tips for administrators in promoting distance programs using.docVIP

Tips for Administrators in Promoting Distance Programs Using Peer Mentoring Barbara K. McKenzie, University of West Georgia Betül C. ?zkan, University of West Georgia Kent Layton, University of West Georgia Abstract: In this exploratory distance mentor/ mentee program implemented fall 2005 at the University of West Georgia, the authors investigated strategies that worked in motivating faculty to put their face-to-face classes online. This paper provides an overview of the program, its successes, problem areas, and tips for administrators to adopt in designing successful distance mentoring programs. Introduction Quality online courses that are interactive, well designed and implemented, and taught by knowledgeable faculty are in demand today by graduate students across the nation. Students are actively seeking institutions that deliver educationally sound programs that meet their diverse and varying needs yet offer them convenience and flexibility given their time and/or distance constraints. The number of higher education institutions that offer online courses has grown significantly (Allen Seaman, 2005; Maguire, 2005). Carr-Chellman strongly believe online education is the fastest growing market segment of adult education today and that growth expectations in the future are extraordinary (2005). As a result students have a variety of choices in selecting online institutions and courses that best meet their educational and personal needs. Competition for online students in higher education institutions has begun and now crosses many state lines. Online classes, however, if not delivered effectively can have high drop out rates due to a wide variety of reasons such as insufficient feedback from the instructor, technical difficulties, and/or poor course design. (Muirhead Betz, 2002, Pickar Wheatlye, 2001) Institutions delivering online courses must take the necessary steps to ensure their courses, whether they are partially or totally online, meet accreditation