ACQUIRE FUNDING SUPPORT

The Integrated Distance Education Model in the Cross-Disciplinary Study of Children and Families Program in the Department of Education at the University of Minnesota Duluth was supported by a grant for Distance Education from University College. This funding was essential for the development of the model in that it allowed support for a peer mentor, student tech teams, and faculty development time. Over 150 hours of work beyond the regular face-to-face class preparation was necessary for this first experience in a model which integrated interactive television, synchronous chats, on-line course syllabus, e-mail, Power Point presentations, and fax as essential components for distance education.

To continue the model for the entire Cross-Disciplinary Study of Children and Families Program will require additional funding support. We are applying for various grants both within the University of Minnesota system and without. We hope to engage a vertical team like that at Rio Salado Community College. This team would consist of an administrator, faculty members, technology support faculty and assistants. Through this team approach, teaching and learning will be enhanced.

Particularly crucial is start-up funding for an integrated distance education approach. Once the key elements are in place, the team review of teaching and learning and continuous refinement would be needed. However, the funding level could be at a maintenance rather than start-up level.

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