Appendix F: Distance Education Program Being Planned

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SUBMIT DATE:08/2/2012 
Constituent Institution:Appalachian State University 
CIP Discipline Specialty Title:Educational Media 
CIP Discipline Specialty Number:13.0501 
Level:
Exact Title of the Proposed Program:Master of Arts in Educational Media with a Concentration in Instructional Technology Specialist/Media Literacy 
Exact Degree Abbreviation:M.A. 
Date of Initiation:08/20/2013 
Will this sequence of courses be completely individual access (e.g., Internet, videocassette)? YES 
If "yes," what will be the mode of delivery?Online/web-based 
If "no," list proposed sites. 
If short-based, length of time to complete the prog (e.g., 1 year, 18 mos.):2years and 1 semester 

SACS/COC substantive change questions (1=Procedure One; 2=Procedure Two)

Site-based (where the instructor is present):

Is the institution initiating instruction where the student may earn more than 25% and less than 50% of credits toward a degree at a site 30 miles or more from the campus? (2) NO 
Is the institution initiating an (additional) off-campus site at which students may earn at least 50% of an educational program? (1) NO 
Is the institution adding significantly different degree programs at a currently approved site? (2) NO 
Distance learning (where instructor and student are geographically separated):
Is the institution offering its first credit courses via technology-based instruction by which students can obtain at least 25% of credits toward a degree program? (2) NO 
Is the institution expanding a previously reported program from less than 50% of credits to 50% or more of a degree program? (2) NO 
Is the institution adding a significantly different program from previously reported programs offered via technology-based instruction? (2) NO 
Does this action constitute a substantive change? If so, by what date should SACS be notified? 07/15/2013 
1. Briefly describe the proposed program and intended audience.

 

The program provides an innovative blend of learning opportunities in the design, production, application, and evaluation of a broad range of technology and media. Students are encouraged to pursue work in both traditional and emerging technologies related to all aspects of educational media. Graduates of the program will be prepared to assume leadership roles in various fields of media and technology. 


The Media Literacy concentration develops the technical and intellectual skills to successfully utilize and critique traditional and emerging mass media formats and information technologies. Particular emphasis is placed upon the impact and influence of media content and format on school and society, students and citizens. Attention is also given to issues of media ownership and media audiences. Graduates of the program will be prepared to foster media literacy initiatives, projects and curriculum development in a variety of educational settings. This concentration does not lead to North Carolina licensure. 

The intended audience includes individuals who have a Bachelor’s Degree from an institution accredited by one of the regional accrediting agencies. These individuals may be: teachers, community college faculty, instructional technology specialists, curriculum designers, media production professionals (videographers, web designers, graphic designers, creative directors, game developers), non-profit organizers, youth media arts organizers, health care professionals and organizers, and other individuals in both the public and private sector who wish to explore and study the impact(s) of media in the classroom and in society.

 

 
2. Describe the proposed instructional delivery systems (e.g., on-site instruction by faculty, interactive video, Internet, etc.).

 

This program will be delivered online in synchronous and asynchronous platforms, to be determined by the individual faculty member. Students will have technology guidelines for their computer access, as determined by Appalachian State University. A sample of those guidelines may be found at http://support.appstate.edu/services/computer-support/minimum-computer-requirements .   


In addition, the program may offer optional elective courses described as special topics/emerging issues may offered in summers in face-to-face delivery on campus (Boone), along with an optional face-to-face orientation and thesis presentation.

 

 
3. Describe need for the program (referencing results of surveys or special studies).

 

Appalachian State University is the first, and only, UNC institution to offer a program in Media Literacy at any level. It would be the first UNC institution to offer Media Literacy online as well. In addition, the current, site-based Media Literacy Program offered at Appalachian State University was the first MA program of its kind (2000) in the United States.


The Department of Curriculum and Instruction within which this program is housed receives unsolicited requests for this program from across the country and within North Carolina. Offering this program online will tap-in to the availability of this program for many at a distance from the Boone campus.

 

 
4. Projected total annual enrollment:
Year 1:20 
Year 2:20 
Year 3:20 
Year 4:20 
Year 5:20 
his intent to plan a new distance education degree program (or program site) has been reviewed and approved by the appropriate campus committees and authorities.
YES 
Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs
 
Contact Name:Mary F. Englebert 
Contact Title:Director of Distance Education 
Contact Email:englebertmf@appstate.edu