eLearning Ecosystems
eLearning Ecosystems
Executive Director
Educational Technology, Training and Outreach Information Services and Technology
Boston University
Academic Co Director Health Communication Online Metropolitan College
Boston University Executive Director
Educational Technology, Training and Outreach Information Services and Technology
Boston University
Academic Co Director Health Communication Online Metropolitan College
Boston University
Presentation Objectives
At the end of this session you will be able to:
Differentiate Boston University’s online ecosystem, curriculum
and course design from other distance educations approaches
experienced personally or on the job.
Identify the technology used to support the distance education
program
Contrast and compare Boston University’s curriculum and course
design approach with others experienced.
Categorize the variety of roles and responsibilities involved in
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Facts about BU
Fourth largest private university in U.S.
Prior to 2000, no experience in online education-experience was in
teleconferencing and satellite programs in engineering
The Office of Distance Education
Office started in 2000
Chartered in 2001 to help all schools within BU go online
Mission to service all programs from the entire University, both credit and
noncredit, with focus on complete degree programs and credit and non-credit certificates
In 2011 generated $37 million USD in revenue from online education
Offers online degrees and certificates (not à la carte courses)
27 full-time staff
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Bachelor of Liberal Studies Degree Completion (Metropolitan College)
Master of Criminal Justice (Metropolitan College)
Master of Laws in Taxation (Law School)
Master of Science in Computer Information Systems (Metropolitan College)
Concentrations in Security, IT Project Management, and Database Management & Business Intelligence
Master of Science in Management (Metropolitan College) (5 specializations)
Project Management
Human Resource Management
Banking and Financial Management
International Marketing
Insurance Management
Master of Science in Health Communication (Metropolitan College & College of Communication)
Master of Music Education (College of Fine Arts)
Master of Art Education (College of Fine Arts)
Master of Social Work (School of Social Work)
Transitional Doctor of Physical Therapy (Sargent College)
Doctor of Music Education (College of Fine Arts)
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Graduate Certificates:
Clinical Investigation (Medical School)
Database Management (Metropolitan College)
Digital Forensics (Metropolitan College)
Entrepreneurship (School of Management)
Financial Markets and Institutions (Metropolitan College)
Health Informatics (Metropolitan College)
Information Security (Metropolitan College)
Information Technology & Project Management (Metropolitan College)
International Marketing (Metropolitan College)
Instructional Technology (School of Education)
Physical Education, Nutrition and Coaching (School of Education)
Project Management (Metropolitan College)
Non-Credit Certificates from Center for Professional
Education:
Fundraising Genealogy Paralegal Foundations Professional Investigation Financial Planning Retirement Management 7Boston UniversitySlideshow Title Goes Here
Over 3,000 students currently enrolled
93% Graduate level
8% of the overall BU student population and 43% of the university’s
master’s level students
53% male, 47% female
HC 85% Female, 15% Male
Median age 34
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Everywhere!
50 states
62 countries
globally
Most live 200+
miles from
campus
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Institutional support
Quality technology and support
Faculty involvement
Clearly presented course materials
Consistent design evaluation measures
Small groups 1:15
Student to student collaboration
Engaged student services and community building
Understanding of the audience
Robust faculty support
Student validation
Cautious adoption of technology
…and let’s not forget Rigor
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Health Communication at Boston University
College of Communication
Traditional On Campus
Master in Health Communication
Started1997
Failure-to-Thrive
Ended 2003
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What is Health Communications?
Health communication is the field of theory, research, and practice
which studies and uses communication strategies, methods,
programs, and interventions as a means to inform and influence
individual and community decisions "that enhance health".
Health Communication is a transdisciplinary field that is integral to
a variety of other fields, including public health, healthcare, global
health, and community development.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. "Health Communication Basics". Retrieved 24 March 2013
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Health Communication Program
at Boston University - Repurposed
Deans unite – Tobe Berkovitz, COM and Jay Halfond,
MET explore options
COM’s curriculum asset repurposed
Online opportunity
Market Survey
Starting at the “beginning”
Blazing a trail
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The Need for Health Communicators
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Health Communication Program’s
Early Operational Challenges
Co directors – partners
No base department to work from
Learn as we go
Health sciences recruitment of “Subject Matter Experts”
Program marketing
Student recruitment - Outsources
Compass Knowledge Group
Embernet Compass
Pearson Embernet
Admissions
Enrollment Advisors
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Health Communication Online Program Goals
Multi-disciplinary
Flexible
Accelerated
Distinctive
Innovative
Challenging
Valuable
Relevant
Accessible
ISPI PresentationBoston UniversitySlideshow Title Goes Here
Health Communication Program Objectives
Offer the first degree of its type to be offered online, providing academic and
professional preparation for students who wish to work within this important and emerging field.
Students who complete the master’s degree in Health Communication will be able
to:
Apply basic public relations and marketing theories and principles to the
practice of health communication.
Employ communication strategy, methods and technology to communicate
information, influence audiences, or affect change on health-related topics and issues.
Evaluate the value and significance of traditional, social, and emerging digital
media practice in the health communication field.
Demonstrate an awareness and understanding of ethical and socially
responsible health communication practices and strategies, and knowledge of the Code of Ethics as defined by the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA).
Articulate the role that communication plays in the health care industry.
Interpret and apply basic communication research fundamentals to the field of
health communication.
Analyze, synthesize, interpret, and present health and scientific information
using clear and concise messaging for public consumption.
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Health Communication Program’s Curriculum
Core Courses
MET HC 750 The American Health Care System for Health Communicators
MET HC 751 Introduction to Epidemiology for Health Communicators
MET HC 752 The Biology of Disease
MET HC 753 Nutrition and Health for Communicators (Elective)
MET HC 754 Ethical Issues in Medicine and Public Health Communication (Elective)
MET HC 755 Contemporary Health Care Marketing
MET HC 756 Contemporary Public Relations
MET HC 757 Interactive Marketing Communications
MET HC 758 Media Relations
MET HC 759 Health Communication
MET HC 760 Research Methods for Health Communicators
MET HC 761 Advanced Writing for Health Communicators
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Health Communication Course Carousel
CYCLE 3Spring 2012 - Summer 2013
Semester Term Course Number Course Title Instructor Course Revision Approved
Spring 12 Term 1 MET CM 701/HC 756 Contemporary Public Relations Quigley Term 2 MET CM 781/HC 759 Intro to Health Communication Hamel
Summer 12 Term 1 MET CM 751/HC 751
Intro.to Epidemiology for Health
Communicators LaMorte Term 2 MET CM 719/HC 757 Interactive Marketing Comm Fauls Fall 12 Term 1 MET CM 743/HC 758 Media Relations Clark/Flynn
Term 2 MET CM 753/HC 753 Nutrition/Health Communicators Pufahl Spring 13 Term 1 MET CM 750/HC 750 American Health Care System Hamel Term 2 MET CM 734/HC 755 Cont Health Care Marketing Hurwitz/Buta
Summer 13 Term 1 MET CM 754/HC 754
Ethical Issues in Medicine and Public
Health for Communicators Cheyette Term 2 MET CM 752/HC 752 The Biology of Disease Van Seventer
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Health Communication Course Carousel
Cycle 4 Fall 2013 - Spring 2015Semester Term Course Number Course Title Instructor Course Revision Approved
Fall 13 Term 1 MET CM 701/HC 756 Contemporary Public Relations Quigley Term 2 MET CM 781/HC 759 Intro to Health Communication Hamel
Spring 14 Term 1 MET CM 751/HC 751
Intro.to Epidemiology for Health
Communicators LaMorte Term 2 MET CM 719/HC 757 Interactive Marketing Comm Fauls Summer 14 Term 1 MET CM 743/HC 758 Media Relations Clark\Flynn
Term 2 MET CM 753/HC 753 Nutrition/Health Communicators Pufahl Fall 14 Term 1 MET CM 750/HC 750 American Health Care System Hamel Term 2 MET CM 734/HC 755 Cont Health Care Marketing Hurwitz/Buta
Spring 15 Term 1 MET CM 754/HC 754
Ethical Issues in Medicine and Public
Health for Communicators Cheyette Term 2 MET CM 752/HC 752 The Biology of Disease Van Seventer ISPI Presentation
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Health Communication Program at Boston
University – the New Vision
A collaboration between COM, MET and the Medical Campus
Opportunity for the Medical Campus’ School of Public Health to
explore and experience BU’s distance education capabilities
Leveraging other BU experts
Sargent
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Prospective Students
The program will attract three types
of graduate students:
Professional communicators looking to specialize in heath
communication.
Healthcare professionals leveraging their industry knowledge
and experience to become professional health
communicators.
Public relation professionals working in health care looking
for validation/credentials.
Professionals (from outside both fields)
looking to change careers.
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Prospective Students
Our ideal students are interested in:
Health Promotion
Health Marketing
Health Communication
Public Relations
Fields they reside in:
Government agencies
Communication and marketing industry
Health care
Pharma
Non profits
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Why Choose Boston University?
Enjoy the flexibility of our award-winning 100% fully online
program.
Broaden and deepen your knowledge of health care marketing,
public relations, advertising, media relations, and social media, as
well as the American health care system and health sciences,
including biology and epidemiology.
Gain access to BU professors who are industry and thought
leaders in their field.
Engage in thoughtful discussions with high caliber fellow
students.
Develop life-long personal and professional relationships.
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Admission Stats
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Since the beginning of the program Fall 2008
through Spring II, 2014
Completed Applications: 557
Accepted: 422 (76%)
Rejected: 134 (24%)
Graduates through January 2014:
196
Personal and Professional Statements
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Office of Distance Education
Boston UniversitySlideshow Title Goes Here Samantha Orsagh-Yentis? Brian Bullock? Team A Programs: • SSW MSW • GMS Clinical Investigation • CFA Art Ed • CFA Music Ed Team B Programs: • MET MS_M • MET Health Comm Team C Programs: • MSCIS • Law Team D Programs: • MCJ • Sargent OT • UDCP • CPE
Program Distribution
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Student services + design = cohesive approach
to serving students and faculty
Subject matter expertise helps leverage
knowledge
Teams become more autonomous, accountable
for their own resources, projects and success (with lots of support)
Each team will own their programs,
and work in partnership with faculty and program coordinators in each of their assignment departments.
Greater student and faculty satisfaction Student and
Faculty Support
Design and Media
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Full academic programs
Not individual, random courses
Carousel calendar
Planned, consecutive courses allow multiple starts per year
Infrastructure for course development, faculty and student
services support
National student recruiting effort
Financial model
Margin predicated on high volume
Minimal outsourcing
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Faculty can serve multiple roles using established
development and delivery model:
Course developer
Instructor of record
Facilitator
Department oversight of academic standards – faculty
coordinator/program manager roles
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Health Communication 1
st
Week’s Lesson
4/4/2014 ISPI Presentation
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Request for Information
• Outreach
• Bu.edu/online • ODE office
• Marketing partner
Prospect Applicant Student Alumni
Application and Admissions • Decision • Initial contact • Academic department • ODE (+1-2 days) • Confirm acceptance • Curriculum map • Financial aid Pre-Enrollment • Kerberos • Student Link • Registration info • DE welcome package Registration • Student orientation • Books • Info Central • New student webinar* • Student accounts • Syllabus
Coursework • Design courses (w/faculty)
• Facilitated groups • Weekly discussions • Introductions • Assignments • Dynamic content • Assessments • Student collaboration • Faculty training and readiness • Live classroom • Proctored exams • Evaluations • Goals and objectives • Review of outcomes
Student Support/Guidance
• Technical support
• Non technical support • Academic advising • New student check-ins • Live classroom support • Attendance support • Progress review
Engagement • Community building • Social media
• Involvement in Terrier community • Visits to campus
Support • Participate in
development appeals • Support alumni activities
(10thanniversary road
show) • Survey
BU Office of Distance Education, December 2012
Legend: ODE, Academic Department, Other
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Key Principle
#1
Consistent Look
and Feel
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Key Principle
#2
Capitalize on
BU’s Most
Important Asset
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Key Principle
#3
Create Student
Interaction
Through
Facilitated
Discussion
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Key Principle
#4
Connect with
students in
interactive real
time sessions
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Key Principle
#5
Train faculty and
facilitators
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In addition….
6. Monitor and track student performance
7. Provide access to student support around the clock with live hours 16 hours per day and expanded live hours during exam periods
8. Require proctored exams/identity verification
•
On site
•
Proctor Cam
•
Nationwide network of testing centers
9. Archive courses to record all faculty/student interaction
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2011 Blackboard Exemplary Course
Winner
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Graduation Focus Group
Questions:
Broad Themes: MSHC Program Strengths,
Weaknesses and Opportunities
Program Structure
The Online Experience
One Thing
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Our Health Communication Graduation
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Project Manager
Marketing Department
Brigham and Women's Hospital
"The Master of Science in Health
Communication enhanced my career in
health care by both broadening and
deepening my knowledge base. Health
Communication courses like Biology,
Epidemiology and Nutrition deepened my
existing knowledge of health care while
classes like Biomedical Ethics, Introduction
to Health Communication, Interactive
Marketing and Introduction to Media
Relations introduced me to new concepts."
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Health Communication Graduate’s Effort
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