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Scaling Up ALNs at NVCC: Innovations in Online Learning Strategies

This presentation by John Sener at the 5th International Conference on ALNs outlines the scalable innovations in the use of Asynchronous Learning Networks (ALNs) at Northern Virginia Community College (NVCC). With over 100 ALN courses and more than 60,000 enrollments, NVCC illustrates a commitment to providing accessible, flexible learning options for diverse learners, including mature, home-based, and skilled students. Key strategies include technology-based instruction and program diffusion initiatives to enhance reach and support independent learning.

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Scaling Up ALNs at NVCC: Innovations in Online Learning Strategies

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  1. Scaling Up ALNs at NVCC by John Sener Northern Virginia Community College Extended Learning Institute for: 5th International Conference on ALNs College Park, MD, October 9th, 1999

  2. NVCC: Fast Facts • 2nd largest multi-campus community college in US • > 60,000 enrollments, 22,000 FTEs/yr. • Currently offer 100+ ALN courses

  3. ELI: Fast Facts • NVCC distance learning unit (asynch.) • Established 1975 • > 170,000 learners in 23+ years • ~ 4,200 enrollments/sem. (~ 650 FTEs) • > 150 courses offered

  4. ELI’s Learners Are: • Primarily home-based • Older, more mature, more diverse • Often better-educated, more highly skilled than “traditional” college student • Time-strapped -- need flexibility, convenience

  5. ELI’s Program... • supports independent learning… • (self-paced, continuous enrollment) • …through technology-based instruction • (multiple media = print/computer/video/v-mail)

  6. Summary of ALN @ ELI, NVCC • Early ‘90s: ALN @ ELI before “ALN” • ‘90-’93: Annenberg/CPB grant • 2 degree programs (Gen. Studies, Bus. Admin) • ‘94-’97: Sloan grants • AS Engineering degree program (14 courses) • ‘98-present: Scaling Up ALNs @ NVCC • AAS Info. Tech., Public Mgmt., Bus. Mgmt., AA Lib. Arts (20 courses) • ‘minigrant’ diffusion program (20 courses)

  7. ALN Diffusion Strategies @ NVCC • Strategies = planned, directed, ELI-driven • ALN expansion at ELI: • AAS IST program = high enrollments • Public Mgmt. = special interest program • conversion of existing courses to ALN, Web • Minigrant program: • competitive selection process • includes on-campus ALN courses • wide (x-divisions) + deep (Psych., Fire Science)

  8. ALN Diffusion Patterns @ NVCC • Patterns = what’s happened • Instructor-Driven: • sequel & prequel courses • same instructor; different instructors within discipline, division • Campus-Driven • Discipline/Division-Driven

  9. Program Scalability Issues • Access • Affordability • Technology & Software Selection • Interactivity • Support Services • Evaluation

  10. Access • Access is a central mission of CCs • ‘Catch-all’ access strategy unnecessary • ISP access, higher skill levels expected • Define access in your environment • platform configuration • anywhere, anytime, anyone = _____________ • support services access

  11. Affordability • Use of low-cost technology • Cost-sensitive students = fewer options • “Tuition < tennis shoes” = some additional course materials cost OK

  12. Technology & Software Selection • Support various CMC/delivery software: • ‘Template-based’: Web Course in a Box, Blackboard/Course Info, Serf, CyberClass • ‘create-your-own’ tools: Dreamweaver et al.; Allaire Forums • Developing a college-wide selection & implementation process • w/College & campus TLTRs, other units

  13. Interactivity • Types of interactivity: • student/instructor, /student, /tutor, /et al. • communication, interaction, collaboration • Standard of interactivity: • required, optional interaction > classroom • Collaborative projects, cohort formation where appropriate

  14. Support Services • Adapting full range of services to online delivery • “Is ELI for Me?”; online counseling; continuous enrollment • Waiting for statewide SIS -> more “seamless” service delivery • portals, other vendor support services

  15. Evaluation • Student evaluation: • Similar to on-campus courses • Proctored, networked exams • Course evaluation: • end-of-course survey for all ELI courses • various • Program evaluation: • “5 pillars” (student, faculty satisfaction; learning, cost effectiveness; incr. access)

  16. NVCC/ELI Contact Info. • “Bringing ALN into the Mainstream” project web site: http://elisp.nv.cc.va.us/ • e-mail: jsener@nv.cc.va.us • phone: 703-323-3712

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