EPD - Instructor Resources - Options for Course Delivery

EPD Instructor Resources

Course Delivery Format Options
This page provides information and explanation regarding the flexible standardized delivery format options for EPD continuing engineering education (short courses). In addition to the traditional classroom-based/face-to-face format, there are several other options for delivery. Given the vast array of possible learning technologies to choose from in combination with the standard set of EPD delivery format options, it is best to make an appointment with Katie Lennon or Mark Millard to discuss the best available format and technologies for a given course. It is important to remember there are many other options for delivery of teaching and learning, however the format options below are most appropriate given the goals, context and customers of EPD short courses.

1. Face-to-Face, On-Site Courses
This format employs current EPD best practices in delivering on-site and classroom-based short courses.

Delivery Characteristics and Learning Technologies include:
  • Learning Environment: face-to-face
  • Learning Interaction Type: synchronous learning
  • Course Materials: printed paper notebooks, or electronic delivery of notebooks
  • Evaluation/Assessment: in-class, online
  • Communication: email, phone, face-to-face
  • Possible Learning Technologies: few, possible course materials server

2. EPDLive Webinar (Web Conferencing)
This format uses a web conferencing tool (such as BlackBoard Collaborate) as the primary delivery technology for instruction, communication, and collaboration. A possible add-on is an asynchronous component such as a course materials server to make files and readings available electronically. Typically participants/sites will only need computer speakers to hear the presenter(s). Participants can interact and ask questions using the text chat tool. Two-way audio VoIP communication is possible, but an be difficult and is not always recommended. There is also the option of teleconference bridge within the Adobe Connect for two-way audio, however this will incur an additional costs.

Delivery Characteristics and Learning Technologies include:
  • Learning Environment: online
  • Learning Interaction Type: synchronous
  • Course Materials: electronic delivery of notebooks and course materials
  • Evaluation/Assessment: online
  • Communication: web conferencing, teleconference, email, phone
  • Possible Learning Technologies: varied

3. Online Short Course (Instructor-Led)
An online short course is very similar to its traditional in-class/on-site short course equivalent, however, it is presented fully online using a learning management system such as Canvas. This delivery format may have both synchronous and asynchronous components.

Delivery Characteristics and Learning Technologies include:
  • Learning Environment: online
  • Learning Interaction Type: mixed/hybrid
  • Course Materials: electronic delivery
  • Evaluation/Assessment: in-class or online
  • Communication: varied
  • Possible Learning Technologies: learning management system, and other varied options

4. Blended/Hybrid Delivery (Classroom-based with Online Components)
This format combines some face-to-face classroom instruction with online web-based learning strategies and technologies. There are also options for providing participants with additional access to instructors and EPD experts, for a fixed period of time, before or after the classroom-based portion of the course, as well as delivering notebooks and providing course materials electronically.

Delivery Characteristics and Learning Technologies include:
  • Learning Environment: face-to-face and online
  • Learning Interaction Type: mixed/hybrid
  • Course Materials: electronic delivery
  • Evaluation/Assessment: in-class or online
  • Communication: varied
  • Possible Learning Technologies: varied
5. Video Conferencing/Telepresence
Full two-way interactive videoconferencing allows students and instructors at multiple locations to see, hear, and interact with one another. Because these courses often require access to specialized equipment or software, students often must travel to specified videoconferencing sites to participate, and instructors would need to utilize specialized facilitates, most likely at the Pyle Center. This is a highly interactive delivery method, but this option can be expensive with high overhead costs in terms of setup, logistics, and finances.

Delivery Characteristics and Learning Technologies include:
  • Learning Environment: online
  • Learning Interaction Type: synchronous
  • Course Materials: electronic delivery
  • Evaluation/Assessment: online
  • Communication: varied
  • Possible Learning Technologies: varied, but specific
6. Online Independent Learning (Online Self-paced Learning, Computer-based Training (CBT))
With this format option, participants learn independently on their own, at their own pace, with little or no interaction with instructors/program directors, or other students. The course or module has a specific start and end date (specified by the program director/instructor). Participants may register for classes anytime during the year, but typically have a pre-determined time in which to complete course modules. This format is the least interactive of all the delivery methods.

Delivery Characteristics and Learning Technologies include:
  • Learning Environment: online
  • Learning Interaction Type: asynchronous
  • Course Materials: electronic delivery
  • Evaluation/Assessment: online
  • Communication: minimal, but varied
  • Possible Learning Technologies: varied




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