Colorado State University Online
| Type | Distance Learning Online Learning Continuing Education |
|---|---|
| Established | 1967 |
Parent institution | Colorado State University |
| Location | , , |
| Website | www |
Colorado State University Online (commonly referred to as CSU Online, and formally classified as CSU’s Division of Continuing Education) is a Division of Colorado State University, the flagship university in the Colorado State University System. CSU Online delivers the University’s academic programs via online and distance modalities, as well as face-to-face classes at learning centers along Colorado’s Front Range.
History[edit]
CSU’s first distance learning/continuing education program was created in 1967 by Dr. Lionel V. Baldwin, former Dean of Engineering at Colorado State University.[1] Baldwin identified that practicing engineers needed to be able to continue their professional education while working full time in the industry and living in many locations distant from the Fort Collins, Colorado campus. Baldwin also knew that many of these engineers tended to travel a great deal, and that it would not be feasible for them to attend classes on a regular, predetermined schedule. At the time, the best solution was to videotape live, on-campus classes and allow working engineers to view the tapes at their convenience. Baldwin later went on to found the National Technological University in 1984.[2]
Over the years, Colorado State University began offering additional programs at a distance. Technological advancements allowed for more sophisticated modes of course delivery, including DVD, telecast, webcam, and eventually online learning management systems (LMS).[3] In 2008, the University offered its first synchronous learning environment for the systems engineering master’s program.[4] In 2015, CSU became the first university in Colorado to offer digital badges via the platform CSULogic.[5] Today, CSU Online uses the learning management system Canvas as its platform to deliver all online credit-bearing courses.[6]
Academic programs[edit]
Colorado State University Online provides students access to more than 80 programs across seven colleges, four schools, and 14 departments.
Undergraduate Degree Programs[edit]
CSU offers eight online undergraduate degree programs, including five Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degrees and three Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degrees.[7]
Graduate Degree Programs and Certificates[edit]
More than 30 online master’s degree programs, 28 online graduate certificates, and two online Ph.D. programs are available from CSU. Fields of study include engineering, computer science, education, agriculture, and business.[8]
Other Academic Programs[edit]
In addition to degrees, CSU Online also delivers a wide range of professional development courses[9] and digital badge programs[10], including a digital badge in 3D Printing[11]. CSU Online has also partnered with organizations like NASPA to provide massive open online courses (MOOCs) that are available to the general public at no cost.[12]
Technology[edit]
Using technology to keep students engaged is central to the mission of CSU Online. According to Mike Palmquist, Associate Provost for Instructional Innovation: “If we’re really going to change our schools and change the way we’re teaching, we need to be thinking about some of the new tools that are available to us… We try to figure out how we can use these tools to challenge students.”[13]
To provide students with a more accessible and streamlined academic experience, CSU recently transitioned to the Canvas learning management system, which allows instructors to better utilize videos, blog posts, online textbooks, and other instructional resources.[14] The University has also partnered with another technology company to develop a new learning and assessment application, called VLA (Virtual Learning Assistant), which utilizes natural language processing.[15]
Student services[edit]
Student success coaches at CSU Online provide assistance to both prospective and current students, including information about financial aid and scholarship opportunities.[16] Admitted students also have access to a range of University resources, including academic advising, career services, veteran services, tutoring, online writing consultations, library databases, and technical support.[17] Upon successful completion of an undergraduate or graduate degree, CSU’s online and distance students are invited to attend a graduation brunch event held at CSU’s Fort Collins campus prior to commencement, giving students the opportunity to meet faculty and peers face-to-face.[18]
Educational Partnerships[edit]
Beginning in 2014, CSU Online provided concurrent enrollment to qualifying high school students in Lyons, Colorado, giving students the opportunity to earn college credits online at a discounted rate. The courses made available to Lyons High School students included sociology and psychology classes.[19]
Outreach and accessibility are important parts of the CSU mission.[20] To help students in southern Colorado gain access to an agricultural degree program, CSU has partnered with Adams State University to create a bachelor’s degree in Interdisciplinary Studies: General Agriculture that combines classroom instruction with courses offered through CSU Online.[21]
Administration[edit]
Office of Engagement[edit]
Formally named the Division of Continuing Education, CSU Online is a division of the Colorado State University Office of Engagement.[22] Dr. Lou Swanson is the current Vice President for Engagement. Ashley Stokes, Assistant Vice President for Engagement and Deputy Director of Extension, currently oversees CSU Online.
Colorado State University System[edit]
The Board of Governors presides over the CSU System, which comprises Colorado State University, Colorado State University–Pueblo, and Colorado State University–Global Campus.[23] The Board of Governors consists of nine voting members appointed by the Governor of Colorado, and four elected, non-voting members.[24] A student and faculty representative from each university act as non-voting board members. Tony Frank is both the current president of Colorado State University and the current Chancellor for the CSU System.[25]
Accreditation[edit]
All degrees, certificates, and courses made available by CSU Online are developed and instructed by faculty within the various colleges, schools, and departments of Colorado State University. Colorado State University is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, a Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCASC).[26]
See also[edit]
References[edit]
- ↑ Mays, Marilyn Elaine (August 1988). The Historical Development and Future of The National Technological University (Doctoral dissertation). Retrieved from University of North Texas Libraries, Digital Library. (metadc331714) 26.
- ↑ Mays, 27.
- ↑ van Zyl, Henry; Powell Jr., Albert (2012). "Thomas Edison State College and Colorado State University: Using Cutting-Edge Technology to Enhance CE Unit Success". Continuing Higher Education Review. 76: 201–207.
- ↑ Bauer, Marianne; Bauer, Jeffrey; Powell, Albert (2013). "Smooth Synchronous Solutions: The Truth About Synchronous Learning Environments". EdMedia: World Conference on Educational Media and Technology. 1 (2013).
- ↑ Nelson, Tiana (19 February 2015). "Badges offer flexible, innovative education". Colorado State University Source. Colorado State University. Retrieved 30 September 2017.
- ↑ Swanson, Sady (29 January 2015). "CSU switch to Canvas motivated by partnership with Unizin". The Rocky Mountain Collegian. Retrieved 20 September 2017.
- ↑ "Online Bachelor's Degrees". Colorado State University Online. Colorado State University. Retrieved 20 September 2017.
- ↑ "Graduate Degrees". Colorado State University Online. Colorado State University. Retrieved 20 September 2017.
- ↑ "Professional Development & Training". Colorado State University Online. Colorado State University. Retrieved 20 September 2017.
- ↑ Smith, Julia (23 August 2017). "Digital badge programs offer education on-demand, a la carte". Colorado State University Source. Colorado State University. Retrieved 20 September 2017.
- ↑ Brust, Allec (2 May 2016). "Idea-2-Product to offer online 3-D printing course at CSU". The Rocky Mountain Collegian. Retrieved 21 September 2017.
- ↑ "Exploring the Student Affairs in Higher Education Profession MOOC". NASPA - Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education. NASPA. Retrieved 22 September 2017.
- ↑ "Mike Palmquist on The Role of Technology in Course Redesign" (video). The Macmillan Community. Retrieved 20 September 2017.
- ↑ Swanson, Sady (29 January 2015). "CSU switch to Canvas motivated by partnership with Unizin". The Rocky Mountain Collegian. Retrieved 20 September 2017.
- ↑ Amman, Jordan (19 May 2016). "Colorado State University Partners with Cognii to Bring AI Technology to Online Education". Education Monitor Worldwide.
|access-date=requires|url=(help) - ↑ "Office of Financial Aid". Colorado State University. Colorado State University. Retrieved 20 September 2017.
- ↑ "Student Services & Resources". Colorado State University Online. Colorado State University. Retrieved 20 September 2017.
- ↑ "CSU Online Graduation Brunch". Colorado State University Online. Colorado State University. Retrieved 20 September 2017.
- ↑ Bryen, Whitney (5 November 2014). "Lyons first to offer CSU online concurrent enrollment classes". Times-Call. Digital First Media. Retrieved 22 September 2017.
- ↑ "University Mission, Values, and Guiding Principles". Colorado State University. Colorado State University. Retrieved 25 September 2017.
- ↑ Whaley, Monte (22 June 2017). "Adams State, Colo State work together for ag education". The Denver Post. Digital First Media. Retrieved 20 September 2017.
- ↑ "State of Innovation". Office of Engagement. Colorado State University. Retrieved 20 September 2017.
- ↑ "About the System". Colorado State University System. Colorado State University System. Retrieved 20 September 2017.
- ↑ "About the Board". Colorado State University System. Colorado State University System. Retrieved 20 September 2017.
- ↑ "Meet President Frank". Colorado State University. Colorado State University. Retrieved 20 September 2017.
- ↑ "Statement of Accreditation Status: Colorado State University". Higher Learning Commission. Higher Learning Commission. 4 October 2017. Retrieved 20 September 2017.
External links[edit]
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