested
• Time management
• High self-esteem
• Motivation
• Reflection
• Experience
• Social
• Iterative
• Design
• Support
• Technical

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Review of the literature

• Many factors suggested
• Collaboration
• Content
• Rapport
• Communications
• Discussion
• Feedback
• Responsibility
• Preconceived notions

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Distance Graduate Courses

• Management Information Systems
• Database Systems
• Software Engineering
• Survey of Programming Languages
• Object-Oriented Applications
• Decision Support Systems

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Key Success Factors

• Variety
• Communication
• Technical Foundation and Support
• Empathy
• Clarity
• Content

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Variety

• Multiple instructional methods
• PowerPoint lectures
• Online discussions
• Structured assignments
• Research papers
• Vendor assignments
• Exams
• Internet research
• Text readings
• Supplementary materials

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Communication

• Email
• Forums
• Syllabus
• Office Phone
• Cell phone
• IM
• Assignment feedback

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Technical foundation

• Nova Southeastern University
• 20 Years distance education
• ESET
• Forums
• Course Management System
• Webmail
• Hosted languages, database

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Technical support

• Live help
• FAQ
• Off hours messages
• 24/7 submissions

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Empathy

• Been there, done that
• Challenges of DE
• Motivation
• Atmosphere
• Mindset
• Trust and belief

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Clarity

• Clear expectations
• Syllabus
• Feedback
• All communications
• Example
• SE project
• How many pages
• How comprehensive
• Prototype
• SE document

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Content

• Lectures
• Notes
• Readings
• Activities
• Supplemental materials
• Links

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Success

• Factors have meant success for students and for
  evaluations

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Syllabus examples
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Schedule

• Clear week by week schedule of all activities

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Schedule
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Written Assignments

• Usually selected text assignments or instructor
  prepared
• Emphasize hands-on or in-depth research
• Not rote answers

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Key Information

• Instructor                   Alan Peslak, Ph.D.,
  Adjunct Professor
• Mailing Address Nova Southeastern
  University
  Graduate School of Computer and Information
  Sciences
  Master's Program Office
  6100 Griffin Road
  Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33314Email
                           peslaka_at_nova.edu
  (Contact is best achieved via email)
• Cell Phone               XXX-XXX-XXX
• PSU Office Phone [phone]
• PSU Fax [phone]
• Web Page                   http//www.scis.nova.e
  du/peslaka
• Class Location and Format Online
• Class website http//www.scis.nova.edu/
  peslaka/mcis630.doc

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Instruction Methods and Tools

• In order to provide a comprehensive instruction
  set, seven different instruction tools will be
  used.
• Text reading The Connolly text presents an
  excellent and relatively current overview of the
  concepts underlying databases. A complete
  reading of the text is encouraged. We will
  specifically cover and perform exercises from
  chapters 1 -3, 8, 9, 11, 13, 14-16, 19, 25, and
  29 though projects may require detail presented
  in other chapters.
• Forum postings - Allows asynchronous
  communication among students.. Active postings
  on the board among students are required and
  encouraged. Forum activity will be the measure
  of the class participation portion of the grade.
• Forum questions Two specific assignment will be
  required discussing a specific database question.
• Written assignments Enhance and improve
  knowledge of the course material as well as
  develops specific analytical and writing skills.
  
• Database project A database project
  implementation will be required to determine
  practical competency in database design and
  implementation.
• Formal research A research paper is required to
  develop the students research abilities, writing
  abilities, and also develop expertise in a
  specific DB topic.
• Supplementary materials Other materials will be
  provided by the instructor including
  explanations, PowerPoint slides, web resources,
  and exercise answers in the forums.
• Assignments are to be handed in through the ESET
  web-based utility or posted to the class forums
  under the appropriate topic. Forum assignments
  must have the assignment clearly identified in
  the subject label. Every submission must have a
  header that contains your name, usercode, and the
  assignment number. Each written ESET assignment
  MUST be handed in as ONE submission through ESET.

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Rubric
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Syllabi

• All syllabi both distance and traditional are
  available at http//www.personal.psu.edu/arp14

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Supported by literature

• Alley and Jansak (2001)
• Roblyer and Marshall (2002-2003)
• Alley and Jansak (2001)
• Wegner, Holloway, and Garton (1999)
• Eastmond (2000)
• Soong, Chan, Chua, and Loh (2001)
• Stidham and Frieden (2002)
• Piercy (2000)
• McGill, Volet, and Hobbs (1997)
• Swan, Shea, Frederickson, Pickett, Pelz, and
  Maher (2000)
• Jegede, Taplin, Fan, Chan, and Yum (1999)
• Hillesheim (1998)
• Wang (1994)
• Meyen, Tangen, and Lian (1999)
• Hara and Kling (2000)

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Thank You

• Questions???