A Master's Of Technology Degree Using A Combination Of Synchronous And Asynchronous Digital Learning Delivery Modes

Kent State University’s School of Technology houses a diversity of degree programs spanning over a wide variety of curricular areas including Engineering, Aeronautics, Industrial Technology, Business Technology and Computer Technologies. The School of Technology through the Kent State eight campus system serves the educational and training needs of business, industry and manufacturing sectors covering a large geographical area in northeast Ohio. A recent assessment needs survey indicated a strong demand for a flexible “ practitioner based” graduate degree program designed primarily to impact “life-long” learning of the workforce involved in the areas of manufacturing, quality assurance, electronics, automation and computer systems. This paper describes the methodology used in the development, implementation and delivery of a Master of Technology (MT) degree via “Distance Learning (DL)” mode using a combination of Web based, compressed video teleconferencing and web enhanced tools for course delivery. The techniques used to accommodate learners from a variety of background and academic preparation through the use of web resident computer based training modules incorporating animation and speech instructions as well as actual, simulated or virtual laboratory experiments will be discussed. Master of Technology Degree at Kent State University: An Introduction The emerging field of engineering science and technology is impacting the technology-based curriculum in the 21 st . century higher education. Technology literacy and “life-long” learning has become an essential part of the millennium work environment. This is especially evident in Ohio, where the Ohio Board of Regents is promoting a rapid transformation of the state’s education system that will impact economic development, workforce development and Ohio’s global competitiveness. According to the Chancellor of the Ohio Board of Regents Roderick G.W. Chu, knowledge is the key source of economic growth and higher education institutions must help Ohio’s employers meet their immediate needs for knowledge workers and move aggressively to encourage young Ohioans to pursue careers in the knowledge-based industries 1 . Charged with the Ohio Board of Regents Access and Success Challenge 2 , the School of Technology at Kent State University has