Narrative:
Troy University is in compliance with this Comprehensive Standard.
Troy University is committed to preparing students to meet the challenges of living and working in a global economy. To prepare students for this context the University must teach not only the basics of technology use, but it must also give students the foundation they need to adapt to the changing landscape. This foundation includes competencies, knowledge and skills related to information literacy, critical thinking, innovative thinking, and global awareness.
The Troy University mission statement identifies the significance of student learning in “providing a variety of educational programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels for a diverse student body in traditional, non-traditional and emerging electronic formats.”
The eCampus is the vehicle through which Troy University reaches its students in multiple time zones, states and countries. Multiple degree programs leading to majors and concentrations at the associate, bachelor’s and master’s levels are available completely online. The University utilizes an advanced content management system to support student learning and resources the upgrades necessary to keep it in its most current configuration.
Troy University’s policy for the use of technology and enhancement of student learning may be found in Appendix A of the Faculty Handbook.
The University Library offers a comprehensive array of materials and services in online format. An online public access catalog (WEBCAT) provides access to a multitude of online database systems containing full text journals, online database systems with partial full text and/or bibliographic references, and online full text books. The online resources are available 24 hours a day from any location. Assistance is also available through Live Chat, an online chat service available around the clock when classes are in session and by e-mail. Evidence to support the WEBCAT online catalog search engine as well as the online database systems and the electronic reserves can be found at the Library Web site.
The University is committed to graduating students who are technologically capable of succeeding in the information age and as such, the University incorporates a basic technology course into its general studies requirements. IS 2241 Introduction to Information Systems provides an interdisciplinary introduction to microcomputer literacy, word processing, spreadsheets, databases, business graphics and the Internet. Additional technology instruction is integrated into various degree programs within the various colleges.
The syllabus for IS 2241 is attached. This syllabus states the course purpose and learning outcomes as:
PURPOSE (COURSE OBJECTIVES):
The course objective is to develop the computer skills necessary for satisfactory performance in upper-level business courses, and to encourage further development of these skills for effective participation in business organizations. This course is a prerequisite for admission into upper-level business courses.
STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES:
On completion of the course, the student should be able to:
In the IS 2241 course, students receive instruction in the following technologies:
The competencies taught in the course are measured by a unit exam designed by the course instructor. The skills taught in the course are measured by the assessments designed into the MyITLab product provided by Pearson Education. MyITLab is an online solution professors can use to deliver courses on Microsoft Office 2007 with defensible assessment and customized training. The MyITLab solution allows for authentic assessment of demonstrated technology skills through project-based and skills-based assessments. MyITLab's advanced reporting capabilities, including detailed student click-stream data, let instructors see exactly what actions their students have completed click-by-click, for true defensible grading.
The table below maps these technologies that are covered in the course to the appropriate learning outcome and indicates how the outcome is measured.
Competency / Skill
Learning Outcome
Evaluative Criteria
General Computing Concepts
List and describe the hardware and software components of a computer system.
Unit Exam
Microsoft Windows XP
Maintain file systems, and run applications.
Unit Exam
Microsoft Office Fundamentals
Use a word-processing application to create, modify, save, and preview fully featured, academically formatted documents.
MyITLab Exam
Microsoft Word
Use a word-processing application to create, modify, save, and preview fully featured, academically formatted documents.
MyITLab Exam
Microsoft Excel
Use an electronic-spreadsheet application to create, save, modify, and preview a fully featured, multiple-sheet workbook.
MyITLab Exam
Microsoft PowerPoint
Use a presentation software package to create, save, modify, and show a multiple-slide presentation using various templates, designs, formats, objects, headers, footers, and animation and transition schemes
MyITLab Exam
Microsoft Access
Use a database package to create, save, populate, maintain, and query a database and to produce formatted reports.
MyITLab Exam
By integrating this basic technology course into the general studies curriculum, Troy University is ensuring that students have received formal instruction related to the computing competencies and skills that they will need across their academic and employment endeavors.
Not only does Troy University provide this technology course, but it also encourages its faculty to integrate technology into the teaching and learning process so that students have multiple opportunities to use technology to refine their technology skills as they progress through the curriculum.
Troy University’s emphasis on integration and use of technology in its teaching is evidenced by the Graduating Student Survey Report summarized in the Troy University 2007 Fact Book in which graduating students rated the faculty’s use of technology in enhancing teaching at 3.93 on the Troy Campus and 4.20 in the Global Campus on a 1 to 5 point scale. ( Page 85)
The University provides ample computer labs and student access computers at all of its campuses and sites as well as wireless access in dormitories and common use areas. These labs and student access computers provide licensed software as well as Internet access.
The University maintains a robust and sophisticated Web presence including a Web site for student and faculty support (www.troy.edu), a student interface (Trojan Web Express) with the student database system (Datatel), and a customized content management site, BlackBoard. Additionally, students are provided with an email account that functions as the e-mail system for the school ( Trojan Web Mail) allowing students to communicate freely with instructors and other University personnel to support learning and well as administrative and social needs.
Training on the use of technology is provided not only through course work but through a variety of help desks and online tutorials. Help desk support for Web Mail and Web Express is located at https://it.troy.edu. Help desk support for BlackBoard is located at http://www.troy.edu/bbhelp/.
Troy University has demonstrates its distance learning education leadership responsibilities with its investment in new technologies to support online testing. Troy has partnered with Software Secure, a leading test security company that has developed a cutting edge device designated Remote Proctor. Remote Proctor meets the needs of today’s distance education student by ensuring both the identity of the distance learning student and monitoring the test environment of the student taking an exam remotely. The Secure Exam Remote Proctor represents a technological leap forward in the area of test integrity for distance learning education students and is the result of a heavy investment of both time and money on the part of the University.
Technology is integrated into programs and course objectives by the colleges to enhance learning. The following courses are specific examples of courses in which technology is an integral part of the course:
Undergraduate Courses
ACT 3396
Accounting Information Systems
ART 2210
e-Drawing
ART 3308
Principles of Digital Design
ART 3310
Time/Sound
ART 3315
Design for the Internet
ART 4424
Design Studio
BIO L100
Principles of Biology Lab
BIO L101
Organismal Biology Lab
BIO L110
Survey of the Human Body Lab
BIO L202
Principles of Environmental Science Lab
BIO L229
General Ecology Lab
BIO L307
Invertebrate Zoology Lab
BIO L308
Vertebrate Zoology Lab
BIO L320
Genetics Lab
BIO L325
Plant Form and Function Lab
BIO L326
Plant Diversity Lab
BIO L347
Human Anatomy and Physiology Lab
BIO L372
Microbiology Lab
BIO L382
Immunology Lab
BIO L386
Hematology Lab
BIO L405
Entomology Lab
BIO L410
Animal Behavior Lab
BIO L413
Limnology Lab
BIO L414
Food Microbiology Lab
BIO L416
Microbial Ecology Lab
BIO L421
Population Ecology Lab
BIO L428
Environmental Pollution and Control Lab
BIO L430
Applied Genetics Lab
BIO L432
Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy Lab
BIO L433
Embryology Lab
BIO L445
Ichthyology Lab
BIO L446
Herpetology Lab
BIO L447
Ornithology Lab
BIO L4471
Parasitology Lab
BIO L448
Mammalogy Lab
BIO L451
Toxicology Lab
BIO L452
Industrial Hygiene Lab
BIO L478
Cell Biology Lab
BIO L479
Environmental Assessment Lab
BIO L480
Histology Lab
BIO L482
Molecular Biology Lab
CHM L115
Survey of Chemistry Lab
CHM L142
General Chemistry I Laboratory
CHM L242
Analytical Chemistry Laboratory
CHM L342
Organic Chemistry I Laboratory
CHM L350
Principles of Physical Chemistry Laboratory
CHM L352
Biochemistry
CHM L381
Physical Chemistry I Laboratory
CHM L444
Advanced Inorganic Laboratory
CHM L445
Instrumental Analysis Laboratory
CS 2244
Computer Programming I
CS 2261
Foundations of Computer Science Concepts
CS 2262
Business Systems Programming
CS 2265
Advanced Programming 1
CS 3323
Data Structures
CS 3325
Operations Research
CS 3329
Analysis of Algorithms
CS 3330
Data Structures and Algorithms
CS 3331
Fundamentals of Artificial Intelligence
CS 3332
Software Engineering I
CS 3339
Fundamentals of Object-Oriented Programming
CS 3347
Advanced Programming II
CS 3357
Logical Structures of Computer Design
CS 3365
Introduction to Computer Organization and Architecture
CS 3370
Nature of Programming Languages
CS 3372
Formal Languages and the Theory of Computation
CS 4401
Special Topics in Artificial Intelligence
CS 4420
Introduction to Database Systems
CS 4443
Web-Based Software Development
CS 4445
Data Communication and Networking
CS 4447
Systems Analysis and Design
CS 4448
Operating Systems
CS 4449
Applied Networking
CS 4451
Computer Security and Reliability
CS 4461
Software Engineering II
CS 4462
Special Topics in Object-Oriented Programming
CS 4495
Special Topics in Computer Science
DRA 2245
Stagecraft Lab
EDU 3305
Microcomputers in Education
EDU 4499
Technology Across the Curriculum
ENG 3366
Professional Document Design
GEM 1100
Computer-Aided Drafting
GEM 3391
Applications of Geographic Information Systems
GEM L110
Computer-Aided Drafting Lab
GEM L220
Basics of Cartography and Surveying Lab
GEM L391
Applications of GIS Lab
GEM L409
Hydrology Lab
IS 2241
Computer Concepts and Applications
IS 2244
Computer Programming I
IS 2260
Computer Programming II
IS 3300
Introduction to Information Systems
IS 3320
Data Communication and Computer Networking
IS 3330
Web Authoring
IS 3339
Object-Oriented Programming I
IS 3346
Database Management Systems I
IS 3349
Object-Oriented Programming II
IS 3380
Network Operating Systems
IS 4430
Web Site Design
IS 4440
Database Management Systems II
IS 4443
Internet Development
IS 4447
System Engineering and Project Management
IS 4450
Network Design and Management
IS 4451
Network Infrastructure and Security
IS 4460
E-Commerce Design
JRN 1100
Technologies in Journalism
KHP L474
Exercise Physiology Lab
MGT 4452
Supply Chain Management Information Systems
MGT 4480
Technology and Innovation Management
MTH 2220
Computer Programming for Mathematics
MUI 3310
Audio Principles and Techniques
MUI 3325
Recording Studio
NSG 1160
Introduction to Technology in Nursing Education
PHY L252
General Physics I Laboratory
PHY L262
Physics I with Calculus Laboratory
PHY L410
Modern Physics Laboratory
QM 2241
Business Statistics
SCI L 234
Earth and Space Science Laboratory
SCI L233
Physical Science Laboratory
SCI L335
Physical Geology Lab
SCI L336
Observational Astronomy Laboratory
SCI L340
Marine Science Laboratory
SCI L350
Weather and Climate Laboratory
SPE 3330
Integrating Assistive Technology
Graduate Courses
ADE 6605
Computer Based Instructional Technologies
ADE 6606
Current and Emerging Instructional Technologies
ADE 6608
Curriculum Integration of Technology
BIO L505
Entomology Lab
BIO L510
Animal Behavior Lab
BIO L513
Limnology Lab
BIO L516
Microbial Ecology Lab
BIO L521
Population Ecology Lab
BIO L530
Applied Genetics Lab
BIO L532
Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy Lab
BIO L533
Embryology Lab
BIO L545
Ichthyology Lab
BIO L546
Herpetology Lab
BIO L547
Ornithology Lab
BIO L548
Mammalogy Lab
BIO L551
Toxicology Lab
BIO L571
Parasitology Lab
BIO L578
Cell Biology Lab
BIO L580
Histology Lab
BIO L582
Molecular Biology Lab
BIO L600
Aquatic Entomology Lab
BIO L602
Human Pathophysiology Lab
BIO L606
Economic Botany Lab
CHM 5545
Instrumental Analysis
CHM L545
Instrumental Analysis Laboratory
CHM L552
Physical Chemistry I Laboratory
CHM L553
Physical Chemistry II Laboratory
CS 5543
Software Engineering
CS 5545
Computer Architecture
CS 5547
Systems Analysis and Design
CS 5549
Analysis of Algorithms
CS 5550
Operating Systems Principles
CS 6640
Data Base Management Concepts
CS 6641
Society and Information Systems
CS 6643
Theory and Design of Compilers
CS 6646
Information Systems for Operations and Management
CS 6647
Simulation and Modeling
CS 6648
Operations Research
CS 6649
Special Topics in CS
CS 6650
Distributed System Principles
CS 6651
Artificial Intelligence
CS 6652
XML Technology Principles
CS 6653
Topics in Software Security and Reliability
CS 6654
Topics in Software Engineering
CS 6655
Digital Logic Design – Principles and Practices with Emphasis on Testable Semicustom Circuits
CS 6656
Design and Testing of Reliable Digital Systems
CS 6699
Research and Thesis
EBS L513
Limnology Lab
EBS L521
Population Ecology Lab
EBS L530
Applied Genetics Lab
EBS L551
Toxicology Lab
EBS L552
Industrial Hygiene Lab
EBS L578
Cell Biology Lab
EBS L582
Molecular Biology Lab
EBS L600
Aquatic Entomology Lab
EBS L630
Pollution Science Lab
EDU 6605
Computer-Based Instructional Technologies
EDU 6606
Current and Emerging Instructional Technologies
EDU 6607
Curriculum Integration of Technology
EDU 6611
Educational Technology in the Curriculum
EDU 6617
Graphic Design in Multimedia Instruction
EDU 6618
Advanced Multimedia Production
IS 6672
Information Systems and Business Strategy
IS 6674
Information Systems Management
IS 6676
E-Commerce for Global Business
IS 6679
Management Information Systems
MTH 6650
Trends in Technology and Problem Solving in Secondary Mathematics Instruction
NSG 6635
Integration of Technology in Information Exchange
PSE 6606
Current and Emerging Instructional Technologies
PSE 6608
Curriculum Integration of Technology
SPE 6635
Meeting Instructional Needs Through Technology
The eCampus
Troy University has been actively involved in the development and evolution of distance learning technology for over fifty years. Troy’s Global Campus (formerly called University College) has been formally organized for thirty-five years. With the addition of the Alabama campuses in fall of 2007, Troy University’s eCampus became the consolidated, Internet-based online provider for all Troy University students.
Troy’s eCampus, which operates globally, offers flexible and convenient educational opportunities, innovative teaching methods and advanced technology. Student goals are achieved by removing accessibility issues, geographical boundaries and time concerns. All Troy University degree programs are regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Both undergraduate and master’s degrees are offered using a variety of interactive Web-based classes. To achieve best practices in distance education, eCampus course requirements, like all course requirements, are standardized in terms off faculty development, assessment and continual review and redesign of courses. Troy University’s eCampus engages in best practices in distance learning technology, training and development of faculty, and e-course review and redesign.
Technology
Troy University uses Blackboard as its content management system for online and Web-enhanced courses. Through the Troy Blackboard system, instructors and students have access to the Blackboard Support Page that offers tutorials and other training material to support instructors and students as they learn to maneuver the Blackboard System. Additional training material is also offered to instructors on the use of the Content Management System (CMS). Licensed software such as Respondus, Turnitin and Impatica are available through Blackboard to faculty to help with the enhancement of their online courses. Students also have access to the Smarthinking student tutorial software as well as the eLibrary to support their online course work. The eLibrary tab is available to online students and with a valid Troy University User ID students have the opportunity to do research using the online search programs.
Troy University instructors are required to take the Teaching Online Proficiency (TOP) course before they are allowed to teach using the Blackboard system. TOP is a three-week training course that teaches instructors how to build a quality course using the primary functions within Blackboard. Once the instructor successfully builds his or her course development shell for the TOP course, he or she is identified as Blackboard proficient within Datatel and is allowed to be scheduled for Blackboard courses. Instructors are periodically required to be tested on the latest features of Blackboard to maintain their proficiency status.
Training
Troy University is committed to providing the training and support necessary for its faculty and staff to be able to integrate technology into the teaching and learning process. The University’s strategic initiative 4.1 is “to ensure that 100% of the faculty and staff will be trained in the use of technology needed to execute their responsibilities.”
An ad hoc committee has been charged with guiding and monitoring the University’s progress toward the completion of this objective. The committee has identified the following strengths:
In an effort to measure the degree toward which this objective is being met, the committee surveyed 2752 Troy University faculty and staff in the spring of 2008. Almost half of all faculty and staff (43%, N=1171) participated in the survey. The Technology Training Survey results and analysis provides a thorough analysis of the types of computer software being deployed across Troy University and as a component of the institution's strategic plan, will be used to develop further opportunities to integrate technology into the teaching and learning process.
eCourse Redesign
The eCourse redesign project is an initiative to update all of the online courses taught by Troy University. Using the common curriculum across Troy University, there is a need to ensure that the common learning objectives are being met in all online courses.
The typical course development method used by Troy University has been to give a blank Blackboard shell to each adjunct or full-time faculty member selected to teach an online course. The faculty member would then design the course as he or she considered appropriate. This process has resulted in many exemplary online courses. However, it has also created extensive variability across multiple sections of the same online course. The eCourse redesign project is a multi-year process to create an eCourse or course template that defines the minimum required content necessary to meet the learning objectives of the course.
This eCourse redesign project has been mandated from the Executive Vice Chancellor/Provost’s office and was planned for several months. The current committees were established by the deans of the various disciplines with the intent of providing experienced faculty with the tools and abilities to make and implement these decisions. The eCourse redesign project is being directed by the Vice Chancellor of Troy Global Campus.
The project goal is to establish an acceptable set of learning objectives and resources that all faculty members teaching these courses in any Troy University program will use. This will be the minimum acceptable level. Faculty will be able to choose how they wish to teach these and what additional points they feel should be added. It is important that all academic decisions be made by faculty involved with the courses. Instructional designers will help with structure and with trying to maintain the schedule. They will also do research on additional resources available and technical issues. Faculty will choose the content and the scope of the courses. The desired result is a course designed and created to teach the right material, with a chosen text, support materials and even possible assessment suggestions. The scope and depth of this process are up to the faculty redesign team.
As part of this overall redesign process, Troy University enhanced its commitment to the integrity of its online course offerings by standardizing the proctoring options available to students in online courses. The eCampus implemented a more stringent proctoring policy beginning with the Summer 2008 term. The goal of this policy is to improve the validity of University claims related to student authentication and enforcement of the instructor’s requirement for a standardized testing condition. The policy requires the student to use one of the following four options:
Students with extenuating circumstances can contact the eCampus Assistant Director for Testing for assistance.
Support
Troy University invests in providing technical support to students, faculty and staff. These support services are detailed in Core Requirements 2.9 and 2.10 and Comprehensive Standards 3.8.1 and 3.8.2. Innovations such as Blackboard and interactive video sessions in chat rooms are putting students in touch with their professors and classmates. Also included in the eCampus are the University’s email system, the toll free information call center, online chat assistance, informative Web pages, adaptive needs services, online book services including electronic books, a large e-library database, a specialized library search tool called Helot, online student orientation, expanded financial aid services, a writing center and online tutorial services. An added thrust to eCampus is the SecureExam remote proctor, a technology co-developed by Troy distance learning educators and Software Secure, Inc. The aim is to provide an additional level of security for online test takers, further ensuring academic integrity for the eCampus programs.
Conclusion
Troy University is in compliance with this Comprehensive Standard.
Last Updated: 08/22/2008
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