The Process of Transitioning to the
Distance Learning Mode
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Emerging Approach
Delivery Modes
• Asynchronous : Independent of Time
• Text based (readings, discussion board, text-based interaction)
• Multi-media based (video, podcast, PowerPoint with audio,
discussion board)
• Synchronous: Time Dependent
• Webinar-style delivery (e.g., WebEx, GoToMeeting, Adobe)
• Webcasting (e.g., Cornell-Queens partnership)
• Pure online versus hybrid-online
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Categorization of
Distance Course Formats
(B) Asynchronous
(A) Synchronous
Phone
Video casting
Webinar
Examples of Tools Used:
-Audio conferencing
-Video teleconferencing (VTC)
-Webinar hosting
Text-based
Multi-media
Based
Examples of Tools Used:
-Discussion Board
-Pre-recorded class videos
- PowerPoint with embedded audio
-Instant messaging
-Podcasts
-Computer simulations
Synchronous Online Class Sessions
ABC
ABC
ABC
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Asynchronous (Hybrid Online) Format
Face-to-Face
Session
Lecture A
Lecture D
Lecture E
Lecture F
Lecture G
Lecture I
Lecture B
Lecture H
Lecture J
Lecture C
Face-to-Face
Session
Face-to-Face
Session
Face-to-Face
Session
Face-to-Face
Session
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From the Student Perspective …
Face-to-Face Class Session
Download Online Lectures
Read the Assigned Material
ONLINE
Post Questions on Blackboard
Submit Assignment
Note: Beware of designed redundancies and order effects !!!
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Transition Requirements

Distance courses must meet or exceed the learning
outcome standards of their FTF counter-parts

Faculty must map out and execute their session-bysession transition plan

Supplemental student surveys will be conducted to
assess course delivery

Decision to offer a course belongs to the area chair
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Dimensions of
Distance Course Delivery
(1) Dissemination of knowledge
– Readings, PPT, videos, podcasts, lecture captures,...
(2) Interactivity
– Discussion board, webinars, voice threads, FTF meetings, etc.
(3) Application
– Weekly exercises, cases, simulations, project …
(4) Continuous assessment
– Problem sets, case analyses, quizzes, exams
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Transition Steps

Step 1: Consult your area chair to ensure that there exists a need for delivering the course in a distance
learning format.

Step 2: Complete the Application for Distance Learning Course Development (Appendix B) and email to
estelami@fordham.edu along with the course syllabus you use for the face-to-face version of your course.

Step 3: Once you have submitted the application form in Step 2, you will receive a review (typically within
72 hours) and you can begin to complete the Week-by-Week Course Transition Template (Appendix A) to
transition your face-to-face course into an online format. Once the week-by-week templates are
complete, please email them to estelami@fordham.edu to arrange for a discussion of your course
transition strategy.

Step 4: You can commence production of your course material on a week-by-week basis. If needed,
please contact Fordham's Instructional Technology and Academic Computing group (ftc@fordham; 212636-7788) to obtain the necessary technology training.

Step 5: Upon completion of the production of the course material, please forward the material to
estelami@fordham.edu for a final review.

Step 6: With the approval of your area chair ensure that your course is scheduled for delivery for an
upcoming term and commence delivery of the course. Given the unique nature of courses in the distance
learning format, a mid-semester student survey as well as an end-of-semester evaluation will be done
using an online survey tool, and you will be asked to post the links to these surveys for the students.
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Course Development Milestones
Face-to-Face Class Delivery
Development of Instructional Material for Online Delivery
Development of Student Assessment Instruments
Course Set Up on Courseware System
Course Administration
Course Refinement
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Course Development Milestones

Development of Lecture Material for Online Delivery
– Text material (e.g., articles, textbooks, Internet postings)
– Multi-media
 Digitized lecture videos
 PowerPoint with audio overlay

Development of Student Assessment Instruments
 Blackboard exam pools
 Computer simulation-based assessment

Course Set Up on Courseware System
 Blackboard adaptive release

Course Administration
 Blackboard assessment tools
 Web-hosted class sessions
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