Annual Report
2006–2007
Von Pittman, Ph.D. Director
Gera Burton, Ph.D. Associate Director
Mission Statement
The Center for Distance and Independent Study extends the instructional resources and programs of the University throughout the state of Missouri, across the United States and internationally, via an asynchronous distance education delivery system.
Executive Summary
Working with all departments and using a flexible, online format, CDIS extends the resources of the university to provide courses year-round for students at all levels. The Center affords students the opportunity to complete a Bachelor’s Degree in General Studies (BGS) online. The Center also houses MU High School, which is accredited by the North Central Association. Total enrollment reached 25,662 last year.
CDIS graduated the first Bachelor of Graduate Studies student, with four additional students planning to complete their coursework during summer 2007. To date, over 1,000 students have requested information for the online program that allows them to finish a degree at their own pace. BGS enrollments doubled over the previous year.
Interest in noncredit courses continues to grow, particularly in the area of Emergency Management courses for First Responders, developed in cooperation with MU’s Fire and Rescue Training Institute. Last year’s enrollments topped 3,000, an increase of 7% over the previous year, with 1,925 CEU’s awarded.
MU High School graduated 64 students, including Bright Flight scholars and recipients of scholarships from a variety of colleges and institutions in the U.S. Graduates ranged in age from 17-47 years. MU High currently enrolls 692 active students.
Online registrations tallied 10,585, an increase of 82% since 2004, reflecting the upward trend in demand for online services.
The availability of a higher level of support for distance students demonstrates institutional response to student demand. An example of this commitment is the provision of tutorial services through the Online Writery which are now offered to Independent Study students enrolled in specific courses.
Trends
Innovations in technology present opportunities along with challenges for distance education. The evolution of the Web affords opportunities for students to socially interact with peers across boundaries. The popularity of sites such as Facebook and MySpace demonstrates what is possible for the next generation of online courses when it comes to interactivity. An obvious development is the facilitation of collaborative projects and the sharing of work-in-progress. Technology is enabling Independent Study students to take a more participatory role in their education as designers create interactive features to promote critical thinking and enhance learning.
Since the publication of the report of the Commission on the Future of Higher Education, otherwise known as the Spellings Report, there has been an increased focus on accountability and the notion of the student as a “consumer” of education. Institutions are being challenged to measure what students actually learn and to apply more rigor in assessment. Since education is—at its best—a transforming experience, it is vital that higher education addresses the issue of assessment in a comprehensive manner. In addition to measuring easily identifiable outcomes, assessment tools will need to factor into the process a recognition of the non-measurable results of education, such as an appreciation for the arts, the acquisition of a passion for learning, or an ethical sense.”
Access to higher education is of concern to a growing number of non-traditional students. A mere 18% of poor, working adults have earned associate, bachelor’s or advanced degrees. Increased financial aid will be required for this group to improve its skills and educational level. The availability of Osher Scholarships for non-traditional students represents a significant advance for students in this category. This year, one-third of the Osher scholarship recipients were BGS students.
Program Highlights
- A total of 25,662 enrollments from 41 countries
- Opened 76 courses, 43 of which were new or completely revised
- Generated 2,525 university enrollments
- Tallied 15,183 high school enrollments
- Recorded 4,924 elementary enrollments
- Recorded 10, 585 online registrations
- Registered 3,030 non-credit enrollments—a 7% increase
- First graduate of the Bachelor of General Studies, David Henson
- BGS enrollments grew to 186, a 100% increase
- BGS student, David Dunn, won the UCEA Outstanding Continuing Education Credit
- Student Award in the Mid-America Region
- 33% of Osher Scholarships awarded to BGS students
- MU High School admitted 228 students and graduated 64 students aged 17-47 years
Partnerships
- Beaver Area High School, PA
- Buckeye Online School for Success, East Liverpool, OH
- City Charter High School, PA
- Connections Program, Soldotna, AK
- East Liverpool Alternative HS, Ohio
- Interior Distance Education Alaska, Anchorage, AK
- International Educational Services, Seoul, South Korea
- Kansai Christian School, Japan
- Las Cruces Public School, NM
- Mastery Charter High School, PA
- Monroe Independent Education Charter HS, Monroe, AK
- Northwestern Sr. High School, PA
- PA Cyber Charter School, PA
- Quaker Digital Academy, New Philadelphia, PA
- Southern France Youth Institute, Villesque des Corvière, France
- Rio Rancho Academy, PA
- SusQ Cyber Charter School, PA
- Taos Pueblo Cyber Magnet School, NM
- 21st Century Cyber Charter School, PA
- Columbia College, Columbia, MO
Case Histories and Testimonials
From the parent of a nursing student: “I send this note to tell you how pleased I am with the CDIS staff at Mizzou and, in particular, to call your attention to the extra time and effort Ms. Terrie Nagel has invested in my daughter over the last year. I have already mentioned Ms. Nagel’s name in my letter to the Provost. Ms. Nagel was unbelievably helpful in arranging timing and exam locations to fit around my daughter’s medical issues and in suggesting appropriate classes to meet her goals.”
From a student of English 1170: “I was surprised how much I learned and how much I enjoyed. The assignments were appropriate and evaluations helpful. This was by far my favorite distance course, and I have taken five.”
From a student of Anthropology 1000: “This is my first online course with MU. I plan on taking several more and will be very pleased if they all go as smoothly as this one has.”
From a student of Survey of British Literature: “Although “An excellent course—I really like the structure of significance to text, significance to author’s thought, and significance to the period. CDIS has been the perfect fit for me. you.” “Everything others.” Challenging in the best sense!”
From a student of Child and Adolescent Mental Health: “ I would recommend this course to others. I have taken many classes through the CDIS and have always had a good experience. it.” The website is so Thanks.” “I easy to navigate and to submit lessons/access my course.”
From a high school counselor: “I have told several parents that if they want the best distance learning experience for their kids to go with Missouri . Keep up the good work!”
Recognition
Eliot Battle, MU High instructor, received the Outstanding High School Instructor Award.
Don Betz received the Operations Outstanding Service Award.
Gera Burton was awarded a Research Council Grant for “Mining the Archives of Cape Coast Castle” at Accra, Ghana , August 2007.
David Dunn won the UCEA Mid-American Region Outstanding Continuing Education Credit Student Award.
Darin Finke, Philosophy instructor, received the Outstanding University Instructor Award.
Von Pittman received the Specialty Books Excellence in Research Award “Distance Satisfaction.” for “Out on the Fringe: Helen Williams an Early Correspondence Study,” published in American Educational history journal. He also received the UCEA Mid-American Region Research Award for Iowa ’s Helen Williams.
Evan Smith was the co-recipient of a Wenner-Gren grant for organization of archaeological papers and photographs of Carlyle S. Smith (1915-93), University of Kansas.
External Leadership Roles and Memberships
Alicia Bixby is a member of the Missouri School Counselor’s Association.
Gera Burton holds memberships of SILAS, AACIS, UCEA, MODLA, ACIS and ISEB. She belongs to the Corps of Peer Evaluators of the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association.
Susanne Darcy is a member of UCEA and AACIS. She is a Peer Reviewer and member of the Accreditation Review Council (ARC) for the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association.
Bev Fox is a member of AACIS, MODLA, The National Council of Teachers of English and Mid-Missouri TAWL
Greg Johnson is a member of the national Council of Teachers of Mathematics.
Terrie Nagel holds memberships in MACADA, NUDC, UCEA and has served on the board of AACIS
Von Pittman is a member of AACIS, UCEA, and is President-elect of ISEB. He belongs to the Corps of Peer Evaluators of the Higher Learning Commission of the NCA and serves on the editorial boards of three scholarly journals.
Kristi Smalley served as President of MODLA. She holds memberships of MASSP, NASSP and AACIS. She is a participant in the Missouri Distance Learning Initiative.
Evan Smith is a member of AACIS, NUDC, UCEA, and MAACCE.He served as AACIS Secretary and Helen Williams/Monty McMahon Award Committee Sub-Chair.
Faculty Publications
Refereed journal publications
Pittman, V. (2007) “Inexpedient and Unwise: The First American External Degree Progams 1876-1910. American Educational History Journal. Vol. 34, #1, pp.123-134.