Virtual Environments

A broad range of systems, technologies, and resources facilitate the development and delivery of virtual learning at Iowa State University.

Courses and materials for on-campus students are increasing in number and quality. Current data indicates that more than 1,300 Iowa State faculty members regularly use web-based technology in courses on campus. One example of a web-based course taken by a large number of students is Computer Science 103, taught by Dr. Carl Chang and Shu-Hui (Susan) Chang with an enrollment of more than 1,000 students each semester. Iowa State’s off-campus virtual programs have overtaken face-to-face off-campus delivery in an expanding distance education curriculum. In the 2003-2004 academic year, the University offered 211 web-based courses; 2,944 students were enrolled in online, for-credit courses compared to 195 students enrolled in credit courses delivered via the Iowa Communications Network video classrooms. See the table below for information on distance education delivery methods over the past decade.

A 2004 baseline line study of Iowa State digital education technologies and pedagogies reported an eclectic mix of hardware and software, synchronous and asynchronous delivery, and pedagogical designs and devices. Iowa State provides and supports WebCT learning management system for coursework both on- and off-campus. Communications with students and faculty is supported by hundreds of university, college, departmental, service unit, and project web sites. Iowa State offers computer labs in every college and residential hall to ensure student access; Ethernet connections are provided in every dormitory room. Wireless access is available in nearly every campus building and at many outdoor locations.

These technologies have revolutionized Iowa State’s digital educational content from flat, single-learning-path text and image with audio voice-over (e.g., PowerPoint slides with narration) to more interesting and pedagogically sophisticated designs. The College of Engineering has pioneered digital video content (Computer Graphics and Geometric Modeling (CprE/IE/ME 557) with more sophisticated production and post-product features. The College of Agriculture has combined Internet and CD delivery, addressing the accessibility challenges of its distance students with lower-bandwidth. The College of Education delivers classes to teachers and administrators throughout Iowa using the Iowa Communications Network, a multi-point video network with more than 700 video classrooms. Iowa State Extension Service maintains a point-to-point broadband network connecting each of its 100 county offices at T1.5 bandwidth, permitting statewide delivery of high-quality video and IP content.

Iowa State is also utilizing more complex online conference and teaching technologies, including IP-based video, conferencing, and classroom systems for both synchronous and asynchronous content delivery. In addition, the institution is experimenting with meta-tagged sharable content object models permitting student-customized, multi-path learning and re-use of content objects for a variety of purposes delivered through an array of digital media.

Other virtual resources and development efforts include:

• A cross-disciplinary group led by Niki Davis, Director of the Center for Technology in Learning and Teaching, is developing an ePortfolio resource using eDoc.

• Continuing Education and Communications Services is developing a modular content development process that will provide step-by-step support to faculty and staff developing digital learning content, from opportunity assessment to evaluation and continuous improvement.

• Engineering education has developed “roll-in” and “carry-in” video production and content capture resources to record educational delivery at any location for reuse.

• Research by college resource units and individual instructors into content capture, development, conversion, and delivery options continues to produce new ideas, systems, and resources.

Training and consultation for content development and conversion and administration of Iowa State’s WebCT are provided by both Information Technology and CELT Learning Technologies. Individual colleges have also created content development centers: Agriculture: The Brenton Center; Engineering: Engineering Distance Education; Liberal Arts and Sciences: Center for Online Learning, with identified support staff in each of the other colleges. Extension’s CECS unit provides similar services for the development of distance education and Extension content.

Iowa State’s Parks Library offers online access through its e-Library Web site; every Iowa State department and service unit is accessible online, many providing online ordering and/or delivery of services. The Instruction Commons is a library resource linking each participating class directly to library resources related to that class.

The College of Human Sciences Center for Technology in Learning and Teaching (CTLT), is internationally known for its use of technology in teacher education and leads Iowa State’s efforts to develop and implement best technology-based teaching practices and the assessment of both student and faculty experience and results. With the support units in each of the colleges, CELT provide guidance and develop standards for excellence in virtual-environment teaching and assessment.

Other support units provide frequent faculty development programs featuring best practices. For example, the LAS Center for Online Learning presented a program by Craig Ogilvie, Department of Physics and Astronomy, on increasing the quality and timeliness of feedback using infrared personal-response-units and online quizzes. (see: Feedback in Large Courses to Increase Student Learning).

Much of Iowa State’s online and other digital content complies with section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act (1998). Faculty and other content developers receive compliance guidance from various entities, including CELT, each college’s educational technology support unit, and Extension’s CECS department; content produced by units is also reviewed for 504 conformity. Some older content and content developed by some faculty and staff unfamiliar with 504 standards remains in use. An April 2004 Provost’s Committee has proposed steps to continue the improvement of accessibility.

Development of educational technology is under the purview of the Provost’s Office and Iowa State’s Chief Information Officer. The Deans’ Council and advisory groups like the CELT Advisory Board, the Distance Education Council, the Information Technology Steering Committee, and the Computation Advisory Committee (CAC) inform decisions affecting Iowa State’s virtual educational environments.

Development of education content and the acquisition of educational technologies are supported through intramural grants from the Distance Education Council and the University Computer Advisory Committee, as well as through college and department budgets.

An analysis of the current state of distance education technology is included in the Distance Education Council’s strategic planning work. Core issues include:

• Developing processes to share information regarding new Distance Education technologies and the evaluation, shared purchase, and/or shared use of those technologies

• Developing a network of technologists through the creation of communities of practice, regular communications, and the consolidation and communication of knowledge about technologies

This work will integrate with the Iowa State’s strategic plan and will be implemented by the Provost office and the CIO, Distance Education Council, CELT, CTLT, CAC, and the colleges.