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Distance Learning Overview |
Adelphi University recognizes distance learning as a formal educational process in which the majority of instructional time is spent with the faculty and students separated by space. Distance education employs technology in bridging the distance between the various partners in the enterprise—faculty and students, and student and student.
Adelphi’s Distance Learning Policy (PDF)
Distance Learning Formats at Adelphi
Adelphi distinguishes between the following course formats for distance learning:
- Video-conferencing where at least two-way synchronous interactive video is employed in a classroom setting. This is accomplished over IP to remote sites or with Web-based delivery.
- Blended courses where 30% to 79% of the instruction is conducted online and the remainder is provided in a traditional face-to-face modality. The percentage of instruction that occurs online is dependent upon the course content and faculty preferences. Although typically asynchronous, the online requirements may be synchronous at the instructor's discretion.
- Online courses with few or no traditional on-site, face-to-face meetings, and 80% or more of the content delivered online via Moodle.
- Traditional face-to-face courses where 0% to 29% of instruction is conducted online.
The format and tools applied to courses need to be designed appropriately for the content and intended learning outcomes.
Adelphi online course materials are delivered via the Moodle course management system, which is also used to enhance live instruction courses at Adelphi. This environment allows for a wide variety of multimedia interaction with students, and lesson planning is limited only by the imagination of the instructor.
The Distance Learning content should provide for appropriate and flexible interaction between faculty and students, as well as among students.
As with live instruction courses, it will be up to the individual instructor to determine what constitutes adequate participation in their online class.
Instructors are required to be available online consistently throughout the duration of the course to assist students with their studies. Course communication methods include:
- Virtual office hours
- Email
- Instant messaging
- Live chat
- Discussion boards
- Student surveys
- Virtual whiteboards
Course Approval Process for Teaching an Online or Blended Course
NEW COURSE OFFERINGS
Each new online or blended course is approved by Adelphi faculty governance committees in the same manner that other traditional courses and programs are approved. Detailed procedures and forms are available on the Adelphi Intranet (on-campus only).
EXISTING COURSES
Before teaching a traditional face-to-face course in an online or blended format, faculty need to obtain written permission from their dean or chair. Course methodology needs to be indicated when the course is open for student registration. Please let your departmental course planner know if you are using the Blended (30-79% content online) or Online (80%+ content online) methodology so they can process the course appropriately.
Developing an Online or Blended Course
Developing an online course should be a dedicated exercise in organization, learning new skills, and re-inventing yourself as a facilitator of learning. We advise faculty to plan for several months of development time. The FCPE offers a 1-2 week online summer institute each year to help facilitate and prepare the development process. Faculty will continue to be supported for the remaining summer months to complete course materials and activities for the following fall semester.
It is recommended that faculty teaching in Web-based learning modalities acquire competencies in online pedagogy and distance learning technologies. The Faculty Center for Professional Excellence provides faculty with hands-on training and support in course design and development, as well as in all distance learning technologies supported by the University.
FCPE staff with advanced knowledge of distance education design are available to assist faculty throughout the development of online courses. Please schedule an appointment with Susan Lambert, Distance Learning Specialist, at 516.877.4225 or via email at slambert@adelphi.edu.
Recommended Workshops
The following workshops should be attended at least one semester prior to developing or teaching an online course.
- Introduction to Moodle (1.5 hrs)
- Facilitating Discussions and Chats in Moodle (1hr)
- Assignments and Gradebook in Moodle (1.5 hrs)
- Quizzes in Moodle (1hr)
- Planning a Blended Learning Course (1.5hrs)
- Managing Workload and Online Presence in Distance Learning (TBA)
Check our current schedule to see when these workshops are offered.
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