Regis Faculty Standards & Expectations are developed for Regis faculty based on national standards for distance learning. National standards are constantly evolving. Several key organizations have established sound guidelines for practitioners in this field, and Regis University is committed to incorporating these guidelines into its distance learning courses.
- Communication with and among students in the online learning environment draws the student into the technology-mediated learning environment and creates and sustains a learning community vital to effective learning in this format.
- Email is a key communication tool for online learning.
- The Forum or Discussion Board is the most effective tool for community building and class facilitation.
- Course expectations for the students and their faculty member should be clearly outlined in advance.
- A community of learning provides the best learning experience when communication is lively and regular and active learning strategies are evident.
- Synchronous communication is appropriate within specific guidelines.
- Respect diverse points of view and different learning styles.
- Course hosting systems should be stable and consistent, and personal technical problems that cannot be solved by the individual should be minimized to avoid disrupting student learning and faculty teaching.
- Integrity of student work is maintained, copyright laws are respected, library resources are provided.
Sources
Best practices for electronically offered degree and certificate programs. (2000). In Statement of commitment by the regional accrediting commissions for the evaluation of electronically offered degree and certificate programs. WICHE. [Online]. Available: http://www.ncahlc.org/download/Best_Pract_DEd.pdf
Chickering, Art W. & Ehrmann, S. C. (1987). Implementing the seven principles: Technology as lever. AAHE Bulletin. [Online]. Available: http://www.tltgroup.org/programs/seven.html
Guiding principles for distance learning in a learning society. (1996). Washington, D.C.: American Council of Education. [Online]. Available:
http://www.adec.edu/admin/papers/distance-teaching_principles.html
