An off-campus, Web-based summertime learning system known as the Distance Education Program is in its third trial year, and the university is still evaluating it to determine whether to incorporate it permanently, said Katya White, senior financial analyst in the Provost's Office.
White said 267 students participated in the program's third round of testing last summer, which is almost double the original student enrollment of 140 individuals in 2004.
The classes were conducted via techniques such as live video streams, downloadable movies and music and other electronic media, such as scanned printings, White said.
The Distance Education Program Web site shows 24 classes were offered last summer from May 13 to Aug. 17. Six were categorized as communication courses and another five were through the School of International Service. Some other courses offered include an introductory Japanese language course and a course in lifetime health and fitness.
Ettle said there is discussion about allowing certain distance learning courses to be offered in the fall and spring semesters. At least two are being offered this fall, she said.
Vi Ettle, associate provost for the administration, founded the program. White has worked alongside Ettle in various capacities for the program, including the management of the Distance Education e-mail account.
"If we get students interested and taking classes online, we'll look for ways to continue to grow and improve the program," White said.
Diana Vogelsong, acting university librarian, said Bender Library has had a significant amount of involvement in the program because it administers services such as Blackboard, e-Reserves and Ask a Librarian, which are used by off-campus students in the program.
Vogelsong worked in partnership with colleague Claire Dygert, electronic resources librarian, and the Center for Teaching Excellence last spring to help fellow faculty members learn how to use the electronic resources that AU provides for the Distance Education Program more effectively.
"The program has expanded the possibility of meeting student needs whenever and wherever they arise," Vogelsong said. "Libraries are well positioned to support direct education because of transformations that have been occurring in information and product delivery services. We are well positioned to offer services for students who are off-campus in ways that we could not have done a decade or two ago."
Some students said they are concerned with the implication the Distance Education Program makes about AU's character.
Andrew Kerai, a sophomore in the Kogod School of Business, said distance learning undermines the school's reputation.
"Online courses weaken our credibility as a first-tier national university," he said.
Jake Fitzpatrick, a freshman in the School of International Service, said online courses are good depending on their accessibility to students.
"It definitely sounds like a great idea as long as it's implemented in a user-friendly way," he said.
