NOTES FROM FACULTY MEETING ON INDEPENDENT LEARNINGSUMMARY:
On Thursday morning [01-28-99], the faculty caucus for the Academic Divisional meetings had an open meeting for faculty about Independent Learning and Alternate delivery modes. While 2 hours of discussion didn't solve any problems, it certainly brought forward issues that need to be discussed. Here are the results of our meeting.
1) We all agreed that as it stands, there is a great deal of fragmented and conflicting information moving about the college. Depending on where (or if) you are plugged into Cambrian's grapevine, you have heard that:
- Independent learning is a purely cost saving measure
- Independent learning is mandatory
- Independent learning won't affect "my" program ("not in my backyard" syndrome)
- Independent learning is one of a series of choices related to alternate delivery
- Independent learning is the only option for alternate delivery
- Independent learning means web-based courses
- Courses must be identified immediately for independent delivery
- Independent learning is part of Cambrian's corporate strategy
- Independent learning will expand our client base
- Independent learning is the best/worst for the students
- Independent learning will not mean job losses (some say yes, others no)
- Independent learning inherently leads to job losses
- etc.
Obviously, we're all over the map as far as understanding what is meant by independent learning, where it is leading, and the implications associated with moving toward using more alternate modes of delivery.
2) From that, we reached the consensus that we need a plan to guide us through the development and implementation of alternate learning approaches. Faculty needs to be fully involved in the development and carrying out of this plan.
3) We need to clarify that the college resources, (information services, marketing, international programs, registrar's office) must be working
WITH faculty in supporting and providing thorough and comprehensive coordinated support for the implementation of the "alternative mode of delivery project." The current perception is that these areas are not currently working with the academic programs, and often pursuing goals that are detrimental to the provision of quality education.4) To set the groundwork for this to take place, we suggest that Marsh and Filion hold a town hall meeting for
ALL faculty. This forum would have as its primary goal an open discussion of the issues surrounding independent learning and the push towards alternate modes of delivery. The target date for this meeting is during an afternoon of the week of February 15th. We haven't approached them with this yet, and are not sure what the response will be. It is crucial that we get your response to this idea, and your participation when the meeting takes place.5) Some suggestions for guiding principles in this whole process came forward, and we need your input on these in order to rectify them.
- The purpose of introducing alternate modes of delivery is not to eliminate or remove components from courses or programs;
- The goal of introducing these delivery modes is to improve the quality of education (quality being measured by the technique's success in ensuring that we provide a more capable graduate to the workforce);
- An important guiding principle behind use of these alternative methods of delivery is to provide greater flexibility of student access to programs and courses.
- That the college clarifies a commitment not to remove supports for students, and indeed to guarantee that enhanced supports be put in place as would be required for the provision of alternate delivery systems.
- That a statistical survey be done which assesses student success rates in courses currently being delivered through alternate modes and independent study.
At this point, we are seeking your input. Our goal is to try and facilitate the development of a structured and inclusive approach to independent learning and alternate modes of delivery through our curriculum. In order to move forward in this direction, we must have grass root discussion leading to a developed and coherent strategy. Please add your voice to our discussion.