Technology-Based Learning Strategies Report - APEC HRDWG Wiki

D. ApplicationsExhibit 4:Rising Use of Technology in InstructionPercentage of all College Courses that use...100%80%60%59.3%96.8%85.5%76.5%40%42.7%20%30.7%0%Electronic Mail Internet Resources Web Page for Course2000 2005Source: The Campus Computing Project, www.campuscomputing.netExample: University of PhoenixUniversity of Phoenix (UOP) is a regionally accredited for-profit university with severalprograms licensed by the Department of Education. Founded in 1979, it is the fastest growingvirtual university. University officials report that the online student body has grown from 49,400in 2002 to 140,000 in 2005. 68 The University of Phoenix offers degree and certificationprograms to students on an individual basis but also partners with private companies and themilitary to offer career training and continuing education programs tailored to their needs.Because UOP almost exclusively serves working adults, courses emphasize learners’ needs byfocusing on workplace applications and professional development. For example, instructorsutilize a learning model that builds on students’ previous personal and work experiences. Inaddition, this workforce orientation is reflected in the University’s requirement that allinstructors be employed in the subject area that they teach.Even more so than its local “brick and mortar campuses,” the online programs are especiallygeared to fit around the complex schedules of working adults. For example, the University ofPhoenix Online offers a “rolling-cohort” enrollment model, which allows students to enroll inprograms once a group of eight to thirteen students is formed. The UOP also differs from otheronline universities that offer “self-paced” study because its programs are strictly structured sothat working students take only one class at a time and meet weekly course goals. The learning30