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You Are Here > Home > Academic Programs > Education Technology > FAQs
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Distance EducationFrequently Asked QuestionsQ: What is distance education? A: Distance education is defined as a formal educational process where the student and instructor are not always in the same location. Distance education courses may be offered as synchronous (live) or asynchronous (archived) and may utilize correspondence study, audio, video, or computer technologies. Q: What does distance education mean at MSPP? A: MSPP takes a more broad pedagogical approach to the traditional definition of distance education, and thus refers to its employment as “E-Pedagogy & Educational Technology.” Under this title, MSPP supports virtual learning technology in all of its degree programs, whether they are offered on campus, or at a distance. Q: What type of course delivery methods does MSPP utilize? A: Every MSPP program falls under one of four course delivery classifications:
*Currently MSPP does not offer any fully online courses at the graduate level Q: Can you tell me more about the blended course structure? A: MSPP’s blended courses incorporate both online and on-campus study. Under the MSPP blended model, students take part in weekly online assignments, discussions, and collaborative projects with faculty members and classmates. Each student is then required to attend one intensive weekend-in-residence (WIR) per course in addition to other on-campus gatherings. Q: How do I know if a blended or online course is right for me? A: Graduate students from all backgrounds can benefit from the flexibility and intensity that a blended or online course can provide. Research has shown, however, that students who are self-motivated, proactive, organized, open to new ways of communication, and have had some experience with technology do exceptionally well under this particular model. Q: Do I need extensive experience with computers in order to succeed in a blended or online program? A: While we recommend that students come in with basic computer literacy skills, blended or online programs are not limited to students who are “technologically savvy.” In addition to trainings and workshops that will precede the semester, MSPP has a highly skilled support staff ready to address any concerns or problems you may have with the distance component of your program, or we can refer you to take courses to improve your skills. Q: Are the blended course lectures live, or can I view them at my leisure? A: Most MSPP blended courses are offered as “asynchronous” courses, which means you can login and view them at your own pace, provided you meet the assigned deadlines. Some courses will require you to login to an occasional live (synchronous) lecture, or to a scheduled group project meeting, however this will be made clear to you at the onset of the course. Q: For any MSPP course, do I have the option of viewing a lecture online or coming to class each week? A: Not at this time. Currently you must adhere to your program’s particular delivery method. One reason for this is that the blended courses differ from the face-to-face courses in that they are structured as a four-week or eight-week intensive model, and thus you can not switch back and forth between viewing material online and coming to campus. Q: How important are the blended program’s weekends-in-residence (WIR)? A: The WIR is required and vital to the cohort and experiential learning model. Each of MSPP’s blended courses include one required weekend-in-residence, which is typically held on campus from 8:30am to 5:30pm or 9:00am to 6:00pm on one Saturday and Sunday during the course. The WIR brings students together on campus to build upon the material from the weekly online activities. Students must make sure they can attend the WIR before they sign up for a course, since the WIR experiences cannot be made up or replaced. Q: Because there is less “face-to-face” time in a blended or online course, how will I remain part of the MSPP community? A: MSPP’s E-Pedagogy and Educational Technology approach is centered on active learning, engagement, and community. In addition to the in-depth weekly online discussions you will have with fellow classmates and your professor, the intensive weekend-in-residence component of a blended program will allow you and your cohort to build strong academic and social bonds. Students participating in blended courses are also encouraged to come to campus to study, work on group projects, and participate in campus-wide activities and social events. Q: What MSPP services are available for students taking blended or online courses? A: MSPP’s wide range of services are available to every student, whether you are on-campus or at a distance. Some of these services include an academic advisor, access to our library, writing center, quiet study rooms, career services office, student coordinating committee, school-wide events and celebrations. Q: Is financial aid available for blended and online students? A: Yes! As long as you are enrolled in a graduate level degree program, every MSPP student is encouraged to meet with the financial aid office to discuss what financial packages might be available to them. Q: What is the application process for the blended degree programs? A: The application process is the same for all MSPP program applicants, as long as they are at the graduate level. For each MSPP program, students are required to complete an application, submit an application fee, and provide letters of recommendation and official transcripts. Programs may have additional requirements, which can be found under the individual program website. For non-graduate level, or non-matriculating courses, please contact the MSPP admission office for more information. Updated 11/19/09 |
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