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One of the benefits of the www.embanet.com [learning management systems] used in online education delivery is that they allow us to gather a wealth of data that can be meaningful in showing successful learning outcomes for these programs
Toronto, Canada and Schaumburg, IL (Vocus) June 17, 2009
As post-secondary institutions launch more online programs to match their on-ground offerings, aligning measurement of learning outcomes becomes increasingly important -- particularly for accreditation review. Dr. Thomas Downey, Chief Academic Officer of Embanet, ULC, an integrated, full service provider of online learning services to schools, colleges and universities across the United States and Canada, has proposed a new structure and process of data gathering, analysis and reporting for online and on-ground programs that will satisfy accreditors and provide a rich assessment of learning outcomes. Downey will discuss the assessment model and a case study at the Sloan-C International Symposium on Emerging Technology Applications for Online Learning on June 18 in San Francisco, California.
"One of the benefits of the learning management systems used in online education delivery is that they allow us to gather a wealth of data that can be meaningful in showing successful learning outcomes for these programs," said Downey. "Since on-ground programs have more limited capabilities to gather data, this can create a gap between the online and on-ground programs when preparing for accreditation reviews. Our multi-dimensional learning assessment model allows for the alignment and synchronization of these two environments."
Dr. Downey has over three decades of experience in adult technical training, education and instructional technology. He has led major online educational technology development projects at the University of Washington, Boeing Aerospace, Boeing Commercial Airplane, the Higher Colleges of Technology in the United Arab Emirates, and Thomson Learning. Dr. Downey was chosen for a "senior scientist" track at Boeing and served as Vice President of Technology at Thomson Learning. He holds a multi-disciplinary PhD from the University of Washington in Computer Science, Industrial Engineering, Human Factors and Psychology; an MBA in Accounting, Information Systems, and Security from the New York Institute of Technology, and a Master's Degree in Instructional Design and Interactive Technologies from the University of Washington.
Embanet (http://www.embanet.com ) is an integrated, full service provider of online learning services to postsecondary educational institutions. Embanet safeguards academic integrity and maximizes student enrollment and graduation by providing capital and expertise in program development, marketing and admissions, student services and technology support. With headquarters in Toronto and in the Chicago area, the company partners with universities across North America in offering more than 40 degree programs.
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