Number: 633
Subject: DISTANCE EDUCATION
AMBERTON UNIVERSITY
Distance Learning
(e-Courses)
Years before the Internet was popular and the term “distance learning” was born, the Amberton University provided “conference courses” to the working adult who had responsibilities that prevented predictable scheduling of time. It was a natural and easy move for Amberton to employ Internet technologies to make e-Courses available to those students who have the need, organizational skills, self-discipline, and talent for independent study and research.
Amberton’s e-Courses are identical to classroom courses in terms of learning outcomes, and both full-time and part-time professors who teach regular classroom courses also teach the e-Courses. At Amberton University,classroom courses and e-Courses are one-and-the-same in terms of competencies.
Admission to the University, costs, and expectations of performance are the same for all students regardless of the student’s location or course selection. The University requires a certain degree of computer literacy of all students. However, a student choosing to take an e-Course must have the following skills and technical capabilities:
· Access to the Internet
· An e-mail address
· General knowledge in:
Internet browser settings and configuration
E-mail and file attachments
Uploading and downloading files
· Use of a word processing package
· Ability to conduct on-line research
All of Amberton’s distance learning degree programs and courses comply with the following “Principles of Good Practice.”
· Each program or course of study results in learning appropriate to the rigor and breadth of the degree or certificate awarded.
· A degree or certificate program or course offered electronically is coherent and complete.
· The course or program provides for appropriate interaction between faculty and students and among students.
· Qualified faculty provides appropriate supervision of the program or course that is offered electronically.
· Academic standards for all programs or courses offered electronically are the same as those for other courses or programs delivered at the institution where they originate.
· Student learning in programs or courses delivered electronically is comparable to student learning in programs or courses offered at the campus where they originate.
· The program or course is consistent with the institution’s role and mission.
· Review and approval processes ensure the appropriateness of the technology being used to meet program or course objectives.
· The program or course provides students with clear, complete and timely information on the curriculum, course and degree requirements, nature of faculty/student interaction, prerequisite technology competencies and skills, technical equipment requirements, availability of academic support services, financial aid resources, and costs and payment policies.
· Any fee associated with the on-line format of the course or program is disclosed in the course syllabus and in the Schedule of Classes.
· Enrolled students have reasonable and adequate access to student services and resources appropriate to support their learning.
· The University has admission/acceptance criteria to assess whether the student has the background, knowledge and technical skills required for undertaking the course or program.
· Advertising, recruiting and admissions materials clearly and accurately represent the program and the services available.
· The program or course provides faculty support services specifically related to teaching via an electronic system.
· The University ensures appropriate training for faculty who teach using technology.
· The program or course provides faculty with adequate equipment, software and communications for interaction with students, institutions and other faculty.
· The program or course ensures that appropriate learning resources are available to students.
· The program or course evaluates the adequacy of access to learning resources and the cost to students for access to those resources. It also documents the use of electronic resources.
· Policies for faculty evaluation include appropriate recognition of teaching and scholarly activities related to programs or courses offered electronically.
· The University demonstrates a commitment to ongoing support, both financial and technical, and to the continuation of the program or course for a period sufficient for students to complete a degree or certificate.
· The University evaluates program and course effectiveness, including assessments of student learning, student retention, and student and faculty satisfaction.
· At the completion of the program or course, the institution provides for assessment and documentation of student achievement in each course.
· Program or course announcements and electronic catalog entries provide appropriate information.