1. Welcome
2. Answers To Frequently Asked Question
3. Benefits of Participating in Off-Campus Education Programs
4. Center for Professional Development Staff Directory
5. Course Materials Supplier List, other University Contacts
6. Course Decision Process
7. Course Materials - Books, Coursepacks, Handouts, Homework, Course Software, WACOM Tablet
8. Homework Submission
9. Exams
10. MEonline, Delivery Formats
11. Communication
12. Classroom Overview
13. Cameras
14. Monitors
15. Microphones
16. Computers
17. Projection Screen
18. Video Tapes, Videoconferencing
19. Teaching Techniques
20. Graphics Presentation
21. Other Supporting Material
22. What Companies are Involved
23. Online Students
24. Who are These Students?
25. Who are the Site Coordinators and Moderators
26. Faculty Office Hour
27. Questions, Problems
28. Graduate Credit Programs
1. Welcome
Thank you for participating in the College of Engineering's Center for Professional Development. We look forward to working with you to provide distance learning programs.
To that end, we've prepared the Center for Professional Development (CPD) Faculty handbook, which should serve as a reference whether you're a novice or a seasoned veteran of continuing education and distance learning.
In this handbook is information on policies, procedures and tips for working with distance learning. Of course, the earlier you begin to plan, the easier your preparation will be and the better your presentation.
We hope your experience teaching with CPD will be interesting and invigorating, and we will do everything we can to make it so. Please call us if there is anything we can help you with before and during your course.
Thanks again for participating in this important and exciting part of the College's relationship with industry.
Sincerely,
Ed Borbely
Director, Center for Professional Development
2. Answers To Frequently Asked Question
Minimum Enrollment*
The ideal number of off-campus students enrolled in a distance learning course from a cost recovery perspective is 30. However, InterPro will make the final decision on the minimum number of enrolled students for a course to be offered through CPD.
Distribution and Transmission of Courses
CPD courses are delivered via videotape or online streaming video. Videotapes of lectures are sent by express mail once a week toeach remote site. Streaming video lectures can be hidden or released to your studentsdepending on your preference.
Schedule
Off-campus students will typically view lectures and submit assignments one week later than on-campus students. (see Course Logistics: Delivery Formats)Teaching in a technology-enhanced classroom
Your teaching style is your own. CPD tries not to interfere, but we do ask your cooperation with a few guidelines for optimum video coverage, and for helping you look your best. (see Teaching on TV: Teaching Techniques)
Shipping
CPD handles the shipping to off-campus students of videotapes, homework, and exams-when not distributed through MEonline. ( see Course Logistics: Materials and Exams)
Extra VHS Copies
CPD is happy to make a VHS copy of course lectures for your personal review and for guest lecturers, at your request. (see Delivery Formats: On-Campus)
Corporate Sponsors
CPD serves a variety of industry partners including General Motors, Ford, Delphi, United Technologies and many other companies, with sites around the world. Individual students also enroll through CPD and view lectures through MEonline.
GSI and Grader Support
InterPro determines the amount of GSI and grader support for each off-campus course according to the distance learning model. (see Henia Kamil 763-0480)
3. Benefits of Participating in Off-Campus Education Programs
We appreciate your willingness to provide courses to practicing engineers. Your participation helps engineers around the world enrolled in off-campus graduate programs at the University of Michigan. We hope that you and your on-campus students find interaction with these professional engineers to be both professionally and personally rewarding.
Some of the potential benefits to you are:
Interaction with our corporate partners and working engineers
Pre-taping privileges for your course
Should your schedule call for you to be out of town, CPD will videotape your lecture and play it back on the scheduled date. Your students will not have to miss a lecture and you?ll be able to keep your course on-schedule.
Ability to review your lecture via videotape or streaming video
Ever wonder how effective a certain lecture is or how your students see you? By requesting a review copy of a course or viewing a lecture through MEonline, you are able to critique your style, and view the lecture where and when you have the time.
Professional assistance with instructional media
CPD's staff can help with advice and support on graphics, provide classroom support and tips for teaching on TV; all geared toward helping you present your material, and yourself, in the best possible way to your students.
Some of the benefits to on-campus students are:
Videotapes of hard-to-access laboratories
CPD can videotape labs or tutorials if you arrange to do so well in advance.
Insight into industry
Students may eventually work for participating companies. Interaction with employees can be valuable, even if this interaction occurs through feedback from the instructor.
Course lectures for review
On-campus students can review course lectures through MEonline if they have a high speed connection to the internet.
More detailed view of course materials
Through the use of cameras in the classroom students can see details of models, materials, and pictures as you describe and use them.
4. Center for Professional Development Staff Directory
Center for Professional Development
Off-Campus Education Programs
2121 Bonisteel Blvd
273 Chrysler Center
Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2092
Telephone: 734-647-7200
Fax: 734-647-2243
Felicia Becker
Program Coordinator, Graduate Professional Programs
734-647-7024
frbec@umich.edu
Ed Borbely
Director, Center for Professional Development
Telephone: 734-647-7171
borbely@umich.edu
Kathy Friedrichs
Manager, Off-Campus Education Programs
Telephone: 734-647-7173
kamf@umich.edu
Ben Hartline
Student Services (Videotap-Homework)
Telephone: 734-647-7195
bdhbdh@umich.edu
Shannon Rolston
Student Services (Registration-Information)
Telephone: 734-647-7188
srolston@umich.edu
Jerry McCarty
Technical Director
734-647-7175
microtv@engin.umich.edu
Dave Meszaros
Assistant Director
734-647-7174
dmezaros@umich.edu
Brandon Roberts
Program Coordinator
734-647-7185
brob@umich.edu
Jonathan West
Program Coordinator
734-647-2241
westj@umich.edu
Total Information
844 Dewey Avenue
Rochester NY 14613
Phone: (585) 254-0621 X123 or toll free 1-800-876-4636
Fax: (585) 254-0153
Email: wells@totalinformation.com
Website: Totalinformation
4. 3.4 Other University Numbers
Campus Information
Telephone: 734-764-1817
Entree Plus Office
Telephone: 734-763-6294
Registrar's Office
Fax: 734-764-5556
CAEN Hotline
Telephone: 734-647-5041
ITD Accounts Office
734-764-8000
ITD Helpline
Telephone: 734-764-HELP
Duderstadt Center
Telephone: 734-936-3191
6. Course Decision Process
The main factors that influence CPD's decision to offer courses to off-campus students are the degree programs available through CPD, and ultimately the actual number of enrollments in each course. Due to the long lead-times required by the companies to get information out to their employees, CPD's information gathering period starts early in the semester previous to the beginning of the course.
Corporate Enrollment
GM's selection for specific courses is made several months in advance. The students select their courses during GM's enrollment period. This entire process takes several months, which explains why GM bids are due so far in advance of the upcoming semester. The actual enrollment period at GM closely aligns with UM's, ending a week or two before our semester courses begin. So, even if your course is offered in the GM course catalog, we only have confirmation of sufficient enrollment just prior to the start of the semester .
Several of CPD's other clients and individual online enrollments follow a similar schedule. We know about student enrollments only a week or so before classes start. Together these enrollment numbers determine whether your course will be delivered via CPD during that semester.
Off-Campus Student Enrollment
The ideal number of off-campus students enrolled in your course is 30. However, InterPro and CPD will make the final decision on the minimum numer of enrolled students for a course to be offered through CPD. CPD will notify you as soon as a final decision is made.
You can expect anywhere from 10-50 or more off-campus credit students enrolled, and sometimes audit -only students. Occasionally, depending on the course, the degree program, and job requirements, there will be a particularly large number of enrollments for one course. InterPro will use the total number of enrolled off-campus students to determine if your course warrants a GSI or grader. See Henia Kamil at hek@umich.edu.
7. Course Materials - Books, Coursepacks, Handouts, Homework, Course Software, WACOM Tablet
Books
Using the text list you supply to CPD, the majority of our clients purchase textbooks directly from Total Information, a full-service provider of published materials. CPD publishes information about your course plus required texts and software on the CPD website. Thus if you should change your required text, it is imperative that you let us know ASAP. Total Information allows students to purchase materials using a credit card and promises same-day shipment.
Coursepacks
You may choose to have Total Information also supply coursepacks to the off-campus students. In this case, CPD will supply a copy of your coursepack to Total Information. The companies/students place their orders and receive materials directly from this vendor. CPD does not assume the responsibility to obtain copyright releases for materials used in your course. If your coursepack needs copyright releases, take it to an Ann Arbor copy center and off-campus students can purchase it directly from there.
Handouts and Homework Material
Most handouts and homework materials are distributed to students through MEonline. If you have a special need to send materials to off-campus students, please speak wtih Kathy Friedrichs (kamf@umich.edu).
PLEASE NOTE: CPD CAN NOT MAKE COPIES OF HANDOUTS FOR ON-CAMPUS STUDENTS.
Course Software
Upon request CPD can install course software programs on the computers in the multi-media classrooms. Please notify CPD staff before the term begins if you would like to use the software in class, and arrange a time to install and test the software on CPD computers. CPD classrooms are equipped with both a networked Mac and PC. Faculty members can also bring in their personal laptops for presentations.
WACOM Tablet
The WACOM tablet is an electronic pad which enables instructors to write or illustrate over PowerPoint or Adobe Acrobat when giving their presentations to a class. The instructor's writing and illustrations are captured and saved by Camtasia, a program installed on the CPD classroom computers. Because of the need to use Camtasis, it is highly recommended that instructors transfer their lecture files to the CPD classroom computers.
The WACOM tablet has a pencil tool which facilitates highlighting, drawing lines, circles or boxes, and even writing words or number over slides. Illustrating slides gives the presentation a vibrant, and interactive feel. This dynamic method of presentation is particularly helpful for the off-campus students who don't have the benefit of seeing the instructor's face, and can review the illistrated presentation at any time. WACOM tablet.
8. Homework Submission
A Homework Submission section has been created on the SYLLABUS page of your MEonline course. Here instructors post the specifics of their Off-campus Homework Submission Policy. Instructors can determine how assignments are distributed and returned for grading.
Electronic Submission
Most instructors post their assignments in MEonline, and provide their students with instructions about how to retrieve them. If you need assistance posting assignments in MEonline, the CPD staff will be happy to assist you.
Electronic submission may involve either saving the document in an easily opened format (.doc, .pdf, etc.) or scanning hand written work. Although CPD does not require students to have access to a scanner, many students have access to one and use it to submit homework online. This electronic submission method has many advantages over paper-based methods, as it allows for a much faster turnaround, eliminates the need for a third party (CPD staff) to receive and process homework, and saves the students the cost of sending documents via express mail. When submitting assignments in MEonline, and email message is sent to instructors each time a student submits homework files.
Mailed Submission
Assignments can be mailed via paper to CPD. When assignments are received by CPD, the information is entered into a database for tracking. Then an email message is sent to the instructor and/or GSI/Graders, that the assignments are ready to pick-up for grading. Please note that CPD cannot accept assignments through the mail.
Students should be instructed to send their homework to:
Benjamin Hartline
Center for Professional Development
2121 Bonisteel Blvd, 273 Chrysler Center
Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2092
Telephone: 734-647-7195
If instructors are expecting paper-based submission, please contact Ben at the beginning of the term to arrange a pick-up procedure so that you can receive the assignments in a timely fashion.
Once assignments have been graded, they are returned to the students as follows:
1. Students who are enrolled online will have their homework scanned and returned electronically.
2. Students who receive videotapes will have their assignments returned with the weekly videotape shipment.
9. Exams
Exams
As CPD services an increasingly global market, there has been a move away from mailing paper exams to off-campus sites. CPD has been encouraging instructors to submit electronic copies of exams (.pdf or .doc formats). The exams are sent via e-mail to the site coordinators who print out them on test day. At the instructors request, these e-mails can be password protected. When exams are mailed to off-campus students, each exam is sent to the site coordinator or exam proctor under separate cover in a red, sealed enveloped, marked ?Confidential?. Instructions as to when the exam is to be given, amount of time, etc. are also included. Exams are returned to CPD by express mail. Please provide CPD with the information off-campus students need to know about taking your exam. (see Exam Information Sheet)
All exams are proctored by industry site administrators or human resource professionals identified to CPD in advance of the exam. CPD provides proctors with the explicit instructions on the handling of exams. All off-campus students are given a link to the College of Engineering's Honor Code at the beginning of the semester. Off-campus students are required to sign the honor code statement on exams just as on-campus students do.
The off-campus students view course lectures and return assignments during the week following the on-campus lecture. The exam dates should also follow this schedule. Exams are given during off-campus scheduled class time, and all students at a site take the exam together. Any variations from this schedule must be approved by the instructor. Students are informed of the University policy that if they are unable to take an exam at the scheduled time, they need to make arrangements to take it BEFORE the scheduled date.
Faculty Files
In the CPD office a special file is set up for each instructor or GSI/Grader homeworks, exams, and other correspondence. In this file is Mary Beths: Homeworks, exams, and other correspondence. Please check with Ben on a regular basis to retrieve these items. CPD will send you or your GSI/grader a notice when new materials arrive.
Student Presentations
Please notify your Program Coordinator if you require students to make presentations during class. Rather than coming to campus, off-campus students may present by videotape, computer file, web. Please speak to your Program Coordinator to organize the transfer of media.
MEonline Options for Off-Campus Students
MEonline
An account will be created for you in MEonlin, CPD Course Management Program (http://meonline.engin.umich.edu/index.html
), several months prior to the start of the term. MEonline will be used to distribute course handouts, homework, and other material, including streaming video of course lectures. If you have never accessed MEonline before, you can obtain your username and password by going to: MEonline and clicking on the "Forgotten Password" link. When prompted, type in your University of Michigan email address, the username and password will be emailed to that address. If you have any questions, please send a message to: meonline@umich.edu.
All off-campus students participate in courses on the one-week-delay schedule. To view the week-delay schedule go the MEonline Syllabus page for your course and click on "Off Campus Schedule." This link reflects whatever information is entered in the MEonline "Outline" section- but exactly one week later. Students check this site frequently for changes in their course schedule. An MEonline tutorial is also avialable MEonline Tutorial
Online Course Delivery
Students must register as an online student no later than the first day of the term. Using MEonline eliminates the delays and constraints associated with videotape delivery. To enroll for a course online, students need a high-speed Internet connection (cable modem or DSL for home-based learning) and the free RealOne Player (http://www.real.com/index.html). Video streamed lectures and course materials will be available according to the week-delay schedule, which is exactly one week after the on-campus session date. All files and lectures ( e.g. homework and exam solutions) can be "hidden" from students and released at the request of the instructor. Students should be aware that the College of Engineering Honor Code applies to all courses and course materials, whether accessed online or on campus.
Online Students
Online Student will view the lectures through streaming video within MEonline; obtain course homework and handouts through MEonline; and participate in the course discussion groups, chat rooms, etc. and be proctored locally. Online students should provide proctor information to CPD at the beginning of the term.
Videotape Delivery
Currently the majority of off-campus students view course lectures via videotape. CPD caputures your course live onto videotapes and into a streaming video file. Simultaneously CPD makes duplicate VHS copies of each lecture. The videotaped copies are sent by express mail to the remote sites. One copy is made for each site. The shipment is sent once a week at the end of the week.
Off-campus students can meet once or twice a week, often at the end of the day, to watch one week?s worth of classes (eg: 3 hours for a 3 credit class). This means that students are watching the videotapes of your course one week later than you presented the lectures on campus. As a result, all of the students? work has a deadline of one week later than on-campus students. Please include homework deadlines and exam dates on the course syllabus or the MEonline Outline Section. Instructors are asked to check this schedule and discuss any concerns with your CPD Program Coordinator.
Remote sites are required to return all course tapes to CPD at the end of the semester. Generally, the tapes are erased and recycled. The master S-VHS videotape is kept in the CPD Videotape Library for one year.
On-Campus
If you wish, you may request a VHS copy of your course for your personal review. Many instructors like this opportunity to see themselves as their students see them, review their presentation on TV, and evaluate their own teaching style. If you would like a VHS copy of your course, please see your Program Coordinator.
11. Communication
Distance Learners have difficulty coming to your office hours in person, so they need other means to ask their questions. The following is a list of effective methods for communication with your off-campus students.
Email
CPD creates MEonline accounts in your course for all off-campus students. At the beginning of the term, the students are sent an email to all off-campus students telling them about their MEonline account and courses. Within MEonline, CPD creates at least two groups in the Message section: one email group contains the addresses for the on-campus students; one email group contains addresses for the off-campus students. Once these groups are established, you can begin electronically communicating with your students. In courses using small groups for projects or presentations, CPD is able to create e-mail lists that allow the instructor to communicate with each individual group. You can add or delete names to these groups or can ask your Program Coordinator to.
Telephone
Off-campus students also like to ask questions by calling you during regular office hours. Instructors may wish to set-up special office hours for off-site students? calls.
Fax
Homework may be posted to MEonline, emailed to the instructor/GSI/grader, or occasionally faxed to CPD. However, due to the low image resolution of many fax machines, this option should be considered a last resort.
Discussion
The MEonline Discussion Section allows members of a course to participate in asynchronous (anytime), threaded discussions. Messages are posted to the Discussion Section under a particular topic for anyone enrolled in the course to read.
Research has shown that student posting to a discussion board tend to be more in-depth analyses of a topic than chat discussions (and sometimes even in-class discussions). In asynchronous discussions students have an opportunity to think about exactly how they want to respond to a topic or message, write their response and then edit their response before posting. Some students may respond with lenghy posts, so it is advised that you set a preferable posting size range for students. You may also want to present and/or discuss with students your expectations of the quality of work and the amount of detail that should be exhibited by their posts, and if the students will receive credit for the postings. Some discussions may gradually move off topic as the amount of posts increases, so you may want to plan how you will manage student posting to the discussion board and whether a GSI or someone can assist with this.
Videoconferences and Web Conferences
Web conferencing has become a common tool for synchronous presentations, displacing viedoconferences, because of the flexibility and cost. The successful execution of a web conference requires advanced planning and coordination between faculty, CPD staff, site administrators, and students. If you are conisdering one or more conferences for your course, it is important to inform CPD early in the semester so that we can begin to make the necessary arrangements.
Web Conferenceing Tools
Currently, two conferencing programs are used for the CPD web conferences. WebEx is used by General Motors for all of their conferencing, so students who are GM employees tend to favof the familiar, and have employer-paid accounts. GM will create a WebEx account for any faculty member who does not already have an account. Unfortunately, WebEx is not a financially viable option for the rest of our online students. Accordingly, CPD recommends Centra as the conferencing tool of choice for all no-GM students. The University owns a license for Centra. You can take a brief tutorial of these respective program at the following web sites:
- WebEx Tutorial Sponsored by the Engineering Research Center (GM has link)
- Centra Tutorial: Centra Tutorial
Forming Course Teams
One of the major uses for web conferences is for collaborative projects. Most class rosters will contain a mixture of GM and non-GM students. In the past, GM was willing to set up a WebEx account for non-GM students who were working with GM students. They will no longer do this. Consequently, mixed GM and no-GM collaborative groups should be avoided if project presentations are required.
It is advantageous to have one student in the group act as the liaison for the rest of the group, so that there is a single point of contact for each group.
Scheduling
Invariably this is the most difficult aspect of web conferencing and as such the one that requires the most time and planning. There are several considerations that should be taken into account when planning a conference:
- Distance learning students are working professionals who tend to view course lectures at varying times. Therefore, scheduling conferences during the on-campus class meeting time often conflicts with the student work schedules.
- Due to the asynchronous nature of the distance delayed courses, real time "sign'up" for presentation time-slots can be challenging.
- General Motors schedules all WebEx meetings for GM students.
- Web Conferencing requires more overlat time between goups than traditional, in-class presentations.
12. Classroom Overview
Currently, CPD has two studio classrooms where distance learning courses are captured.
Seating
Classroom 165 is the larger room with strip table seating for 91. Classroom 151 has strip table seating for 53. The classrooms are designed almost identically, and meet ADA guidelines. Additional rooms to accommodate exams can be arranged by talking with your Program Coordinator.
Lighting
Instructors are asked to keep their movement on the platform within range of best camera and lighting coverage.
Instructor's Podium
The instructor's podium has been custom designed for both versatility and efficiency. On the podium are: a desktop with workspace, a computer monitor, program and videoconference monitors, WACOM table, and a microphone. Instructors may stand or use a variable height stool.
If requested, instructors may also control the video sources that are fed to the classroom monitors and the videotapes. For the instructor to control the video sources, they must inform the Media Coordinator so the source controls in the Instructor's Podium can be activiated.
13. Cameras
Cameras
There are 4 cameras in the studio classroom. Student operators manipulate the cameras with remote controls from the control room at the rear of the classroom.
Instructor Cameras
There are two Instructor Cameras mounted on the ceiling in the middle of the classroom. They are used to cover the professor at the podium, the chalkboard (ONE PANEL at a time) or whiteboard, and the slide screen (when lowered). The cameras follow the professor while moving on the platform. Large chalk and wide markers are provided for improved visibility on the chalkboard.
Overhead or Document Camera
There is one Overhead Camera mounted on the ceiling above the podium. It covers a small area on the podium - very closely. It is used to cover 8 1/2" x 11" hand-outs ("landscape" format-page turned on its side); done by the instructor; demonstrating small objects and transparencies (paper copies required). Colored felt pens are provided.
Class Camera
There is one Class Camera mounted in the front of the classroom. This camera can show the students in the room, the side of the podium to show an object, or a larger demonstration area at the front of the room.
14. Monitors
Podium Monitors
There are three monitors located on the instructor's podium:
The Podium Monitor displays which camera or video source is "on" or "live" at the moment. These sources include: overhead camera, rear cameras, classroom camera, computer output, and videotapes. The Podium Monitor displays exactly what is recorded onto the master tape. The Podium Monitors enable the instructors to see the exact image and framing so that they may make minor adjustments or instruct the Producer Assistant to change the shot.
Videoconference Monitor
The Videoconference Monitor displays the students who are taking the course "live" via videoconferencing. This monitor will appear "black" if there are no students enrolled in your course via videoconferencing.
Computer Monitor
The Computer Monitor is controlled via a "PVM" switch located to the left of the monitors. This switch enables you to choose the Macintosh, PC, Macintosh laptop or PC laptop.
Reference Monitors
There are also two large reference monitors located in the rear of the classroom: A program monitor and an optional monitor.
Program Monitor
The Program Monitor (on the right, looking from the podium) displays which camera or video source is "on" or "live" at the moment. These sources include: overhead camera, rear cameras, classroom camera, computer output and videotapes. The Program Monitor displays exactly what is recorded onto master tape or streaming video file.
Optional Monitor
The Optional Monitor (on the left, looking from the Podium) displays any students who might be taking the course live through videoconferencing. Students at the industry site are shown here through their camera. This monitor will appear "black" if there are no students enrolled in your course through videoconferencing.
Classroom Monitors
There are 6 classroom Program Monitors in room 165 and 4 classroom Program Monitors in room 151.
15. Microphones
There are numerous microphones mounted throughout the classroom. The microphone audio level is controlled by the Production Assistant in the rear control room. The general positioning is:
Podium Microphone
An omni-directional microphone is mounted on the podium, which picks up the instructor's voice.
Board Microphones
Two omni-directional microphones, mounted above the chalkboard, pick up the instructor's voice while he/she is writing on the chalkboard.
Platform Microphones
Two omni-directional microphones are mounted on the ceiling directly above the edge of the platform, which pick up the instructor's voice while he/she is addressing the classroom.
Classroom Microphones
Several omni-directional microphones are mounted on the ceiling, throughout the classroom. They pick up students' voices during discussions and when asking questions.
Lavaliere Microphone
A cordless lavaliere microphone is the preferred microphone for instructors to wear while giving a lecture. The Media Coordinator will give you the "lav" mic before class begins and retrieve it after class concludes.
Voice Enhancement
A voice enhancement system allows the instructor's voice to be amplified in the classroom. We only activate the voice enhancement system when the volume of the instructor's voice is exceptionally low.
16. Computers
Mac and PC Classroom Computers
CPD's classrooms are equipped with a Mac and a PC computer. Both computers have the latest version of Microsoft Office. They are equipped to accommodate USC flash drives, Zips and CD ROM drives, and are networked through CAEN to the Internet.
Course Software
If you will be using special software during class, CPD needs to know in ADVANCE so the software can be properly loaded and tested on the Classroom Computers.
Laptop
Instructors are also welcome to bring in their personal laptops. Please make sure that your laptop has a VGA output and your monitor's resolution is set to 640 X 480. There are separate connectors for Macintosh and PC laptops. See your Media Coordinator.
CPD Guest Server
You or your guest lecturers may want to transfer files to CPD from a remote site. CPD has a special FTP server for this purpose. Check with your Media Coordinator for the current FTP address and password.
Audio
If you will be playing audio from one of the computers or your laptop, please notify your Media Coordinator beforehand so they can properly feed it to the classroom speakers and the tapes.
WACOM Tablet
The WACOM tablet is an electronic pad which enables instructors to write or illustrate over PowerPoint or Adobe Acrobat when giving their presentations to a class. The instructor's writing and illustrations are captured and saved by Camtasia, a program installed on the CPD classroom computers. Because of the need to use Camtasis, it is highly recommended that instructors transfer their lecture files to the CPD classroom computers.
The WACOM tablet has a pencil tool which facilitates highlighting, drawing lines, circles or boxes, and even writing words or number over slides. Illustrating slides gives the presentation a vibrant, and interactive feel. This dynamic method of presentation is particularly helpful for the off-campus students who don't have the benefit of seeing the instructor's face, and can review the illistrated presentation at any time. WACOM tablet.
17. Projection Screen
A large, 9 foot screen can be remotely raised and lowered by the Production Assistant, or by the instructors by pressing a button located on the podium. The screen is located in the center of the chalkboard area. Note: The screen is noisy when being raised or lowered.
A video projector can project onto the screen any video source including computer output, overhead camera, etc. for better viewing by on-campus students.
18. Videotapes, Videoconferencing
Playing Videotapes
Videotapes can be played during class as instructional tools. Please give videotapes to CPD at least 24 hours in advance of use so the tape can be cued-up and checked for quality DVD, DVCAM, and S-VHS or VHS videotape formats recorded at SP (Standard Play) can be played on CPD decks. Other tape formats or record speeds need to be dubbed by staff for playback (e.g. 3/4? Umatic, 8mm, LP, EP). Staff needs at least 48 hours notice for dubbing. See your Media Coordinator to make arrangements. Please see Teaching on TV, section in Index, Other Supporting Materials:
Please remember that instructors are responsible for obtaining copyright clearance for all handouts, coursepack materials, and videotapes used in conjunction with classroom instruction.
Producing Videotapes
CPD is a full production facility that produces the highest quality video files. If you would like CPD to produce (shoot and/ or edit) a video for use in your class (eg: a laboratory) please contact Kathy Friedrichs (kamf@umich.edu or call647-7173) before the semester begins to make arrangements. Please see Teaching on TV : Other Supporting Materials.
Videoconferencing
The PictureTel system is CPD's system for videoconferencing. The PictureTel system provides 2-way compressed video and audio signals sent through telephone lines. It allows "live" interaction between and among industry sites and CPD's classroom or the videoconference room.
Videoconferences and Web Conferences
Web conferencing has become a common tool for synchronous presentations, displacing viedoconferences, because of the flexibility and cost. The successful execution of a web conference requires advanced planning and coordination between faculty, CPD staff, site administrators, and students. If you are conisdering one or more conferences for your course, it is important to inform CPD early in the semester so that we can begin to make the necessary arrangements.
19. Teaching Techniques
You are part of one of the most exciting teaching modalities today-distance education. We are grateful for the skills, knowledge, and expertise you bring to our program. So our best advice is to relax and be yourself. There are just a few "TV" guidelines to keep in mind as you plan and present your material:
Clothing
Dress normally. However, if possible, avoid heavily patterned fabrics, such as herring bone or small vertical stripes, since they cause distortion in the picture. Avoid white, if at all possible. Avoid big reflective jewelry or tie clips. If you wear makeup, wear the same as you would in a conventional classroom.
Eye Contact
Look at the camera as much as possible. Speak to your entire audience, that is, avoid addressing all your comments to the local audience. Remember that your off-campus participants are just as important and interested as your on-campus participants. Pretend the camera is another student in your classroom.
Voice, Language, and Volume
Speak as you would in a conventional classroom. Use conversational language. If necessary, alter your pitch, volume, and tempo to avoid a monotone delivery. Changing your voice and tone can help keep your participants' attention and interest. It is best to repeat all questions asked so that everyone hears what was said and to ensure the question was recorded. Extraneous background noise is picked up on the tape; therefore, we keep your classroom door closed to avoid noise from people passing in the hallways.
Movement
Most of your presentation can be done from a seated or standing position. Some limited movement can add diversity to your presentation and help to maintain your participants' attention. However, too much movement can be distracting to your viewers. Stay on the platform for best camera, microphone and lighting coverage.
Paper Graphics
Place documents in the marked area located on the instructor's podium so the Overhead Camera can project it's image on to the monitors in the classroom and it can be recorded. It is best if your documents have a matte finish and are printed in the 'landscape' format, or horizontally. When you are referring to your document, it is best to physically point to the key features with a pen on your finger. Please make sure students have enough time to copy notes and absorb the visuals before removing them from the camera. We urge you to post your visuals on MEonline for students' review and note taking. It is also suggested that you number your graphics for sequencing presentation and for handouts.
Computer Graphics
A growing number of instructors are using presentation programs such as Powerpoint in the classroom. If you would like to use a presentation program, you may bring the file to CPD on a zip disk , CD or USB or FTP it to CPD's FTP server. Some instructors prefer to bring in their own laptop with the files already on it. It is best to print a hard copy of your presentation (1 slide per page) to serve as a back-up, and post in your MEonline course.
Beginning & Ending Class
Production Assistants will wait for the instructor's cue before beginning the taping process. From the instructor's cue, it takes the operator about 60 seconds to complete preparations. CPD begins and ends each class with a video "open" and "close," approximately 30 seconds long. The open includes the course title, instructor's name and session number. The instructor will see the course "open" on the podium program monitor and on the reference monitor. The instructor can begin addressing the class/camera after the "open", when his/her face comes up on the monitor.
Screen-Split
A proven educational technique is to insert the instructor's face in a corner wipe over course materials (e.g., a document or computer graphic). This is called a "screen-split". This technique gives the off-campus students the same benefit as on-campus students of seeing the instructor's face and the course material simultaneously. To enable the operator to use this technique, the instructor must remain relatively stationary, either sitting or standing.
Class Breaks
The longest recording time for a videotape at CPD is two hours. For longer classes (e.g. three hours) the instructor needs to take a break before the two hours has elapsed so that the tapes can be changed.
Practice Time
Instructors are encouraged to use the CPD classroom to practice or try out graphics whenever it is available. Please check with staff for availability
20. Graphics Presentation
The more senses you can involve in the teaching/learning process, the more efficient and effective the learning will be. Television is especially good at involving the senses of sight and hearing.
Video is also excellent for conveying motion, for demonstrating processes and procedures, for close-ups of a process or procedure, and for slowing down events or speeding them up. It can be used exceptionally well for graphics, but most effectively if the following guidelines are observed.
Tips for TV Visuals
1. Text should be clear and succinct.
2. Leave plenty of white (and unused space).
3. Keep it simple -- not too dense.
4. Optimum size of graphics: 6 words per line; 4-7 lines of text per page.
5. Select a simple, bold typestyle. SansSerif is suggested.
6. Most readable font size is 24. A font size of 18 is distinguishable but acceptable.
7. Color contrast improves readability.
8. Use bullets to emphasize items on a list.
9. Creating a graphic in the horizontal format works best for cameras, 3:4 ratio of height to width, e.g. 6" x 8", 9" x 12".
10. Test graphic legibility before using in your classroom presentation.
11. If a graphic will be shown more than once during a presentation, make more than one copy.
12. Avoid fine lines and small details.
13. Don't use glossy overheads, they reflect the light and are hard for the camera to capture legibly. Paper copies are preferable and show up better on camera.
14. In using background colors, Variety in presentation is as important on TV as it is in the regular classroom. Consider using all types of graphics including computer-generated graphics, slides and illustrations or tablets from books and publications.
21. Other Supporting Material
Graphics
Books and journals are a good source for graphics, especially if they are not overly detailed. 8 1/2" x 11" landscape format is the best.
Videotapes
CPD will play videotapes during your class on the instructor's cue. These tapes can be either produced by CPD or produced elsewhere. If they are produced elsewhere, copyright clearance must be obtained. (see Teaching on TV: Copyright)
Laboratories
Labs can be videotaped and edited in advance for use in your class presentation. Plan BEFORE the semester begins if you would like CPD to shoot and/or edit a lab videotape.
Videotape Formats
The current formats CPD can accommodate are VHS and S-VHS recorded at Standard Play (SP). If you have a tape that is recorded in another format such as PAL, SECAM, Umatic 3/4", MII, 8mm, Hi-8 DVD,DVCam we may be able to transfer it to DVCam to play it back in our classroom. A minimum of 48 hours advance notice is required to transfer media format.
Playback
For playback of videotapes, bring the tape to the CPD staff at least 24 hours in advance so it can be cued-up and checked for playability. When it's time to play back the tape during class, simply let the Producation Assistant know saying - "Let's see the video", or something to that efect.
Three-dimensional objects
The overhead or classroom cameras enable you to teach effectively and demonstrate your point to the entire classroom simultaneously. Small details can be shown effectively. A pre-arranged rehearsal may be necessary to work out details and make sure that the camera sees the details you want shown.
Computers
Be sure to discuss the use of any computer displays with CPD's distance learning staff before you begin to develop related materials. It is strongly advised that you follow the same guidelines for color, contrast, ratio, and simplicity as in paper graphics. (see Teaching Techniques: Graphics Presentation)
Handout Materials
Handouts are especially valuable in teaching. Experts in adult learing suggest that supplying your participants with an outline helps to keep them focused on the key points. Computer graphics (i.e. .Pdf & .PowerPoint) can easily be uploaded into MEonline before the class.
NOTE: CPD cannot make copies of handouts for on campus students. The same standards for copyright apply to traditional and CPD distance learning environments. Please keep in mind the copy right status of the material. Copyright clearances MUST be obtained by the instructor for all copyrighted material used in your handouts and in the classrom.
Guest Speakers
Using outside resources speakers in an effective instructional strategy. If your guest speaker is not familiar with the Media classroom, CPD will gladly give them an introduction. Your guest speaker should arrive approximately one-half hour before class begins for an orientation to the studio classroom. Please ask your guest speaker to contact CPD staff at least 24 hours in advance if they wish to use a computer or overheads, or show a videotape during their presentation. CPD will supply guest speakers with a pamphlet that summarizes some "Tips for Teaching on TV" if you supply their phone number, email and address.
Student Presentations
Please notify CPD Media Coordinators if you will require your students to make presentations in class. Although some off-campus students are able to physically come to campus for a presentation, we can not require them to do so. As an alternative, off-campus students can present their material through videotape, audio cassette, computer program, PowerPoint with audio, web or videoconferencing. Please speak to your Media Coordinator to organize the transfer of student or group presentations. Let your Media Coordinator know how many groups there are, names of the group members and due dates of presentation. CPD will send students information regarding CPD's presentation standards.
NOTE: Be sure to coordinate your visuals with CPD staff in terms of equipment needed and when the visuals will be shown. If you want the camera to focus on your visual during class, you can cue the camera operator by saying "Can we see the visual, please"? or "Is this next slide, we see ....? or "Let's take a closer look at the pad".
Copyright
Copyright Law
Copyright is a complex issue. However the Copyright Act makes specific allowances for concerns such as distance learning, backup copies of software, and some reproductions made by libraries. The best known and most important copyright area for education is Fair Use. A crucial point in Fair Use is that educational purpose alone does not make a use "fair". The purpose of the use is only one factor. Users must analyze four factors in order to conclude whether or not an activity is lawful:
1. The purpose and character of the use, including whether such use is of a commercial
nature or is for nonprofit educational purposes;
2. Yhe nature of the copyrighted work;
3. The amount and substantiality of the portion used in relation to the copyrighted work as a whole; and
4. The effect of the use upon the potential market for or value of the copyrighted work.
CPD's Position
Instructors are responsible for obtaining copyright clearance for all handouts, coursepack materials, and videotapes used in conjunction with classroom instruction.
For more information
The University of Michigan Library has a great deal of information on copyright. One source is the Library's Copyright and Information web site Copyright This web site contains copyright resources, guidelines, frequently asked questions, statutes and legal information, etc.
Information is also available from Purdue's Copyright Management Center. You can call (317) 274-4400 or send e-mail to copyinfo@iupui.edu for more information.
Source
1. Crews, Kenneth D., "Fair Use: An Overview and Meaning for Higher Education," Copyright Management Center, Purdue University, October 1995.
22. What Companies are Involved
Currently, our industry partners include General Motors, Ford, DaimlerChrysler, United Technologies, Delphi, and several other smaller companies. All of these larger companies have multiple sites. Global sites currently include Australia, Mexico, Europe and India.
23. Online Students
Online Course Delivery
Students must register as an online student no later than the first day of the term. Using MEonline eliminates the delays and constraints associated with videotape delivery. To enroll for a course online, students need a high-speed Internet connection (cable modem or DSL for home-based learning) and the free RealOne Player RealOne Player
Video streamed lectures and course materials will be available according to the week-delay schedule, which is exactly one week after the on-campus session date. All files and lectures ( e.g. homework and exam solutions) can be "hidden" from students and released at the request of the instructor. Students should be aware that the College of Engineering Honor Code applies to all courses and course materials, whether accessed online or on campus.
Online Students
Online Student will view the lectures through streaming video within MEonline; obtain course homework and handouts through MEonline; and participate in the course discussion groups, chat rooms, etc. and be proctored locally. Online students should provide proctor information to CPD at the beginning of the term.
U of M Credit Students
Yes, regardless of where they are or how they are enrolled, you can assign grades to off-campus students based on the same criteria as on-campus students. Off-campus students are part-time UM students simultaneously employed in industry. Some of these students will be working toward a Master's in Engineering through the College. Other students, however, may be working toward a degree from another university to which they will transfer their UM credit.
CPD Auditors
There are a few students enrolled as auditors on your student list that are not actually enrolled with the University. These students are expected by their companies to do all of the coursework but not take the exams. Most instructors grade these students homework, but it is at the discreation of the instructor.
24. Who are These Students?
Regardless of where they are located or who they work for, these students are practicing engineers looking to further their education. Some are actively pursuing degrees in various engineering areas, some are studying to keep current in their field. They are full-time employees, experienced workers, with all the demands of a full-time job. They have a variety of backgrounds (both professional and personal), experience, and jobs. There is a wide-range of ages; many of the students are juggling job, education, and family.
Some students may find it easy to keep up, some may lack the background and find it tough going at first. Occasionally, students may be transferred or assigned to an important project in another state or country for a couple of weeks. Such cases should be dealt with at your own discretion. If you have questions or concerns about such requests please call Kathy Friedrichs at 734-647-7173.
25. Who are the Site Coordinators and Moderators
Site Coordinators
The site coordinator is the primary person at some industry sites with whom CPD works on a daily basis. Videotapes and exams are all sent to the site coordinator, who then passes them out to the appropriate students at the appropriate times. The coordinator sets up the viewing schedule for the videotapes, can return homework and exam, handles daily operational problems, and keeps CPD informed of changes in student enrollment. Sometimes the site coordinator will interact with the professor on behalf of an individual student.
Site coordinators have as many varied backgrounds as do the students. Some coordinators are Human Resource personnel, charged with the smooth operation of courses on site. Others may be engineers who volunteer for the added duties of coordinator, in addition to their regular engineering workload. Site coordinators are often handling several courses from several different schools for all the employees at that site.
Moderators
General Motors will assign course moderators to certain courses. The moderators are content experts whose job is to: answer GM students? questions and clarify points, add examples and practical applications to lectures when appropriate; proctor tests and exams; provide administrative support to off-campus students; and interface with course faculty when needed.
26. Faculty Office Hours
Generally, office hours you set for on-campus students can also work for your off-campus students. If you find that your office is crowded with both students and phone calls during your office hours, you or your GSI may wish to publicize call-in office hours just for off-campus students. Faxes and e-mail are also excellent ways to communicate with your off-campus students. The important thing is to invite the off-campus students to contact you, and tell them the best means of doing so.
27. Questions, Problems
If you have problems of ANY kind, please speak up, and don''t wait! We want to know any concern you have, whether it's small or large. (We especially like to handle the small ones while they're still small) Sometimes a site coordinator or a student will contact the instructor directly, and not advise CPD of a problem or change at the remote site. Sometimes an instructor will not receive homework for several weeks from a particular student; if we are informed of the problem, we can talk to the coordinator and find out about that student?s situation (e.g., he decided to drop the course; she was sent out of town for 10 days). By working together and keeping each other informed, we can manage problems much better.
This also extends to any concern you may have about CPD, from graphics to the Media classroom to shipping schedules. If you have any question or concern, please talk with us about it. We'll do our best to help.
2. Ibid.
28. Graduate Credit Programs
Currently five (5) Masters degree programs are offered through CPD:
- Master of Engineering in Automotive Engineering
- Master of Engineering in Manufacturing
- Master of Engineering in Integrated Microsystem
- Master of Engineering in Pharmaceutical Engineering
-*Master of Engineering in Global Automotive and Manufacturing
Candidates for all programs must complete a minimum of 30 credits of approved course work at the University of Michigan beyond a Bachelor's degree. Degrees obtained through CPD are official University of Michigan College of Engineering Master of Engineering degrees, and students meet all the same requirements as their counterparts on campus.
*This degree will be offered to to the public in the near future.
*Master of Engineering in Automotive Engineering
The Master of Engineering (M.Eng.) in Automotive Engineering is a 30-credit hour program driven by the need for technical leaders in the automotive environment who have depth in their own engineering discipline, breadth across engineering disciplines, knowledge of basic management issues, and the ability to lead project teams. This need has been defined through numerous discussions with industry. The program places emphasis on engineering practice and is ideally suited to working engineers who desire broader graduate experience but cannot be away from work full-time.
Master of Engineering in Manufacturing
The Master of Engineering (M.Eng.) in Manufacturing degree is a 30-credit hour practice-oriented degree designed to further the education of engineers who already have experience working in industry. The degree can be completed in two to five years part-time. The M.Eng. in Manufacturing is an interdisciplinary degree combining course work from various engineering disciplines (80%) and business (20%).
Master of Engineering in Integrated Microsystems
This unique program provides the opportumity for students to gain a deep understanding, in particular of the Wireless Integrated Microsystems (WIMS) and /MicroElectroMechanical Systems (MEMS) technology while gaining a breadth in complementary engineering disciplines. Students also will gain valuable business skills for product and process development.
The Master of Engineering (M.Eng) in Integrated MicroSystems is a 30-credit hour interdisciplinary program. The credit hours are distributed among the following areas:
- WIMS/MEMS, including design and analysis, microfabrication technology
- Product Development and Manufacturing
- Business and Management
Master of Engineering in Pharmaceutical Engineering
A new breed of pharmaceutical scientists and engineers must be trained to facilitate the recent devopments that have transformed the entire drug discovery process. This is the main purpose of the "Pharmaceutical Engineering" program at the University of Michigan; the program is jointly administered by the College of Engineering and the College of Pharmacy.Master of Engineering in Global Automotive and Manufacturing Engineering
Master of Engineering in Global Automotive and Manufacturing Engineering
The new Master of Engineering in Global Automotive and Manufacturing Engineering (Global MEng) is a unique, collaborative program. This degree is strategically designed to build and develop a global organizational capability and profound knowledge in areas core to industry. This is the only engineering master's program that brings together people from both the automotive product development and manufacturing areas within a global context.
*This degree will be offered to to the public in the near future.
