Distance Learning and Online Course Development

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TBR Policy Reference: 2:05:00:00

Approved by: President's Cabinet

Original Date Effective: 2013-07-01

Last Modified: 2023-11-27

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Purpose

In an effort to ensure quality instruction, the following guidelines will apply to the development, revision and maintenance of online courses.

The purpose of this policy is to establish the criteria and process for the delivery of distance education programs and courses. Distance education is an established and effective method for extending flexible educational opportunities. To provide the citizens of Tennessee with greater access to postsecondary education, Jackson State Community College affirms the effectiveness of distance education; recommends the use and development of distance education teaching and learning technologies, materials, and methods; and encourages institutions to take advantage of such opportunities in carrying out their individual missions.

Definitions:

Distance education describes a multimedia method of instructional delivery that can include a mix of online (web-based) instruction, streaming video conferencing, face-to-face classroom time, television, telephone, radio, computers or interactive video, or other combinations of electronic and traditional educational models using present and future/or electronic and telecommunication technology.

Distance education can be executed in a variety of ways and is consistent in that there is some degree of physical separation between the teacher and the learners. Communication, instruction, and assessment takes place through, or is supported by, technological means with focus on student-to-student, student-to-content, and instructor-to-student interaction.

The term “distance education” encompasses the terms “distance learning,” “online learning,” “e-learning,” “hybrid learning,” “blended learning,” “digital learning,” and other similar terminology.

Traditional on-ground instruction refers to instruction in a traditional brick and mortar classroom with a live instructor physically present in the classroom

Policy and Procedure:

Standards of Quality

1. 1. Courses offered through distance learning must meet the same academic requirements and quality standards maintained in regular credit and non-credit instruction. Specifically, courses taught in this mode must meet quality standards set forth in college policies relative to course review and approval, faculty evaluation, student performance, teacher-student interaction, and support services as stated in TBR Policy for Distance Education 2.05.00
   2. Distance learning activities will adhere to the S. Department of Education’s Final Rules on Distance Education and Innovation, SACSCOC policy on Distance Education and Correspondence Courses and Standard 10.6, and current literature and research on best practices in distance education

Distance Education Committee

1. 1. The Distance Education Committee (DEC) serves as a recommending body to the College on matters related to online and other distance education courses including online student support and success, online faculty support and training, online education policies and procedures, and other areas pertaining to distance education that promote the mission of Jackson State Community College.
   2. Mission statement: Distance Education serves faculty and students by providing training and support to ensure the quality of online instruction and student success.]

Administration of Distance Education Courses

1. 1. Distance education courses delivered via the internet must be offered using the Jackson State contracted Learning Management System (LMS) or a Jackson State contracted conferencing technology. Courses offered through the LMS that contain publisher courseware must initiate through the LMS so that students will access the publisher material by way of system integration with the LMS or by direct links from the LMS.

Training & Course Review

1. 1. Faculty involved in distance education must receive specialized training in online teaching and learning practices and in the use of related technologies. Instructors must update training regularly, as technology and best practices change.
   2. Distance Education courses will undergo regular review using the JSCC Course Design Rubric.

Records

1. 1. No distinction shall be made between student credit hours generated through distance learning and those generated through on-campus instruction.

Teaching Load Equivalent

1. 1. Distance learning courses count as part of a faculty member’s regular teaching load. The amount of load is determined by the Vice President for Academic Affairs and the dean and department head and must be approved by the president. The Vice President for Academic Affairs, in consultation with Distance Education Committee, will determine appropriate class size for distance learning courses.
   2. Departmental deans or their designee, in consultation with the Vice President of Academic Affairs as needed, determine teaching assignments and may limit the number of Distance Education courses taught by individual faculty. When assigning faculty to Distance Education courses offered in the summer term, the departmental dean shall utilize the same standards and practices used to assign face-to-face courses.
      
      

Distance Education Course Development

1. 1. Copyright - Under Federal law, copyright applies to any “original work of authorship fixed in any tangible medium of expression.” (17 U.S.C. § 102(a)). Generally, the owner of a copyright has the exclusive rights to reproduce the work, to prepare derivative works, to distribute copies by sale or other transfer of ownership, and to publicly display or perform the work. (17 U.S.C. § 106).
   2. Work Made For Hire - An employer owns the copyright to a work of authorship when the work was created by an employee within the scope of his/her employment. Some kinds of work can also be owned by the institution as a work made for hire if it is specially ordered or commissioned under a written contract signed by the two (or more) parties. (17 U.S.C. § 101, § 201 (b)).
   3. Fair Use -The Copyright Act provides for some exceptions to the exclusive rights of the copyright owners. One of these exceptions permits fair use of copyrighted work for purposes such as teaching, scholarship, or research. (17 U.S.C. § 107). The four factors to be considered in determining fair use are:
      1. The purpose and character of the use, including whether such use is of a commercial nature or is for nonprofit educational purposes;
      2. The nature of the copyrighted work;
      3. The amount and substantiality of the portion used in relation to the copyrighted work as a whole; and
      4. The effect of the use upon the potential market for or value of the copyrighted work.

Compensation for distance education course development and maintenance

1. 1. 1. TBR Policy 2.05.00, section V.A.3.states  “Institutions will determine teaching load equivalents and faculty compensation for distance education, including compensation for course development and course maintenance.”

Please refer to the Distance Education Handbook for specific guidelines and procedures regarding faculty training, course development and maintenance, course review, and compensation.