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Session 1547

Development of a Web-Enhanced Live Interactive Television Course

Mukasa E. Ssemakula

Division of Engineering Technology, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48202.

Abstract

A variety of social, economic and technological factors are converging to create increased demand for long distance education. This demand for distance education is in turn transforming how knowledge is delivered to students. New technologies are emerging to help address this need. From the instructor’s perspective, this presents a challenge. Not only does the instructor need to learn how to use the new technologies, the nature and style of delivery of the course content itself has to be adapted to the new medium of delivery. This paper describes the process that was followed in transforming a traditional course in Engineering Economics, formerly delivered with the traditional chalk-and-blackboard method, for delivery as a web-enhanced live 2-way interactive television course. The issues discussed include the instructor’s familiarization with the new technology, preparation of new course materials and visual aids, and incorporation of computer-based tools to enhance student understanding. The paper also discusses the administrative procedures that were put in place to ensure smooth running of the class and create a positive learning experience for both the on-campus and off-campus students.

1. Introduction

A variety of social, economic and technological factors are converging to transform the nature of higher education today. Some of the key symptoms of this change have been noted by leading academics and social commentators. James Duderstadt, President Emeritus of the University of Michigan - Ann Arbor, has this to say: "Today’s undergraduate student body is composed also of increasing numbers of adults from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds, already in the workplace, perhaps with families, seeking the education and skills necessary for their careers” 1. Sir John Daniel, Vice-Chancellor of Britain's Open University says, "Higher education is in crisis world-wide. The ingredients of the crisis are access, cost and flexibility and they blend differently around the globe 2. Renowned management consultant Peter Drucker caused an uproar in academia when he said: "Thirty years from now the big university campuses will be relics… The college won't survive as a residential institution. Today's buildings are hopelessly unsuited and totally unneeded” 3.

The following questions raised by Daniel indeed reflect what institutions of higher education should be asking themselves today: Are universities teaching the knowledge and skills that

Proceedings of the 2003 American Society for Engineering Education Annual Conference & Exposition Copyright  2003, American Society for Engineering Education.

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Ssemakula, M. (2003, June), Development Of A Web Enhanced Live Interactive Television Course Paper presented at 2003 Annual Conference, Nashville, Tennessee. 10.18260/1-2--12103