Rapid conversion of an IT degree program to online delivery: impact, problems, solutions and challenges

Authors:
William D. Armitage;Naomi Boyer;Sarah Langevin;Alessio Gaspar
Affiliations:
University of South Florida Polytechnic, Lakeland, FL, USA;University of South Florida Polytechnic, Lakeland, FL, USA;University of South Florida Polytechnic, Lakeland, FL, USA;University of South Florida Polytechnic, Lakeland, FL, USA
Venue:
Proceedings of the 10th ACM conference on SIG-information technology education
Year:
2009

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Abstract

At our institution, online delivery was initially seen as a way to extend the geographic reach of a specialized upper-division degree program, the Bachelor of Science in Applied Sciences (BSAS), targeting holders of community college Associates in Science (AS) degrees, with the hoped-for impact of increasing enrollment. This program shared many required courses with our flagship program, the BS in Information Technology (BSIT), including the upper-division entry point for both programs, CGS3303 IT Concepts. Implementing this course in an asynchronous online mode resulted in an increase in enrollment from 17 (fall, 2007) to 70 (spring, 2008); most of these 70 students identified as BSIT, leading us to fast-track conversion to online modes for all of our core courses and electives. This accelerated pace of online development presented many challenges and difficulties, including ensuring the quality of our finished course product. Faculty buy-in, assisted by a stipend program for online development, was essential, as was the presence of quality instructional technology support. An NSF-funded infrastructure (SOFTICE) allowed the offering of problematic laboratory courses (Operating Systems, Networks) safely and securely in an online mode. A course quality review process was implemented as part of the stipend program, which also largely resolved intellectual property issues. Nonetheless, remaining are some issues and concerns, which are discussed in this paper. Recommendations, observations and suggested processes are included for those who may be considering transitioning an IT degree program to online delivery.