Butte-Glenn Community College District
Distance Learning Committee
Minutes for Meeting on March 9, 2009
Subject: There is a Distance Learning Committee meeting on Monday, March 9, 2009 at 3:00 in LB
106
Committee Members Present: David Danielson, Dan Barnett, Kenneth Bearden, Jo Anne Cripe,
Chris Palmarini, Julie Withers, Steve Price, David Payne
Committee Members Absent: Helen Hagler
Visitors: Lyman Hagen, Donna Dreher-Lees
Agenda Approval: Agenda approved by Jo Anne Cripe, seconded by Kenneth Bearden.
Approval of Minutes: Minutes from the February 9, 2009 meeting was approved by Jo Anne Cripe,
seconded by Kenneth Bearden.
Public Comments
A. Jo Anne Cripe spoke about having OnCourse presenter visit campus to present to faculty.
Possible conflict with date as it corresponds with Sustainability Conference.
B. Lyman Hagen commented that he will inform the Curriculum Committee regarding the
upcoming joint meeting with the DLC. Key issues include: test proctoring, reorganize
online course paperwork requirements, ped caps for online courses.
a. Discussion ensued regarding strategies for addressing ped cap issues, and
agreement that it should be a joint discussion between the Curriculum Committee
and the Distance Learning Committee.
Reports
A. Chris Palmarini reported that the two individuals who requested training waivers have not
yet had consultations and approval for Blackboard use. Chris stated that he will reach out
to these individuals again this week, and ensure that they receive consultation in the near
future.
Old Business
A. Discussion of prior approval of NSG 74 hybrid course (J. Juhl-Darlington). Instructor
has added and improved on content as demonstrated during course presentation at
February 9 meeting.
a. Kenneth Bearden expressed concerns about setting a precedent for approving a
course that had already been scheduled and was currently being taught.
B. Regarding review of grandfathered courses using the Course Diagnostic Standards, David
Danielson stated that it is important for the DLC to continue to have a dialog with Ken
Meier on this issue, and would like to have the item revisited in the near future.
a. Discussion regarding the distinction of responsibilities between the DLC and the
Curriculum Committee, as well as how to handle the approval of grandfathered
courses.
b. Jo Anne Cripe asked if there was any information on how the instructors of these
courses would respond to being asked to present the courses to the DLC.
c. Kenneth Bearden reminded the Committee that the courses are still to be held to
the same legal standards as all online courses (ADA, Title 5).
d. Dan Barnett suggested that the evaluation process might also be used to perform
a review of these courses that may suffice.
e. Dave Stephens suggested that the existing infrastructure might be used to
implement a review of these courses (Deans and Chairs, for example).
f. Several members expressed concern that many evaluators might not be
sufficiently prepared to properly evaluate online courses.
New Business
A. Discussion re: William Kersey’s current three sections of online RLS courses.
a. Discussion regarding substitute for William Kersey’s classes during his absence.
b. General discussion regarding the issue of replacing certified online instructors
when original instructor is unavailable. Jo Anne Cripe suggested that we may
investigate how other campus deal with this issue.
c. Motion made by Kenneth Bearden to approve Jim Curlin to teach RLS online
courses in Bill Kersey’s absence, with the provision that a message be sent to the
students regarding the situation, as well as an update provided to the DLC at the
April 13 meeting. Seconded by Steve Price. Motion was approved.
d. Dave Stephens suggested that a faculty mentor be appointed to accompany Jim
Curlin in his efforts taking over the RLS courses. Steve Price volunteered, and
will contact Jim.
B. Discussion re: the upcoming joint meeting between the Curriculum Committee and the
DLC, Dan Barnett asked the Committee how they would like to proceed with the
development and distribution of documentation on online course development
procedures.
a. Dan displayed the current Online Course Development Procedures Manual, and
described a newly developed one-page summary of the process.
b. Dave Stephens suggested that the document include a statement that it will be
periodically reviewed and revised.
Next Meeting
A. Monday March 23, 2009, 3:00-4:20pm, LB 106
Adjournment
Meeting was adjourned at 4:18p.m.