ITDE 27 Concepts to Remember

  1. Delivery technologies and instruction styles will vary, based on the course, its position in the program of study, and the instructor. We do things for a reason.

  2. Problem with a course/instructor? First contact the instructor. Then, if necessary, contact the professor in charge. Unless you don't speak English.

  3. ITDE offers a domestic program--internationally.

  4. The dissertation is a big deal.

  5. It’s an exciting time to be pursuing the study--and practice--of IT and DE.

  6. What instructional technology is--and isn’t.

  7. DE takes many forms and, done right, they all work.

  8. How much time per week good students devote to their studies – 8-10 hours/3 credit course.
     
  9. Doctoral programs are intended to be transformational.

  10. Start thinking about your research interests. Read, read, read. But don’t be in too much of a hurry to actually begin your dissertation.

  11. Briefly, what are all of the courses about? What will you learn? How does each fit into doctoral study and practice in the field?

  12. We take the “spiral curriculum” sort of seriously.

  13. Identify a “professional home” early on. Identify important journals, and read them--or at least be familiar with what's being published in the fields of IT and DE.

  14. IT and DE are two different fields.

  15. “Doctoral student” and “doctoral candidate” are not the same thing. Nor are “doctoral student” and “customer.”

  16. IT existed before the invention of the PC.

  17. DE existed before the invention of the Web.

  18. Even if you’re new to IT and DE you probably already have lots of skills that will help you succeed.

  19. Don't be afraid to ask for help--and don't wait. There are many resources. Professor, classmates, cluster coordinator, distance librarians, colleagues, and others.

  20. Your professor really is well informed and capable.

  21. As if tuition weren't enough, there will be additional expenses--textbooks, software, etc.

  22. Although ITDE is just one of many fine Fischler programs, we secretly know that we are the 300, the tip of the spear, the best.

  23. Learn or have fun. Not both. <smile>

  24. Characteristics of our curriculum: cyclical, online course designs and strategies that differ among each other (e.g., asynchronous activities vs. synchronous activities, use of multimedia, designer approaches depending whether the course is first year or last year, WebCT design), American approach of distance education (as opposed to European).

  25. Need to purchase the textbooks (and to actually read them), and need to belong to some professional association in the field

  26. The foundation courses are critical.

  27. The lead professor-adjunct relationship is important. The lead professors work closely with adjuncts but adjuncts have a level of empowerment when delivering the course. Even though we value academic freedom, all professors should follow guidelines and policies established by the university.