Minnesota Summit on Learning & Technology

Benchmarking University of Minnesota Capacity to Support High Quality Online and Blended Programs

Robert Rubinyi

University of Minnesota - Twin Cities

Larry Coyle

University of Minnesota - Twin Cities

Peg Martin

University of Minnesota - Twin Cities

Paul Celeen

University of Minnesota - Twin Cities

Stephen Weisner

University of Minnesota - Twin Cities

Keywords: benchmarking, evaluating online programs, administration of online programs

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Abstract

The University of Minnesota's Center for Educational Innovation along with other administrative and academic units, are collaborating on a project to benchmark the University’s online and blended programs against best practices in the field, and then examine how programs at other institutions of similar size and type are administered.

Through this effort, a) strengths and gaps will be identified; and b) the highest priority areas for strategic improvements will be compiled to prioritize University and academic unit investments. Specifically to:

• Evaluate existing online education programs
• Provide recommendations to improve online education programs
• Demonstrate to accrediting bodies (both HLC and professional bodies) the breadth of quality in program administration through a rigorous self-study approach using demonstrable artifacts
• Assist in the planning and creation of new high-quality online education programs
• Develop strategic objectives for program improvement
• Make it easier for academic units to bring new programs online

Related URL: http://onlinelearningconsortium.org/consult/quality-scorecard-publications/

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Author Biography

Larry Coyle, University of Minnesota - Twin Cities

Larry has over thirty years of experience designing, developing, teaching, managing, and administering eLearning projects and programs. He has a B.A. in Journalism and Mass Communications from the University of Minnesota and a M.S. in Instructional Systems Technology from Indiana University.