Overview

Asynchronous learning networks (ALNs) are helping to transform education and training from site-based, time-bound experiences to anytime-anywhere online learning environments. By connecting learners with each other, with their instructors, and with a wide range of resources, ALNs allow a high degree of interaction and collaboration.

The Sixth International Conference on Asynchronous Learning Networks is the premier conference devoted exclusively to online learning. It brings together an international group of innovative educators, trainers, and technologists who are developing the art and practice of online learning.

The conference, sponsored by the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation in conjunction with University of Maryland University College, the University System of Maryland, the ALN Center at Vanderbilt University, and the Goethe-Institut Washington, provides an opportunity for you to study key issues, learn new approaches, see new technologies, share best practices, hear research results, and become part of an international community that is shaping education for a knowledge society of lifelong learners.

This year marks the second time the conference was held at University of Maryland University College's Inn and Conference Center in Adelphi, Maryland—just minutes away from Washington, DC on the campus of the country's leading institution for distance education.

Proceedings

Saturday, November 4, 2000

Graham B. Spanier has been president of The Pennsylvania State University since 1995 and has been the guiding force behind several academic initiatives, including the creation of the Schreyer Honors College, the Penn State World Campus, and the School of Information Sciences and Technology. He oversaw the historic merger with the Dickinson School of Law and promoted a new general education curriculum, including increased internationalization of the university. A distinguished researcher and scholar, he has written more than 100 scholarly publications, including 10 books. He holds four academic appointments at the university—as professor of human development and family studies, sociology, demography, and family and community medicine. Spanier is a national leader in higher education issues and chairs the NCAA Division I Board of Directors. He is also chair of the National Association of State Universities and Land-Grant Colleges Council of Presidents and co-chair of the Association of Academic Health Centers Council on Health Sciences and the University. He has previously chaired the Kellogg Commission on the Future of State and Land-Grant Universities, served on on the Board of Trustees of the National 4-H Council, and was a founding member of the Board of Directors of the University Corporation for Advanced Internet Development (Internet2).

Session I  9:00–10:15 a.m.

Faculty Development and Experiences Track

Stretching the Limits of Asynchronous Interaction
Laurie P. Dringus, Nova Southeastern University

ALN Pedagogy from a 3-D Perspective
Andrew Sackville, Edge Hill College of Higher Education

Simplified Course Design to Maximize Faculty Role in Course Development
Richard G. Mistrick, Penn State University
Cathy J. Holsing, Penn State World Campus

New Directions Track

Developing Web-Based Content Dbase System Tools to Promote Constructive Learning Environments: Searchable Knowledge-Based Solutions
Yoon-Il Auh, New York University
Dmitriy Ulyanov, New York University

Learning on Demand
David Hillis, East Carolina University

Intelligent Agent Tutors and Active Learning
Steve Knode, National Defense University
Sal Monaco, University of Maryland University College

On-Campus ALNs Track

Dissemination of On-Campus ALN: Successes and Misconceptions
Michael Thoennessen, Michigan State University
Ed Kashy, Michigan State University
Guy Albertelli, Michigan State University
Felicia Berryman, Michigan State University

Fokus Deutsch for First-Year German: On the Web, on TV, and on Campus
Ruth H. Sanders, Miami University
Robert DiDonato, Miami University

Linking Students to the Wider World via an Asynchronous Learning Network
Susan Sarnoff, Ohio University
Ann Kovalchick, Ohio University

Partnership Models Track

IEEE Partnerships with Universities and Industry
Peter Wiesner, IEEE
Saifur Rahman, Alexandria Research Institute
Robert Ubell, Stevens Institute of Technology

Sustainability through Partnerships: Creating Win-Win Scenarios for Internet-Delivered Courses
Douglas C. Elam, HMTRI

Partnerships: The University of California Extension Online Experience
Mary Beth Almeda, University of California-Berkeley
Charles A. Hill, University of California-Berkeley

Quality Standards Track

Faculty Peer Review for Online Courses: Implications for Promotion and Tenure
Joan McMahon, Towson University

Policies and Practices in the Pursuit of Excellence in Online Degree Programs
Richard D. Neidig, University of Maryland University College
Christina A. Hannah, University of Maryland University College
Michael Evanchik, University of Maryland University College
Robert Ouellette, University of Maryland University College

Strategic Planning for a Web-Based Curriculum
Trish Richard, University of Texas
Chris Bray, University of Texas

Virtual Universities Track

Digging Deeper: Guiding Online Discussions in Literary Analysis
Cynthia Davis, University of Maryland University College

Development of an Asynchronous, Online Learning Community of Accounting Faculty
Brian Loughlin, University of Maryland University College
Kevin Michel, University of Maryland University College

Sceniaro: The University in the Year 2005
Ulrike Bentlage, Bertelsmann Foundation
 

Session II  10:30–11:45 a.m.

Faculty Development and Experiences Track

High Touch and High Tech: Converting the "Touch" to Online Classes: Can We and Should We?
Joan D. McMahon, Towson University
Neil Davidson, University of Maryland, College Park

Teaching Thinking Online: Strategies for Promoting Disciplinary Reasoning, Intellectual Growth, and Critical Consciousness
William Peirce, Prince George's Community College

Humanizing the Virtual Education Environment
Karen Casto, Center for Instructional Innovation
Justina Brown, Center for Instructional Innovation

Institutional Policies Track

Are You Ready for All Learners: Designing and Accessible Architecture to Sustain Online Learning
Cyndi Rowland, Utah State University
Paul Bohman, Utah State University

Unbundling Intellectual Property: Recognizing Rights in Distance Learning
Robert Ubell, Stevens Institute of Technology

Use of Labor Management Committees to Change Distance Education Policies: The University of Alaska Experience
David J. Ackerman, University of Alaska Southeast

International/Cross-Cultural Issues and Opportunities Track

International Cross-Cultural Online Learning Collaboration Between Lebanese and American Students
Bidhan Chandra, SUNY Empire State College

The Ukrainian Distance Learning (UDL) system: An American-Ukrainian Cross-Cultural Approach
R.D. Shelton, Loyola College
George Gamota, Loyola College
C. R. Margenthaler, Loyola College
Alistair Brett, Loyola College
Ihor Katernyak, BID Program in Ukraine/ITRI

Learning Languages on the Internet: Challenges and Rewards
Chris Majari, Goethe-Institut

Learning Effectiveness Track

Evaluation Methodology in Computer-Assisted Learning
João Rafael Galvao, Polytechnic Institute of Leiria
Antónia Barreto, Polytechnic Institute of Leiria
Mario Rui Gomes, Lisbon Technical University

MAPP Online: Graduate Nursing Faculty and Working Adult Students Assess Effectiveness—A Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Partnerships for Training Initiative
Elinor M. Greenberg, University of Colorado Health Sciences Center
Jane Koeckeritz, University of Northern Colorado
Kathryn Nelson, University of Colorado Health Sciences Center

Measuring Student Accesptance and Satisfaction with Online Distance Education Classes
Ralph Gabbard, Indiana State University
Andrew Dillon,  School of Library and Information Science, Indiana University
Julia Newcome, Community College of Beaver County

Marketing and Recruiting Track

Successful Marketing Strategies for ALN: Internal and External
Amy Geffen, Risk and Insurance Management Society, Inc.

Successfully Engaging Faculty
Ginny Newman, The Pennsylvania State University
Edward N. Thompson, The Pennsylvania State University

Results of National Marketing Study on Online Learners
Karen Vignare, Rochester Institute of Technology
Gordon Freedman, Hungryminds, Inc.
Susan Bray, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

Student Services and Support Track

20 Years of Distance Learning Services—the R.I.T. Way
Richard Fasse, Rochester Institute of Technology
Joeann Humbert, Rochester Institute of Technology
Marianne Buehler, Rochester Institute of Technology

Providing Enhanced Student Support Services: Pace University, the NACTEL Project, and the FIPSE Grant
David Sachs, Pace University

Orientation Support and the Development of Learning Communities Online
Pamela Hanfelt, Capella University
Cheryl Doran, Capella University
 

Session III  1:15–2:00 p.m. (Focus Sessions)

Faculty Development and Experiences Track

Teaching by Style: Profiling Online Instructors Using the MBTI
Rena Faye Norby, Black Hills State University
Sharon Strand, Black Hills State University

Faculty Development and Experiences Track

Bridging the Digital Divide: Challenges and Potentials
Nola Stair, Bowie State University

Learning Effectiveness Track

Strategies for Developing Effective Online Course Evaluation
Bill Corrigan, University of Washington Extension
Nana Lowell, University of Washington

Evaluation of Distance Education Beyond the Course Level
Rick Shearer, The Pennsylvania State University

New Directions Track

Edu Lab: Laboratory of Educational Innovation
Albert Sangrà, Universitat Oberta de Catalunya
Andreu Bellot, Universitat Oberta de Catalunya

On-Campus ALNs Track

Online Learning Supplements in Face-to-Face University Courses: A Look at Faculty and Student Experiences
Laura C. Brewer, Arizona State University

Tutor: Stirred Not Shaken Teaching and Learning
Magdalene McShane Loyd, University of Westminster

Virtual Universities Track

The Law of the Virtual Campus-The Three Laws of Virtuality
William H. Graves, Eduprise
 

Session IV  2:15–3:30 p.m.

Faculty Development and Experiences Track

Facilitating Faculty Connections
Adelaide Lagnese, University of Maryland University College
Christina Sax, University of Maryland University College

Eight Types of Student Interaction in an Online Environment
Norman Tyler, Eastern Michigan University

Making the Virtual Classroom a Reality: An Online Faculty Training Series
Iris Stovall, University of Illinois
Jennifer Lieberman, University of Illinois
Michael Lindeman, University of Illinois

International/Cross-Cultural Issues and Opportunities Track

Travelling Project: Transnational Virtual Environment for Lifelong Learning
Albert Sangrà, Universitat Oberta de Catalunya
Nati Cabrera, Universitat Oberta de Catalunya

Learning to Read in Another Language—Can This be Taught Online?
Merle Krueger, Brown University

Teacher and Student Learning in an Online Asynchronous Environment: Building Reflective Practitioners for the Language Classroom
Aleidine Moeller, University of Nebraska

New Directions Track

Streaming Media Narrated Lectures
Curt Westbrook, California State University

Utilizing Streaming Audio/Video Clips in the Online Asynchronous Classroom
David J. Cohen, University of Maryland University College
Stephen Kerby, University of Maryland University College

Partnership Models Track

New Partnership Models to Scale Distance Learning
Dave Szatmary, University of Washington

Partnerships Among Multi-Educational and Health System Organizations
Mary O'Shaughnessey, University of Detroit Mercy

Professional Development @ Your Fingertips: Missouri Regional Professional Development Centers Online
Darla Runyon, Northwest Missouri State University

Quality Standards Track

The Department of Education's Distance Demonstration Project: Data Collection, Assessment, and Quality Standards
Gail Wisan, University of Maryland University College

Instructor Time for Teaching Online
Gregory W. Hislop, Drexel University

Group Size Effects in Asynchronous Discussions
Robert Heckman, Syracuse University
Joyce Hommel, Syracuse University
William Gibbons, Syracuse University
Ghazanfar Mian, Syracuse University
Donna Riegel, Syracuse University

Virtual Universities Track

Building Online Communities for Distance Education Students
Paul Cochrane, Saint Joseph's College of Maine
Susan Nesbitt, Saint Joseph's College of Maine

Creating a Virtual Learning Community
Rick Blunt, Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense
Catherine Ahearn, Dental Benefit Providers, Inc.

Ilinois Virtual Campus: High Touch Solution for High tech/Online Classrooms
Cathy Gunn, University of Illinois
 

Session V  3:45–5:00 p.m.

Faculty Development and Experiences Track

Peer Review of ALN Courses: Promise, Problems, and Practice
Margaret A. Chambers, University of Maryland University College
Habtu Braha, Coppin State College
Andrew Cavanaugh, University of Maryland, College Park
John Lea-Cox, University of Maryland, College Park
Marci McClive, Frostburg State University
Joan McMahon, Towson University
William McKelvie, Bowie State University
Carol O'Neil, University of Maryland, Baltimore

The Virtual Instructional Designer: A Just-in-Time Asynchronous Faculty Development Tool for Designing Online Courses
Nancy Franklin, Indiana State University
Paula Vincini, Indiana State University

Learning Effectiveness Track

Traditional Classroom, Instructional Television, Online Delivery: Are the Results Different?
William N. Chernish, University of Houston

Asynchronous Versus Synchronous Learning: A Comparative Investigation of the Effectiveness of Learner Achievement and Faculty Time Demands
Steven G. Lesh, Southwest Baptist University
Lary Rampp, RidgeCrest Learning, Inc.

An Examination of the Convenience Factor: How does the "Anytime, Anywhere" Variable Affect Learning?
Jennifer C. Richardson, SUNY Empire State College
Craig Tunwall, SUNY Empire State College

Marketing and Recruiting Track

Slow Growth to Major Growth—The Marketing of an Online Degree Program
Roger Von Holzen, Northwest Missouri State University
Darla Runyon, Northwest Missouri State University

Click, I'm In—Click, I'm Out: The Marketing of Online Courses
Yvonne A. Petrella, Oswego—State University of New York
Thomas K. Ingram, Oswego—State University of New York

Marketing Online Education: Tactics that Work
Larry V. Flegle, Bellevue University

On-Campus ALNs Track

Using ALNs in Executive Education
Salvatore J. Monaco, University of Maryland University College
Mary Ann Spilman, University of Maryland University College

Integrating ALNs into the Traditional Classroom
Zeynep Onay, Middle East Technical University

Developing an Interdisciplinary Management Course for the Asynchronous Environment: Integrating On-Campus and Distance-Learning Students
Joyce Hommel, Syracuse University
Robert Heckman, Syracuse University
William Gibbons, Syracuse University
Ghazanfar Mian, Syracuse University
Donna Riegel, Syracuse University

Partnerships Models Track

Yours, Mine, and Ours: Developing and Sustaining Strong Virtual Partnerships
Holly McCracken, University of Illinois at Springfield
Charles Evans, University of Illinois
Tom Ramage, Parkland College
Carmel Calsyn, Parkland College

Opportunities and Challenges of Cross-Cultural Partnerships
Paula Teig, Iowa State University

Student Services and Support Track

Building Sustainable Online Academic Support Services: Ensuring Anytime/Anyplace Access for Students
Merrily Stover, University of Maryland University College
Kim Kelley, University of Maryland University College
Robert McDonald, University of Maryland University College
Rita Tschiffely, University of Maryland University College
Ruth Markulis, University of Maryland University College

Building the Virtual Student Center: Expected and Unexpected Outcomes
Evelyn Ting, SUNY Empire State College
Carol Carnevale, SUNY Empire State College

Sunday, November 5, 2000

Session VI  8:30–9:45 a.m.

Faculty Development and Experiences Track

Redesigning Instructional Strategies for Online Learning
Nada Dabbagh, George Mason University
Brenda Bannan-Ritland, George Mason University

Illuminating Instructional Technology Support: Faculty Instructional Technology Design, Development, and Delivery
Darla Runyon, Northwest Missouri State University

Feedback from Faculty Teaching Online Courses in the Internet-Based Master of Public Health Program at the Johns Hopkins University
Sukon Kanchanaraksa, Johns Hopkins School of Public Health

Learning Effectiveness Track

Aspects of Using Small Groups and Team Activities Online in Business Management
Nicholas Brockunier, University of Maryland University College
Nathaniel Calloway, University of Maryland University College
Thomas Thompson, University of Maryland University College

Integrating Critical Thinking into Online Courses: Teaching and Learning of Introductory Psychology Online
Toby Klinger, Johnson County Community College

Marketing and Recruiting Track

Analysis of Web Portals for ALN Program and Course Listings
Mohammed Alharthi, Vanderbilt University
John R. Bourne, Franklin W. Olin College of Engineering
Martine Dawant, Vanderbilt University
Frank Mayadas, Alfred P. Sloan Foundation

We Know it Takes a Village
Heather Chakiris, The Pennsylvania State University
Haydn A. Kuprevich, The Pennsylvania State University
Robert N. Snyder, The Pennsylvania State University
Rhonda Walker, The Pennsylvania State University

The Impact of Emerging Information Technologies on Adult Learning
Sharon Galos, Cenquest, Inc.

Partnership Models Track

Pace University, CAEL, and the NACTEL Partners: An In-Depth Look at a Successful Partnership Model
David Sachs, Pace University

AV-ALN: A Learning Anywhere, Anytime Partnership
Randal Lemke, Educational Communications Foundation

Quality Standards Track

Creating a Quality Online Environment: Addressing Issues of Faculty Standards and Curriculum Design
Jackie L. Bruso, Regent University

BENVIC (Benchmarking of Virtual Campuses) Project: A Methodology and Quality Standards Track to Evaluate Virtual Learning Environments and Platforms
Albert Sangrà, Universitat Oberta de Catalunya
Lourdes Guardia, Universitat Oberta de Catalunya

Managing Large-Enrollment Online ALN Courses
John Sener, Northern Virginia Community College
Laura P. McCullough, Northern Virginia Community College

Virtual Universities Track

Emerging Possibilities for Collaborating Doctoral Programs
Edith Gummer, Purdue University
Richard Lesh, Purdue University
Janel Anderson Crider, Purdue University

Woodruff School Online Master's in ME Program: Lessons Learned
Joe Boland, Georgia Institute of Technology
Joe DiGregorio, Georgia Institute of Technology
George Wright, Georgia Institute of Technology

Developing an Online Master's Degree Program: Issues, Opportunities, and Lessons Learned from Penn State's World Campus
Eunice N. Askov, The Pennsylvania State University
 

Session VII  10:00–11:15 a.m.

Assessment Track

Multi-Methods Evaluation of a Health Sciences Distance Learning Degree Program
Gregg B. Jackson, The George Washington University
Steve McGraw, The George Washington University
Cathy Turley, The George Washington University
Nina de las Alas, The George Washington University
Vishnu Karki, The George Washington University

Assessing Web Course Management Systems
Henryk Marcinkiewicz, Ferris State University

Solving Teaching/Learning Problems in Online Classes
Joan D. McMahon, Towson University
Jo Paoletti, University of Maryland, College Park
Ellen Varley, University of Maryland, College Park

Faculty Development and Experiences Track

Development and Implementation of a Faculty Instructional Technology Resource
Susan Pietrangelo Brown, Duke University School of Nursing

Faculty Development at a Distance: Approaches to Integrating Technology into Distance Education Programs
Susan Nesbitt, Saint Joseph's College of Maine
Paul Cochrane, Saint Joseph's College of Maine
John Munroe, Saint Joseph's College of Maine

Traveling Light: Successful Course Development and Implementation Using Lotus Notes
Neal Henning, Southeast Community College
Alan T. Seagren, University of Nebraska-Lincoln

Learning Effectiveness Track

Facilitating Student Learning in an Asynchronous Learning Network
Alan Carswell, University of Maryland University College

"Edutaining" Asynchronously on the Web
Dee McGonigle, Penn State New Kensington
Nedra Farcus, Penn State Altoona

Resource-Based Learning and the Internet: A Collaborative Study
Mark Broom, University of Glamorgan

New Directions Track

Understanding Learning Activity in the Computer Conference: A Model and Method for Transcript Analysis
Terry Anderson, University of Alberta

Using Microsoft Access and NT Active Server Pages (ASP) technology to deliver a Mastery Learning Curriculum for an Image-Based Discipline
Dave Romer, Ohio State University

Building and Administering a Virtual Campus—Lessons Learned
Wendy Mobilia, Antioch New England Graduate School

Partnership Models Track

Online Special Education Partnership: Kentucky Commonwealth Virtual Education Model
Denzil Edge, University of Louisville
Cindy Mercer, University of Louisville
Sharon M. Edge, University of Louisville

From Learning Objects to Courses: A Partnership Project of the Wisconsin Technical College System
Kay Chitwood, Fox Valley Technical College

Partnering Opportunities and Challenges: A Distance Learning Joint Venture Between a Private University and a Public Community College
Charlotte Neuhauser, Madonna University
Jacqueline M. Stavros, Lawrence Technological University
Elgene Doinidis, Schoolcraft College

Quality Standards Track

Making the Transition to Online Course Development: Guidelines for Quality Control
Kathy Gresh, Johns Hopkins School of Public Health
Susan Mrozowski, Johns Hopkins School of Public Health

Program Quality and Other Issues in Scaling Up ALN Courses
Anthony G. Picciano, Hunter College

Arvind Rangaswamy is the Jonas H. Anchel Professor of Business Administration at The Pennsylvania State University. Prior to this appointment, he taught at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania and at the J.L. Kellogg Graduate School of Management at Northwestern University. Internationally recognized for his research exploring the interface between marketing and information technology, Dr. Rangaswamy has published numerous professional articles on computer-based modeling of marketing problems as well as marketing in the digital economy. He recently co-authored a book on computer-assisted marketing analysis and planning. He is an area editor for Marketing Science and serves on the editorial boards of several prominent marketing and business journals. Dr. Rangaswamy is actively involved with two business research centers at Penn State. He is a board member of The Institute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences and a member of the American Marketing Association. He has consulted for several leading companies in the areas of sales force management, marketing research, and e-business.