The number of courses for the University’s innovative distance-learning initiative has grown dramatically — from 10 to more than 50 — while support services have been upgraded.

More than 40 elective courses were created this year for juniors and seniors, ranging from Major American Writers I to Technology and Its Critics, from Film and Society to Fundamentals of International Business to The Spanish Speaking World.

In addition, the number of sections of courses offered has increased significantly. For example, in fall 2002, 28 sections of the freshman online Core course The Global Challenge were available. This fall, more than 40 sections are being offered.

“The distance-learning initiative has really hit its stride,” reports Cathy Kelley, assistant provost for educational technology, Metropolitan Campus. “The first two years were about building enthusiasm for the initiative and building our capacity to deliver a quality program. Now we have the processes and people in place and know exactly what needs to be done to enhance the program.”

One of the big changes this semester is that many of the new classes introduced are “hybrid” or “blended” classes. “This means that students in these online courses can expect to meet with their professors on a more regular basis,” Kelley explained, “although a great deal of their course work will still be done on the Webcampus.”

Kelley also announced that the University has upgraded its Webcampus system from Blackboard 5.5 to Blackboard 6.0. “Blackboard 6 includes many new features and enhancements. We have also changed hosting services in order to bring a more robust and stable system to our community.”

In addition, a new educational technology Web page is available (http://alpha.fdu.edu/edtech), with resources for faculty and students. Information is available about studying on Webcampus, FDU’s interactive television classrooms and laptops, and finding online teaching resources.

Kelley said that future plans include the expansion of training and development opportunities for faculty. “This kind of support should lead to an even better online experience for our students. We also expect to turn our attention toward more advanced technologies to support online and Web-intensive classes.”

The distance-learning program requires that each undergraduate student take one online course per 32 credits. A key part of the program is the exposure to global perspectives, particularly through the use of Global Virtual Faculty (GVF), scholars and practitioners from throughout the world.

September 2003

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Flor =
College at Florham, Madison, N.J.

Metro =
Metropolitan Campus, Teaneck, N.J.

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