Engaged eLearning @ CSU Annual Report to the Cleveland State University Board of Trustees Academic Affairs Committee April 11, 2008 Barbara E. Hanniford, Dean Paul Bowers, Director, eLearning Division of Continuing Education Table of Contents Introduction and Background………………………………………….. Center for eLearning………………………………………………….. Board of Trustees Resolution ………………………………………… eLearning Strategy Steering Committee ……………………………… eLearning Vision ……………………………………………………… eLearning Guiding Principles ………………………………………… Strategic Goals for eLearning ………………………………………… Competitive Analysis ………………………………………………… Enrollment History …………………………………………………… Enrollment Targets …………………………………………………… Program Plans ………………………………………………………… Organizational Model ………………………………………………… Finances ………………………………………………………………. Accomplishments …………………………………………………….. Future Milestones …………………………………………………….. Conclusion ……………………………………………………………. 3 3 4 5 5 6 6 7 9 10 11 12 14 16 16 18 Appendix A: Center for eLearning Strategic Work Plan ……………. 20 2 Introduction and Background Cleveland State University (CSU) faculty members have a history of course delivery and enhancement using technology, including television and interactive video. The growth of the Internet opened a new world of possibilities for reaching students literally anytime, anyplace. Web-based learning was embraced by a few academic departments at CSU, and early adopters offered online courses as long as 10 years ago. For most of those years, the efforts were isolated, not coordinated, and not supported with an eye to strategic University growth. In the past decade, other higher education institutions—public and private, nonprofit and for-profit—aggressively expanded their in-person and online offerings. Institutions that were previously not considered competitors entered CSU’s market space with an array of programs that were especially appealing to working adults. In 2003, President Schwartz formed a task force to examine the impact of the for-profit institution on CSU enrollments and make recommendations. One recommendation was that CSU needed to develop an elearning strategy. The task force was asked to continue its work as an “eLearning Committee” and develop this recommendation further. In 2005, the task force recommended that CSU create an “Office of eLearning” to provide leadership, coordination, and support for the University’s elearning initiative. The Center for eLearning was the result. It was intended to build very actively on existing elearning efforts and extend the support that the University Center for Teaching and Learning (UCTL) and other campus units had provided. Center for eLearning Dean Barbara Hanniford of the Division of Continuing Education became responsible for the University’s elearning initiative in spring, 2006. The Center for eLearning was officially created that summer. Initial staffing consisted of four positions that were moved from UCTL. The Center continued to provide faculty development, training, and instructional design support. It also issued an RFP to support online course development in 2007, just as the UCTL had done in 2005 and 2006. Additionally, Dean Hanniford began to raise the profile of elearning on campus and begin the strategic planning process through meetings with and presentations to academic administrators and faculty. A search was also launched for a Director, eLearning, and Paul Bowers was appointed to the position in February 2007. The work of providing campus leadership, strong faculty support for high quality courses, program and enrollment growth, and infrastructure enhancements has continued throughout the past year. At the same time, staff roles and responsibilities have been redefined, and new staff have been added. The Center’s staff now consists of a director, two senior instructional designers, two online course developers, and an administrative assistant. One vacant position is being redefined currently. 3 The Center’s major roles are to: ¾ Provide leadership for the University’s elearning initiative ¾ Support and train faculty in designing and developing fully online, blended, and Web-enhanced courses ¾ Work with academic units on elearning program development and marketing ¾ Lead in use of emerging elearning technologies ¾ Ensure availability of information and student services for online students Board of Trustees Resolution Given its interest in enrollment growth, Cleveland State’s Board of Trustees has been very interested in the role the Center for eLearning can play. In March, 2007, the Board adopted the following resolution: March 16, 2007 RESOLUTION IMPLEMENTATION AND REPORTING OF THE UNIVERSITY’S eLEARNING INITIATIVE WHEREAS, Cleveland State University recognizes the importance of web based eLearning education as a part of the overall portfolio of education offerings available at the university; and WHEREAS, the past University eLearning Committee’s review, findings and recommendation resulted in the forming of the Center for eLearning, reporting to the Provost through the Dean of Continuing Education, Dr. Barbara Hanniford; and WHEREAS, the growth and quality of Cleveland State’s eLearning initiative is believed to significantly influence future campus enrollment; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Cleveland State Board of Trustees’ Academic Excellence, Competitiveness and Diversity Committee recommends that the President and Provost request the Center for eLearning to publish a formal eLearning Strategy with 1 to 5 year enrollment targets, a description of the programs and type of Web-based offerings planned, an organization plan that describes the faculty / administration relationship, a market analysis with Cleveland State’s competition and a financial model and timeline of major eLearning milestones; and BE IT FUTHER RESOLVED that the President and Provost are instructed to have the Center of eLearning report quarterly to Cleveland State’s Board of Trustees’ Academic Excellence, Competitiveness and Diversity Committee strategy updates, market analysis and progress toward goals. 4 The Center for eLearning has provided updates to the full Board of Trustees or its Academic Affairs Committee in March, May, and September, 2007. eLearning Strategy Steering Committee An eLearning Strategy Steering Committee was created in May, 2007 to help guide the Center for eLearning in creating a vision, goals, projections, and plans. Committee members are: Bette Bonder Paul Haught Brian Johnston Vijay Konangi Tim Long Peter Meiksins Ed Mills Allyson Robichaud Glenda Thornton Marilyn Weitzel Bill Wilson Paul Bowers Barbara Hanniford Interim Dean, College of Science Director, Extended Campuses Director, Marketing and Public Affairs Vice Provost for Academic Affairs and Faculty Relations Director, Budget and Financial Analysis Professor, Sociology Chief Enrollment Services Officer (no longer at CSU) Assistant Professor, Philosophy Director, University Library Assistant Professor, Nursing Chief Information Officer Director, eLearning Dean, Continuing Education (chair) The Committee has met regularly since its inception and has been invaluable in the crafting of the plans covered in this report, beginning with a vision for elearning. eLearning Vision The eLearning Strategy Steering Committee adopted the following vision statement for elearning at Cleveland State University, which the Center for eLearning is using to guide its efforts: CSU eLearning efforts will form a major strategy for achieving our goal of graduating well-educated students who will help drive economic, civic, and intellectual growth for the entire region and state. By 2012, CSU will offer over 20 strategically chosen degree and certificate programs online. CSU will have developed a streamline process for moving programs online quickly and responsively. CSU will be engaged in several partnerships regionally, nationally, and internationally to develop and deliver elearning programs. eLearning enrollments and programs will increase steadily each year, with a significant portion representing students who would not otherwise attend CSU except for online opportunities. Students in the region, the state, and beyond will choose CSU because of our reputation for high quality academic programs, outstanding support service, and convenient, flexible scheduling. Faculty will embrace elearning as an important way to reach new audiences and to enhance the overall quality of education at CSU. 5 eLearning Guiding Principles The eLearning Strategy Steering Committee also adopted the following guiding principles for elearning at Cleveland State University: eLearning at CSU should: • enhance the perception and reputation of the University with bold and innovative goals, placing CSU in a strong leadership role with respect to quality elearning, • significantly increase enrollments, especially among those student populations who find it difficult or impossible to access educational opportunities within current methods of delivery, • build upon national models, best practices, and standards to ensure quality educational experiences and high levels of student achievement, demonstrated through ongoing assessment, • support student and faculty success through access to high levels of help, assistance, and consultation as well as up-to-date, robust technology systems, • develop, offer, and market programs quickly that respond to demonstrated market needs, • provide adequate financial resources to ensure highly successful programs within a model of overall financial sustainability, and • achieve widespread acceptance among faculty as an important tool for teaching and learning by enhancing traditional classroom instruction, expanding flexible delivery through blended formats, and reaching new populations of learners via fully online programs. Strategic Goals for eLearning The eLearning Strategy Steering Committee helped to set the following strategic goals: GOAL 1: Ensure high quality elearning courses and programs at CSU. GOAL 2: Develop new programs rapidly that respond to demonstrable needs in the educational marketplace. GOAL 3: Offer elearning programs that will significantly enhance enrollments at CSU. GOAL 4: Develop a sustainable organizational model for elearning that promotes both growth and quality and fosters internal and external collaboration. GOAL 5: Develop a delivery and support system that provides consistent, satisfying, and seamless educational experiences for elearning students and faculty. 6 Competitive Analysis Cleveland State University functions in a very competitive arena, especially in the elearning marketplace. Nationally, the Sloan Consortium noted in 2007 that online enrollments have grown substantially faster than overall higher education enrollments. Almost 3.5 million students were taking at least one online course in fall 2006, growth of nearly 10% over the previous year. In Ohio, the Ohio Learning Network found that almost 50,000 students were enrolled in at least one elearning course at a public institution in fall 2006—a 17.1% increase from 2005. About two-thirds of these students were in two-year schools. A number of private non-profit and for-profit institutions are also aggressively marketing their online programs nationally and in this region. The Ohio Learning Network’s most recent data (Figure 1) show that Cleveland State had the fourth largest elearning enrollment (unduplicated headcount) in fall 2006 among Ohio’s public universities. Figure 1. Ohio’s online course enrollments, Fall 2006. O Sh aw ne e S Bo hi tat w oU e lin n i Yo M g G v. un ia ree gs mi n to U n w n iv. Ke Sta W nt S te r t Un igh ate i tS Cl v. o ta ev f A te el an kro d n O St Un hio ate S Un iv. o tat iv f C e .o i f T nn ol . ed o 4500 4000 3500 3000 2500 2000 1500 1000 500 0 Source: Ohio Learning Network, December, 2007. Enrollments are unduplicated. In terms of number of courses and programs offered relative to public and private competitors, Cleveland State has a high number of online course offerings but not nearly as many full degree programs (see Table 1). The state leader among public universities is 7 the University of Toledo. However, the University of Toledo established a unit dedicated to developing and delivering online degree programs 10 years ago. The success and leadership that Toledo enjoys today is the result of pioneering work and laying a solid foundation for elearning. The organizational model for elearning has changed somewhat over the past 10 years, but the strong institutional commitment to elearning remains. Cleveland State can learn important lessons from Toledo’s experience. Certainly, Cleveland State’s competitive position and reach will definitely be increased by adding more complete online or blended degree and certificate programs. Table 1. Degrees and Courses Offered at Selected Institutions in Ohio. Institution Cleveland State University of Toledo Bowling Green University of Cincinnati Kent State University University of Akron Tiffin University Franklin University Indiana Wesleyan Online University of Phoenix Kaplan University Degrees Assoc Undergrad 0 0 8 10 0 3 5 6 1 0 1 3 0 2 0 19 5 9 9 22 25 39 Grad 3 6 3 7 6 4 9 3 7 35 35 Certificate 1 17 5 3 0 0 0 5 4 13 Courses 07-08 320 881 506 295 241 105 300+ 612 N/A N/A N/A Source: Institutional websites. We also gathered information on tuition of our competitors, as shown in Table 2 below. Cleveland State tuition is in the range of other state institutions. The University of Cincinnati appears to be the lowest of state universities in this comparison, which is significant because UC has a growing online program that has begun marketing quite heavily. On the other hand, the University of Toledo, the largest provider of elearning programs among state universities, has tuition at nearly the same level as CSU. Both Bowling Green and University of Toledo waive out of state tuition for students taking all credits online. Both institutions report that this has had positive impact on their out-of-state recruiting for elearning programs. Currently some CSU elearning programs in the College of Education and Human Services offer scholarships that offset out-ofstate tuition. The cost of the tuition reduction is absorbed by the College. Reduction of out-of-state tuition for elearning students at CSU is currently being reviewed. Tuition at private and for-profit institutions tends to be lower than most public universities in this comparison. Private and for-profit institutions often market total program costs rather than a per-credit hour fee. Theses institutions also tend to have more 8 variable fees from program to program. Typically Business programs charge the higher end of the scale and Criminal Justice and Education Programs fall at the lower end. Table 2. Tuition Comparison at Competitive Institutions. Institution Undergrad In-State Cleveland State Bowling Green State Kent State University of Toledo University of Akron University of Cincinnati Tiffin University Franklin University Indiana Wesleyan Online University of Phoenix Kaplan University $330 $400 $384 $330 $300 $262 $400- 475 $266-318 $275-399 N/A $320 Grad In-State Out-of-State $615 $749* $722 $696* $609 $665 Out-of-State $439 $489 $408 $436 $342 $404 $700 $413- 484 $437-539 N/A $350-395 $834 $838* $728 $822* $587 $732 * Out of state tuition is waived for students taking ALL courses online. Source: Institutional websites. Enrollment history Cleveland State has had great growth in elearning enrollments over the past five years, as shown in the table below. From academic year 2006-2007 to this year, student credit hours in online and web blended courses increased by about 66%, as Figure 2 shows. Figure 2. Headcount enrollments and student credit hours from 2003-04 to 2007-08 Head Count SCH 25000 20648 20000 15000 12409 10000 7666 6405 5000 910 3962 3824 Enrollment Targets 2808 1224 2413 0 AY 03-04 AY 04-05 AY 05-06 9 AY 06-07 AY 07-08 Although CSU has seen rapid growth in elearning enrollments over the past few years, targets for the next few may seem modest by comparison. Overall growth targets have been set at 20% for AY 08-09 and 09-10 and at 15% for AY 10-11 and AY 11-12. The reason for these targets is two-fold. First, elearning programs often experience explosive growth in the early stages, fueled by demand for more convenience and flexibility in course offerings. Frequently, however, programs experience a plateau effect as demand reaches a peak and/or growth outpaces the institution’s ability to keep up with demand. Second, these elearning enrollments do not represent entirely new student populations. It is difficult to estimate how many students remain enrolled at CSU because of increased elearning offerings. Certainly, elearning makes CSU more competitive in the marketplace. But the strategic goal is to expand markets by serving new populations of students not otherwise seeking enrollment at CSU. This strategic goal will emerge as a result of increasing the number of complete programs available online to attract students who cannot attend traditional classes because of employment, family commitments, or distances. Overall, the number of students enrolling in elearning courses and programs combined will continue to grow at a rate above the enrollment increases overall across the university. Figure 3. 5-year elearning enrollment targets at Cleveland State University. 45000 39322 40000 34193 35000 29733 30000 24778 25000 20648 20000 15000 12535 10000 6045 7254 10446 8705 5000 0 AY 07-08 AY 08-09 AY 09-10 Head Count 10 AY 10-11 SCH AY 11-12 Program Plans Cleveland State currently offers several programs via elearning: • • A Master of Science in Nursing in Specialized Populations. A Master of Education in Education Technology (including an Endorsement in Educational Technology) • A Master of Science in Health Sciences • Graduate and undergraduate certificates in Bioethics • A Graduate Certificate in Research Administration (offered by the Maxine Goodman College of Urban Affairs). These programs were developed by the initiative of faculty and chairs in the respective departments, with very little support of the kind currently offered by the Center for eLearning. The Center is working with these programs to provide greater support, especially in terms of redesigning some coursework and extending marketing efforts. Nine additional elearning programs are planned for launch in the 08-09 academic year. These programs were selected based on a combination of market need, faculty interest and capacity, availability of some courses already online, and overall likelihood for success. The goals for these programs are to generate some new enrollment, provide models of success to encourage other programs and faculty, and establish a stronger presence in the elearning marketplace. These new programs include: • B.S.N. in Nursing o Completion program for students with an R.N. in Nursing • B.S. in Health Science o Completion program for students with associate degrees • Gifted and Talented Learners Endorsement o Master level endorsement with M.Ed. option • Teaching English To Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) o Master level endorsement with M.Ed. option • Education-Organizational Leadership o M.Ed. blended program, includes principal licensure. o Additional principal licensure-only program fully online • Early Childhood Endorsement o Required for at least one staff member in all Ohio daycare centers by 2010 • Urban Health – Certificate o For health care professionals who administer or deliver education programs • MBA pre-requisite courses o Graduate level courses required for entrance to the MBA program o Additional MBA courses beginning development in Summer 08 • General Education course package o Complete undergraduate offering of courses supporting degree completion 11 New programs plans for 09-10 and beyond include an emphasis on programs with a strong potential market that will attract significant new enrollments to the university and extend CSU’s market reach to more regional, statewide, and national populations of students. Programs with potential to reach international audiences are also under discussion. The Center is working closely with the Nance College of Business Administration on possible programs and will be developing elective courses for the MBA program this summer. The College of Engineering has also proposed delivering its Master of Software Engineering degree online, with perhaps a blended format option to serve international students. Undergraduate degree completion programs will be a particular focus for the next round of elearning program development. As suggested by the Northeast Ohio Universities Collaboration and Innovation Study Commission, we will work collaboratively with other universities to the extent possible. Organizational Model The Center for eLearning operates as a University support unit, providing services, coordination, and leadership to support elearning efforts at CSU. The Center does not operate as a profit center offsetting costs of operation against elearning revenues, nor does the Center charge other units for services it provides. The cost of operating the Center, along with incentives to faculty for the development of elearning courses and costs of elearning infrastructure, represent a strategic investment provided to colleges and academic units to create and sustain elearning programs. For students, the Center provides technical support (working with the IS&T call center) and troubleshooting for the elearning environment. Center staff also handle general inquiries about elearning programs and courses, making appropriate referrals or coordinating responses with appropriate units within the University. Through the elearning website, the Center provides access to useful resources such a links to a “Getting Started with eLearning” manual, a readiness assessment to provide feedback to students about their expectations for elearning, and access to a knowledge base called “Ask eLearning” where students can search frequently asked questions and submit help questions. The Center for eLearning also serves an important point of coordination with Colleges and academic units offering, or seeking to offer, elearning programs. Academic programs still create the curriculum, articulate academic standards for the program, provide all instruction, and monitor academic success of the program through ongoing assessment. The Center collaborates with the academic program to supporting the course development process by providing: • Faculty incentives to buy faculty time • Instructional design consultation and guidance best practices for elearning • Media creation services to convert materials to appropriate online formats • Overall project management to coordinate building all necessary courses for the program • Marketing coordination to promote the program to appropriate student populations • Assessment of student and faculty experiences, to help improve service. 12 One of the greatest challenges to building successful elearning programs has to do with delivery of services. All of the usual functions of a university—admissions, marketing, financial aid, registrar, advising, and others—must now serve students completely through the Web. Creating a comprehensive and seamless support system for elearning students requires that staff from all of these areas work together in unison. The Center for eLearning serves as the focal point to bring together these efforts in units across the university. One of the themes in the new Strategic Plan for Higher Education in Ohio calls for more collaboration between institutions in the University System of Ohio. eLearning programs provide ample opportunity for collaboration with a variety of external partners, not just other education providers, but business and corporate partners as well. The Center for eLearning also works to build such relationships that leverage elearning infrastructure and resources to better serve students and achieve the mission of the university. The Center seeks to work with other colleges and universities in Ohio, community colleges, the Ohio Learning Network, and national initiatives. Figure 4 below presents a visual depiction of the organizational model for elearning at Cleveland State University. Figure 4. Organizational model for eLearning at Cleveland State University. UNIVERSITY SUPPORT COLLEGES Academic Units INTERNAL UNITS Registrar IS&T Library Bursar Marketing Center for eLearning Admissions Advising External Partners STUDENTS 13 Finances eLearning at Cleveland State has been organized as a university support activity. The Center for eLearning employs a staff of 6, plus a Director, who provide instructional design, media development, technical support, and program coordination services to academic programs and faculty involved with elearning. The Center not only supports elearning programs, but also supports the integration of elearning technology and practice with traditional instruction. In addition, the Center for eLearning provides incentives that provide for faculty release time or stipends to develop elearning courses. Unlike traditional courses, elearning courses must have fully developed content loaded into a course management system in appropriate media formats for the entire course before the first day of a semester. It is a very time and labor-intensive process. In course development, the Center provides three essential kinds of service. First, instructional design staff guide faculty through the entire development process focusing not only on content development, but also on instructional strategy development appropriate for elearning delivery. Second, Center staff greatly reduce the technological barriers for faculty by converting course content into multimedia formats for delivery via the web. Third, Center staff help faculty develop the requisite skills to utilize elearning technology effectively to interact with students and facilitate learning. The Center also coordinates delivery of services and support for learners and faculty with other units across the university. The goal is to be able to conduct all transactions with elearning students at a distance through the web, via telephone, or other technological means. Not only do services and transactions need to be conducted at a distance, but also over time. Most elearning students are adult learners, often employed full time, who need to access services and conduct important transactions outside of normal operating hours. Table 4 illustrates the additional investment the university is making to support these elearning efforts. This investment is beyond the normal costs of operation, instruction, and overhead. It represents the additional costs necessary to support strategic growth in elearning programs, including staff and benefits for the Center for eLearning, elearning technological infrastructure, marketing, and costs of developing courses. Table 5 illustrates the tuition revenue (instructional component only) received from students enrolled in elearning courses. These courses include fully online and blended courses (courses that include a significant online component, along with some face-toface class meetings). Revenue from web-enhanced courses (traditional courses that add a web component but do not reduce face-to-face class sessions) is not included in these figures. Many faculty now include a web component in traditional classes. Over 450 traditional courses during the spring 2008 semester used a web component. The revenue for elearning courses is based only on the instructional fee, excluding any other fees. The projected revenue for future years is based on enrollment targets 14 presented in figure 3, above. Table 5 also shows revenue for program-only enrollments based on enrollment targets. Program-only enrollment refers to students enrolled in courses that form part of a complete elearning program. As new programs are launched, this will be one measure of looking at new students enrolling at CSU because of elearning programs. Table 4. eLearning Project Investment. 07-08 08-09 09-10 10-11 $480,000 $574,000 $736,700 $843,535 Operating Budget $72,000 $85,600 $109,880 $125,374 eLearning Infrastructure $50,000 $100,000 $125,000 $150,000 $0 $25,000 $25,000 $50,000 $50,000 $128,000 $224,910 $321,300 $200,000 $300,000 $450,000 $450,000 27 40 60 60 852,027 1,212,640 1,671,550 1,940,269 Staff Content Licensing Marketing Budget Course Development (Faculty Release) New Courses per year Total Project Costs Assumptions: Staff = 5% growth, plus 1 or 2 staff per year @70,000 inc. benefits Infrastructure based on IS&T costs for additional scalability Faculty Release based on $7,500 per course Marketing Budget based on a percentage of elearning program revenue Table 5. eLearning Projected Tuition Revenue. 07-08 6,000 14,000 6000 20,000 08-09 7,500 17,500 7500 25,000 09-10 9,000 20,300 8700 29,000 10-11 10,500 23,800 10,200 34,000 Total Tuition Revenue $6,374,000 $7,967,500 $9,242,300 $10,835,800 Program -Only Revenue $1,043,763 $1,458,675 $1,944900 $2,917,350 Total eLearning Headcount Undergrad SCH Grad SCH Total SCH Assumptions: • Revenue Assumption = $286/undergraduate SCH, $395/graduate SCH (instructional fee, held constant for four years) • Grad/Undergrad ratios based on historical data • Includes online and blended courses – not web enhanced • Program-Only revenue is that portion of Total Revenue attributable to students enrolled in complete elearning programs 15 Accomplishments The elearning initiative at Cleveland State has had a number of accomplishments since the Center for eLearning was established almost two years ago. Among the major milestones in the past two years are these: ¾ Director and other staff hired; roles and responsibilities redefined. ¾ eLearning enrollments increased almost 170% in two years. ¾ Production underway for online degree, certificate, and endorsement programs to be offered for fall 2008. ¾ eLearning Strategy Steering Committee created; strategic planning well underway. ¾ Training, faculty development support, outreach to academic units, and funding for course development increased. ¾ eLearning course management system upgraded to Blackboard CE 6 and integrated with PeopleSoft. ¾ CSU course schedule (CampusNet) website made searchable for elearning courses. ¾ New elearning website for faculty and students created. ¾ eLearning planning meetings held with every college dean. ¾ eLearning Services Coordinating Committee formed. ¾ Formal course and program development process created, including use of nationally-recognized “Quality Matters” course design. ¾ Recommendations presented to University Curriculum Committee passed. ¾ Faculty presentation station using MediaSite purchased and installed. ¾ Collaboration with University Library underway on electronic reserves and copyright policy compliance. ¾ Online course evaluation system being pilot tested in Spring 2008 Future Milestones For each strategic goal, the eLearning Strategy Steering Committee has identified a number of milestones for the next five years. GOAL 1: Ensure high quality elearning courses and programs at CSU. Milestones: • Implement a formal course development process for online programs in 20072008. • Offer an instructors’ “certification” program for faculty teaching online 20082009. • Most elearning courses show either no-significant difference or favorable differences with respect to student achievement when compared to face-to-face courses. By 2010. 16 • • Most eLearning courses show either no significant difference or favorable differences with respect to retention when compared to face-to-face courses. By 2012. Most CSU elearning courses will be developed using nationally recognized standards. By 2012. GOAL 2: Develop new programs rapidly that respond to demonstrable needs in the educational marketplace. Milestones: • Implement program development and budget planning process for use with all new elearning programs in 2007-2008. • Reduce time-to-market for elearning programs approved for online delivery to less than 9 months. By Fall 2009. • Offer all new elearning programs in delivery formats that best meet demonstrated needs of targeted audiences. By Fall 2009. GOAL 3: Offer elearning programs that will significantly enhance enrollments at CSU. Milestones: • Determine method for tracking and measuring new enrollments for elearning courses/programs beginning in 2008-2009. • Show 20% rate of growth in elearning enrollments for 2008-2009 and 2009-2010 and at least 15% for the three years thereafter. • Offer at least 3 additional elearning programs in each academic year. Beginning with Fall 2008 through 2012. • Offer at least one elearning program that reaches international audiences by 2010. • Enrollments in elearning programs contribute to a significant portion of overall elearning growth (versus student enrollment in individual courses). GOAL 4: Develop a sustainable organizational model for elearning that promotes both growth and quality and fosters internal and external collaboration. Milestones: • Center for eLearning and University marketing executes a marketing plan to promote elearning integrated with the overall university plan. Spring 2008 and thereafter. • Develop a program to support creation and/or distribution of elearning materials in content repositories, including both faculty incentives and technical infrastructure. • Center for eLearning and University Marketing launches an elearning web site that provides a single point to promote all elearning programs and generate elearning program inquiries. Spring 2008. 17 • • • Center for eLearning demonstrates collaborative program development model with CSU academic units through successful launch of at least 3 new elearning programs. Fall 2008. Demonstrate that eLearning programs achieve a break-even in new programs overall by 2009-2010 and show a positive return on investment each year thereafter. Offer at least two elearning programs developed in partnership with other institutions. By Fall 2012. GOAL 5: Develop a delivery and support system that provides consistent, satisfying, and seamless educational experiences for elearning students and faculty. Milestones: • Center for elearning publishes Getting Started and Getting Help resources for all elearning students, provides ongoing training for all appropriate units on helping students get started (Campus 411, 5050 Call Center, Extended Campus staff, advisors, etc.) Fall 2007. Center for eLearning establishes clear service metrics for elearning support services. 2007-2008. • Center for eLearning creates a 3-5 year infrastructure development plan to keep up-to-date with new technology and improved elearning support services. Spring 2008. • Satisfaction benchmarks established for elearning services through faculty and student surveys. Improvements to benchmark satisfaction increases each year. Spring 2008. • Center for eLearning meets or exceeds all service metrics in 2008-2009. Conclusion eLearning offers many exciting opportunities for Cleveland State University, but success with elearning requires facing many challenges as well. While CSU has experienced explosive growth in elearning enrollments overall, the challenge will be to serve the growing number of elearning students well, while also strategically expanding the pool of elearning students to include students who might not otherwise enroll at CSU because traditional programs are not accessible to them due to distance and time. During the past year, the eLearning Strategy Steering Committee has met regularly to shape a more intentional approach to elearning. Appendix A includes details for each of the five major goals for elearning at CSU, including specific objectives, strategies, benchmarks, and outcomes. This Strategic Work Plan is a work-in-progress that will change as we work to respond to new knowledge, opportunities, and patterns of enrollment. Many of the items included in the work plan have been achieved or are already in process. The Strategy Committee continues to meet to ensure the strategic direction remains focused and on target. 18 CSU has laid a solid foundation for elearning by supporting faculty over the past few years and, more recently, through the creation of the Center for eLearning. The university has undertaken the shift from proceeding reactively to new possibilities and technologies to now moving forward in a strategic and intentional manner. Cleveland State University is well positioned for leadership in elearning by emphasizing development of more complete program opportunities, reaching out to new populations of students geographically and demographically, building services enabled for 24/7 web delivery, and designing quality courses built on best practices. 19 Appendix A: Center for eLearning Strategic Work Plan Note: This plan was created in Fall 2007 and is intended to be a living document that is updated regularly. GOAL 1: Ensure high quality elearning courses and programs at CSU. Objectives Strategies Benchmarks What are the specific, What specific action steps What indicators will mark measurable targets that will and/or resources achieve progress along the way? address the goal? these objectives Faculty provide positive Obj. 1.1 1.1a Implement a course design Create a process that feedback that such a process and development process emphasizes pedagogy over helps them develop better that emphasizes best technology, based on courses more efficiently; practices for elearning. principles of sound Faculty provide useful instructional design. feedback to improve the process. 1.1b Greater numbers of faculty Build a process that is practical and includes some use the process or seek to clear steps and workflow for avail themselves of Center for faculty to follow. eLearning consulting services. 1.1c Include strong emphasis on assessment and evaluation Faculty who use the process as an integral part of the employ a greater degree of design and revision cycle to best practices in elearning ensure continuous improvement of courses and courses. programs. National standards and 20 Outcomes How will we know when the objectives have been achieved? Faculty who follow the process achieve higher scores on course reviews and require fewer revisions to achieve certification based on nationally recognized course quality standards Faculty survey data show a preference for using the process and perception that it is useful and leads to stronger course design and instruction. Students rate courses that follow the process higher in terms of instruction, overall design, organization, and application of technology. 1.1d Provide clear definition of roles and responsibilities that allows for collaboration between instructional designers and technologists and faculty. Obj. 1.2 Implement a course design quality review process. 1.1e. Develop collaborative relationship between the Center for eLearning and Center for Teaching Excellence to support strong emphasis on pedagogy. 1.2a Adopt Quality Matters course design rubric to review elearning courses. 1.2b Provide grants to encourage faculty to go through Quality Matters review process. processes, (such as Quality Matters), adopted and implemented as design criteria. Both Centers demonstrate an alignment of programs and resources that emphasized excellent teaching. Faculty volunteer to participate in course reviews. Faculty become trained and certified as course reviewers. Faculty serve as peer reviewers for review projects with other institutions. 1.2c Provide training for faculty and staff to become Quality Matters certified peer reviewers. Encourage faculty to participate in peer reviews for other institutions. 21 At least 10 elearning courses go through a formal course review and make improvements to the course. The number of reviewed courses rises to 15% of all elearning courses per year after three years. At least 50% of reviewed courses achieve a quality certification upon first review. This number rises to 70% after three years. 1.2d Continue to review other nationally recognized course design rubrics and processes. Obj. 1.3 Develop and disseminate guidelines and compile best practices for teaching elearning courses. 1.3a In conjunction with University Curriculum Committee and Colleges, and Center for Teaching Excellence develop, disseminate, and periodically review guidelines for teaching elearning courses. 1.3b Develop a peer mentoring process for more experienced faculty to provide feedback and guidance with less experienced faculty and adjuncts. 1.3c Maintain a repository of good elearning teaching practices and relevant metrics for faculty reference and for ongoing review of UCC and Center for eLearning, Center for Teaching Excellence (and others?) engaged in discussions. Adoption of clear guidelines and articulated role for UCC and others in promoting guidelines and ensuring their application. The University provides appropriate incentives and recognition for faculty to support involvement in the mentor program. All new faculty and a rotating schedule of other faculty participate in peer mentoring reviews of teaching. Center for eLearning and Center for Teaching Excellence collaborate to develop draft recommendations. Faculty teaching elearning courses and developing new ones make frequent and active use of repository materials. 22 institutional guidelines. Obj 1.4 Develop a comprehensive faculty development program that prepares faculty for developing courses, using technology, and facilitating elearning courses 1.4a Develop a consistent workshop program that addresses course design, course facilitation, and technology application in face-to-face and online formats. 1.4b Offer a CSU elearning certification for faculty who complete the full workshop sequence and other benchmarks. System for disseminating and collecting additional practices is developed. Faculty workshop participation increases 10%. At least 12 faculty complete the full certification program by the fall of 2008. At least 50% of all elearning faculty Certification program workshop curriculum outlined are certified within 3 years. by Oct 1, 2007. CSU achieves regional and national Complete cycle of workshops recognition for elearning faculty development program. offered by end of Spring 08. Full cycle of workshops offered online by Summer of 08. 1.4c Partner/join with other campus units, institutions, and organizations to provide more faculty development opportunities for elearning. Host a successful Technology Fair for CSU faculty and staff. 1.4d Publish a Faculty Development for eLearning guide to promote the entire curriculum and periodic Complete draft guide template. 23 CSU leads a consortium of at least four other institutions providing elearning development programs to faculty. At least 50% of workshop activities are facilitated by experienced faculty. Publish updated guide at least every semester. schedule of opportunities. Obj. 1.5 Assess learning outcomes from elearning courses and compare with traditional courses. 1.4e Create a “develop the developers” program to involve experience instructors as workshop leaders. 1.5a Academic units conduct assessments. Provide incentives and recruit initial cadre of developers. Conduct initial training workshop. An assessment plan is developed and adopted for examining elearning courses. 24 At least 80% of workshops, as appropriate, are conducted entirely with or include faculty peers as presenters. Assessments demonstrate that elearning courses compare favorably to traditional courses. GOAL 2: Develop new programs rapidly that respond to demonstrable needs in the educational marketplace. Objectives Strategies Benchmarks Outcomes What are the specific, What specific action steps What indicators will mark How will we know when the measurable targets that will and/or resources achieve progress along the way? objectives have been achieved? address the goal? these objectives Obj 2.1 2.1a Establish an eLearning Develop a standard program Programs proposals follow a All new elearning programs follow similar format based on Program Development evaluation “funnel” with this process rigorously. market research, competitive strategy to identify and clear steps and timelines to analysis, and academic review elearning review new program analysis. opportunities. opportunities. 2.1b Outline a clear approval process to move new proposals forward through the funnel including appropriate academic approvals as well as administrative support approval. The Center actively develops 6-8 new program evaluation proposals as a service in conjunction with programs each year. 2.1c Identify and outline clear roles for which offices should conduct which parts of the proposal evaluation process, including competitive analysis, 25 Obj 2.2 Provide funding to develop programs based on demonstrated needs and priorities. academic analysis, budget pro forma, and market research. 2.2a Replace the current course development grant process with a program development grant process. Provide multiple year funding to allow for full program development. Begin funding new programs through revised “grant process.” All elearning programs funded through this grant process. 2.2b Clearly distinguish between program development costs and program delivery cost. Develop clear guidelines for how development and delivery costs are allocated between central support and individual Colleges. 2.2c Develop a consistent policy for faculty compensation for elearning course development as part of the program development process. All elearning courses and programs operate on the same compensation Develop recommendations for appropriate compensation model. model, consistent with faculty contract and University policies. Seek approval from appropriate parties. 26 2.2d Include course revisions and course refresh as part of the development or delivery costs. Obj 2.3 Develop new programs or new delivery modes for existing programs for specific segments of the market, e.g. adult learners at a distance, transfer students, international students, and graduate students. Obj. 2.4 Reduce time to market for new programs. 2.3a Develop delivery models tuned to the needs of the student population (e.g. nonsemester terms for adult learners, hybrid executive formats for working professionals, etc.). 2.3b Survey particular segments of potential markets to determine both characteristics of both program and delivery needs. 2.4a Develop a program proposal and evaluation process that greatly speeds up the pace at which online program delivery proposals can be approved for funding (separate from new program academic approval). Offer some new programs using alternative delivery models. All new elearning programs justify delivery model based on sound academic practice, target audience needs and characteristics, not institutional traditions or convenience. Develop validated survey items to construct useful surveys quickly and easily. Include survey data as support for delivery mode decisions. Apply process to selected programs to demonstrate faster program development. All programs follow a similar process. Time-to-market for approved programs falls under 9 months. Time to approval decreases significantly for most programs. 27 2.4b. Speed development process through a variety of tactics including participation in consortia, purchase of content, use of content repositories, and outsourcing media development. Identify key opportunities and Demonstrate that program explore with respect to development employs multiple specific program offerings. strategies to speed development. Development time becomes significantly faster, allowing more programs to be developed, 28 GOAL 3: Offer elearning programs that will significantly enhance enrollments at CSU. Objectives Strategies Benchmarks What are the specific, What specific action steps What indicators will mark measurable targets that will and/or resources achieve progress along the way? address the goal? these objectives Obj 3.1 3.1a Offer online and hybrid Build new programs with a See Obj 2.3 above degree completion programs limited set of alternative that support adult learners at delivery models tuned CSU Centers and other offspecifically for adult campus locations. learners. 3.1b Prioritize development of general education courses, electives, and other courses most in demand for students to complete degrees. 3.1c Identify potential programs with the greatest need and potential and build a business case for offering these programs in elearning formats. 3.1d Revise the course scheduling Discuss strategy for prioritization with new Director of General Education. Articulate priorities in writing. Identify at least 4 potential programs by Fall, 2007. In conjunction with appropriate departments, develop case statement and market research for each by Jan 1. 29 Outcomes How will we know when the objectives have been achieved? New elearning programs become more competitive because alternative delivery models have been used. Offer a complete General Education package based on these priorities. Begin offering at least 3 new elearning programs by Fall 08 Decrease time to completion significantly for elearning programs. process to provide improved course sequencing for students. 3.1e Work with Centers to align schedules and course offerings. Include a 2-4 year scheduling cycle for as part of each program proposal eLearning programs are competitive because time-to-completion can be Consult Centers with new driven by student need versus elearning programs proposals scheduling availability. and vet course delivery cycles for potential issues of hang-ups. 3.1f Create a 3-5 year development plan for proposed new courses, course sequences, and delivery modes to support adult learners. Obj 3.2 Offer online and hybrid graduate programs that can serve regional, national, and international students. 3.2a Complete development of existing elearning graduate programs. 3.2b Develop a 3-5 year development plan for proposed new graduate elearning programs. Completion of existing programs serves as a model for development of additional, new programs. Identify all programs currently offered in hybrid or partially online modes. 30 Offer at least 2 existing programs in completed form by Fall 08. Offer 2 new elearning graduate programs by Fall 09 and 2 additional programs by Fall 10. 3.2d Develop and utilize a checklist for international delivery to include as part of graduate program design and development. Obj 3.3 Offer online courses and programs that will increase the number of transfer students enrolling at CSU 3.3a Identify courses and course clusters that most serve transfer students. Prioritize these courses for development. 3.3b Aggressively pursue partnerships with Community Colleges to develop transfer programs. 3.3c Develop a complete general education package for delivery via elearning. Obj 3.4 Develop partnerships with other institutions and consortia to provide elearning programs. 3.4a Evaluate and pursue membership in existing consortia to provide new avenues to deliver programs or develop partnerships. Creation of a working list of courses needed and not available online and priorities for development in phases. Meet routinely with community college partners to discuss specific needs and how CSU can offer elearning programs to fill those needs. See above Identify a list of potential opportunities and partners to pursue and evaluate. 31 Completion of phase one courses by Fall 08. (up to 10 courses) Completion of phase two courses by Fall 09. (up to 15 courses) CSU develops 2 new programs per year based on community college partnership or enhanced transfer options. Offer joint program and join consortium that helps achieve elearning goals. 3.4b Approach other State universities in Ohio to identify possible programs and opportunities for collaboration. 3.4c Survey regional business to identify opportunities for new and existing programs. Develop survey tool and list of businesses to survey. 32 Offer at least 2 new, successful programs generated from survey responses. GOAL 4: Develop a sustainable organizational model for elearning that promotes both growth and quality and fosters internal and external collaboration. Objectives What are the specific, measurable targets that will address the goal? Obj. 4.1 Establish the Center for eLearning as the point of central coordination for University’s elearning initiative. Strategies What specific action steps and/or resources achieve these objectives 4.1a Clearly define Center for eLearning services that include technical, instructional, and project management support for developing elearning programs. Benchmarks What indicators will mark progress along the way? Outcomes How will we know when the objectives have been achieved? Articulate services, goals, and mission for Center in publications, documents, and website. Deliver services that expand the strategic role of the Center in developing elearning programs and courses with academic units. 4.1b Develop more sophisticated tracking of elearning data to report trends and identify appropriate responses to direct those trends toward success. Develop concrete reporting requirements in conjunction Disseminate periodic reports, develop with Institutional Research yearly goals based on data. and other appropriate units so data can be collected going forward. Offer new elearning programs that demonstrate successful collaboration with academic units and more strategic role for Center for eLearning. 4.1c Develop several new elearning programs that demonstrate more strategic role for Center for eLearning. 33 Obj 4.2 Coordinate marketing responsibilities to provide the highest levels of visibility and response to potential student populations. Obj 4.3. Coordinate responsibility for elearning delivery services through a single office. 4.2a Establish an eLearning Marketing Team to provide oversight for all elearning marketing activities and to work with programs to develop marketing strategies for elearning programs. Identify participants and charge for marketing team. Complete and execute a successful marketing plan 4.2b Establish an elearning marketing web site to provide program information and gather inquiries for all elearning programs. Identify competitive websites Launch a fully functional web site by March 2008. as models; develop comprehensive site plan and site content. 4.2c Centralize responsibility for all marketing of elearning programs, in coordination with Marketing and Public Relations. 4.3a Establish an eLearning Services Coordinating Team with stakeholders from appropriate campus units related to elearning delivery services. Demonstrate the impact of marketing efforts in meeting or exceeding enrollment targets for new elearning programs. 4.3b Develop comprehensive marketing plan with marketing team Identify participants and charge for this team. Successful implementation of service enhancements resulting from this team’s efforts. CSU elearning support services rival competitor services. See 4.1a above See 4.1a above 34 Define categories of delivery services and responsibilities between the campus units and the Center for eLearning. 4.3c Implement service metrics for each category of service and assess annually. Obj 4.4 Develop a collaborative program development process that includes elearning delivery along with academic development. 4.4a Facilitate a program development process with departments to create a comprehensive program proposal and budget. 4.4b Develop models for elearning delivery that can be used as building blocks for program development. Obj 4.5 Develop a budget framework and process that identifies and allocates costs for elearning and allows for long 4.5a Establish an ad hoc elearning budget model task force to develop a program-level pro forma that distributes costs Identify minimal, desired, and ideal service metrics for each category or service Identify 2-3 programs to build a demonstration model for this process. Produce yearly report on service metrics and demonstrate progressive movement toward higher levels of service annually. Identify and implement refinements as a result of this experience. Other programs actively seek collaboration because of the successful implementation of programs using this model. Develop competitive analysis showing different delivery Offer 2-3 new programs based on modes used by others. alternative delivery modes or Justify delivery modes for schedules. new elearning programs in terms of market/student needs as well as academic integrity. Create budget templates and forecasts to expose and overall picture of elearning costs and revenues 35 Meet or exceed all budget targets annually. Revise budget model as needed. term program delivery and growth. and projects enrollments and revenues. 36 GOAL 5: Develop a delivery and support system that provides consistent, satisfying, and seamless educational experiences for elearning students and faculty. Objectives Strategies Benchmarks Outcomes What are the specific, What specific action steps What indicators will mark How will we know when the measurable targets that will and/or resources achieve progress along the way? objectives have been achieved? address the goal? these objectives Obj 5.1 5.1a Provide a coordinated point Develop an elearning Identify the list of key offices eLearning website surfaces all of access to services to meet “portal” site that surfaces and services needed to support important information and service specific needs of elearning important information and gateways to support elearners. elearners. Surface important students. access to elearning services. information for elearning from Students have a single point to access all services. each of these service areas. 5.1b Coordinate with campus units Prioritize services in terms of essential, desired, and ideal. to develop web pages or areas targeted specifically to Develop clearly articulated elearning students. Annual audit/ review of services metrics for each area of demonstrates steady improvement and services. 5.1c surfaces priorities for enhancements. Establish an eLearning Services Coordinating Team with stakeholders from appropriate campus units related to elearning delivery services. (Same as 4.2a) 37 5.1d Audit selected areas of student service each year (using a tool such as CENTSS). 5.1e Revise scheduling system and database for elearning courses so courses are identified within the registration system clearly, accurately, and in a timely fashion. Obj 5.2 Implement a consistent, ongoing assessment program focused student and faculty experience with elearning courses and programs intended to promote continuous improvement of services. 5.2a Develop survey instruments to assess student and faculty services and support. Deploy to all elearning courses each term. Report data widely to the campus. 5.2b Use Flashlight or similar tools to partner with departments to undertake program specific assessments. Gather audit team members and identify audit tools and procedures. eLearning course types definitions approved by Fall 07. Registration system testing completed by late Fall 07. All elearning courses are clearly identified within Campusnet so students know requirements for elearning courses as they register. Scheduling changes implement for Fall 08 registration cycle (Feb 08). Recommendations for changes to scheduling process presented by Sept 07. Establish task force to determine requirements for course evaluation system. Evaluate competitive products and draft RFP. Establish procedures for administering course evaluations according to College/Departmental requirements 38 Implement a course evaluation system and related procedures that adhere to all academic and contractual requirements for administering and using course evaluations. Obj 5.3 Ensure that learners are prepared for elearning delivery and elearning experiences. 5.3a Promote utilization of elearning readiness assessment as part of the advising process. 5.3b Develop an elearning orientation course and promote use for all new elearning students and faculty. 5.3c Provide standard documentation for all elearning courses regarding expectations for elearning and success strategies. Obj 5.4 Establish the Center for eLearning as the single point of service for faculty elearning support. 5.3d Include links in the registration system to elearning expectations for various types of elearning courses. 5.4a Coordinate with other campus units to provide “front door” technology and instructional design services. Most elearning students complete a Adopt a readiness assessment readiness survey prior to enrolling in tool and make available on the their first online course. Advisors web. routinely use this assessment and discuss results with elearning Make an orientation available students. to all students Faculty and students use orientation course to reduce need for technical support. Some programs require completion of an enhanced orientation Create and disseminate prior to select lower-level courses. standard elearning documentation All elearning courses use the standard documentation to provide essential information on how to get help, student roles and responsibilities in elearning, and other essential information. Publish/disseminate regular news and information to all faculty. 39 All faculty know where to access elearning services and what kinds of support are available. Work more closely with other units to coordinate resources. 5.4b Publish a campus guide for elearning faculty that identifies available services, resources, and technology. Obj 5.5 Develop elearning infrastructure to provide improved online services and a complete set of updated technology tools. 5.4c Monitor ongoing legislative, technological, and competitive developments affecting elearning and disseminate relevant information and recommendations. 5.5a Acquire or develop an online course evaluation system. 5.5b Research and make recommendations for a web conferencing system to support synchronous learning, orientations, and faculty/staff development. Faculty regularly contribute news and Create a faculty development information about their elearning “curriculum” that includes activities to Center publications/news clear development paths for channels. faculty to use in learning more about elearning. A community of learners emerges among faculty supported by the Center for eLearning. Develop a task force or multiple task forces to evaluate requirements for each element in the infrastructure. Develop RFPs as needed. Build infrastructure improvements into the budget planning process for elearning. 40 CSU elearning infrastructure develops as a unified system that provides essential elements of instructional delivery and support for students and faculty. 5.5c Provide campus wide support for Web 2.0 tools such as blogs, wikis, and social networking systems. Prioritize infrastructure improvements based on demonstrated needs and impact on student learning. 5.5d Implement a help desk tracking and knowledgebase system to provide enhanced technical support for faculty and students. Obj 5.6 Establish clear rewards and incentives for faculty who participate in elearning activities and teaching. 5.5e Develop the capability for content repositories to facilitate easy reuse of learning objects and content. 5.6a Develop compensation guidelines for faculty participation in course development and review activities. 5.6b Recognize outstanding elearning courses. Identify specific roles for faculty within the course development process. Establish guidelines for compensation for roles as appropriate. Colleges and Department adopt and use guidelines to provide incentives to faculty. Guidelines are widely understood and accepted. Develop a criteria and process for recognizing outstanding elearning courses, based on a voluntary review process. Faculty seek to have their courses recognized as outstanding elearning courses. 41 5.6c Recognize outstanding elearning faculty Develop a criteria and process for recognizing outstanding elearning courses, based on a voluntary review process. 42 Faculty seek identification as “Outstanding eLearning Faculty.”