Objective Evaluation in an Online Geographic Information System Certificate Program

Scott L. WALKER

Article Details

Objective Evaluation in an Online Geographic Information System Certificate Program

Authors:

Scott L. WALKER

Publisher:

Anadolu University

Journal:

Turkish Online Journal of Distance Education 2005 Vol.6 Issue 1, pp.60-75

Document Type:

Article

Publication Date:

2/2005

Document Language:

English

Document ID (Org No.):

2000784480

Frequency:

Quarterly

pISSN:

1302-6488

Abstract:

 

Departmental decisions regarding distance education programs can be subject to subjective decision-making processes influenced by external factors such as strong faculty opinions or pressure to increase student enrolment. This paper outlines an evaluation of a departmental distance-education program. The evaluation utilized several methods that strived to inject objectivity in evaluation and subsequent decision-making. A rapid multi-modal approach included evaluation methods of (1) considering the online psychosocial learning environment, (2) content analyses comparing the online version of classes to face-to-face versions, (3) cost comparisons in online vs. face-to-face classes, (4) student outcomes, (5) student retention, and (6) benchmarking. These approaches offer opportunities for departmental administrators and decision-making committees to make judgments informed by facts rather than being influenced by the emotions, beliefs, or opinions of organizational dynamics.

Article Details

Objective Evaluation in an Online Geographic Information System Certificate Program

Authors: Scott L. WALKER

Publisher: Anadolu University

Journal: Turkish Online Journal of Distance Education 2005 Vol.6 Issue 1, pp.60-75

Document Type: Article

Publication Date: 2/2005

Document Language: English

Document ID (Org No.): 2000784480

Frequency: Quarterly

pISSN: 1302-6488

Issues

Authors:

Scott L. WALKER

Publisher:

Anadolu University

Journal:

Turkish Online Journal of Distance Education 2005 Vol.6 Issue 1, pp.60-75

Document Type:

Article

Publication Date:

2/2005

Document Language:

English

Document ID (Org No.):

2000784480

Frequency:

Quarterly

pISSN:

1302-6488