Has the course met your initial expectations of what you hoped to gain from the class?
Well, my initial expectations of the course were vague at best. I really just wanted to get the final requirements in and complete the MDE :) However, I did want to learn a bit more about the relationship of students and organization (customer or not?) and wanted to learn more about the business end of DE. The course has definitely met the expectations and many of the topics that were not discussed throughout the MDE program were finally discussed, giving me a better sense of the business of DE. One aspect of DE that I noticed is gaining a great deal more attention (or at least seems to be from when I started the program in Summer 2009) is partnerships and consortia agreements. I think this is an essential topic in DE and the business of DE and was pleased to see this as a major topic in the course.
Have course objectives been met? If so, in what way? If not, which objectives were not met?
The course objectives have been met and I have a far greater understanding of each objective and how it realtes to the busienss of DE. The objectives from each module have lead me to better understand how DE functions as a business and how the industry as a whole continues to grow and expand into new markets. The one objective that I feel that I have not met is consultancy in Module 3. Though I have an understanding of the consultant services that are provided within DE, I do not feel as though I have met the specific requirements within the course. Many of the topics throuhghout the MDE program are covered more than once to provide learners in the program with many opportunities to further understand a topic, so overall I have met the requirements. This was a great class the end the program with and provided a great deal of topics and objectives that added great value to the overall program.
Tell us about your experience in DEPM622 this semester
This is definitely one of the most efficient courses that I have taken. From start to finish the course moved in a nicely choreographed manner(assignment 1, assignment II, assignment III, and finally placing all assignments together to create one large business case). I really enjoyed how the course moved smoothly with little interruption. Additionally, I appreciated the flexibility and understanding when technology issues arose.
Honestly, I do not have any complaints about the course. The course required a great deal of time; however, that is to be expected of a graduate level course. The least interesting aspect of the course for me was the learning journal. I find it truly difficult to reflect in words on a blog what or how I have felt about the learning experience. Also, I feel that it is a repeat of what we do in the conference section of the course. However, even this aspect of the course had guided questions that made the process a bit more simple for the non-reflecting learner.
Sunday, April 8, 2012
Monday, April 2, 2012
Module 4 Reflections
How did this module's readings and discussions influence the development of your business case?
This module in particular allowed me to better focus in on what I was trying to accomplish. Ultimately, I was trying to build a form of partnership that would allow Education Outreach LLC (the business case that I will present) to partner with various DE institutions and provide outreach on their behalf. Through the readings I was able to identify that the consortia agreement was most similar to what I was attempting to accomplish, by creating a venture between multiple companies to create leads and generate prospects on their behalf. Though it is not 100% accurate as it is not a multi-organizational partnership for each adventure, it is the closest to what the organization was trying to accomplish.
What has influenced your understanding of the business of DE the most and why?
I would rank my understanding of the course content at approximately a 7.5. Though I understand the content and have made great strives, I still have a lot to learn and feel as though I need to focus on the specifics (i.e., better understanding what all goes into a consortia agreement). In the beginning of the course I was approximately at a 4, as I was familiar with many of the concepts; however, I had a great deal more to learn about the business of DE. I feel that the most influential aspect of the learning process thus far has been the readings. The readings have contributed greatly to how I understand and what I understand about the business of DE.
Were the objectives for Module 4 achieved?
Yes, the objectives were achieved for the most part. I focused a great deal on the partnerships and leadership in this module, and this may have been at the expense of some of the other concepts such as social media in DE. However, in general the objectives were met and I am far more confident in discussing the objectives of this module.
This module in particular allowed me to better focus in on what I was trying to accomplish. Ultimately, I was trying to build a form of partnership that would allow Education Outreach LLC (the business case that I will present) to partner with various DE institutions and provide outreach on their behalf. Through the readings I was able to identify that the consortia agreement was most similar to what I was attempting to accomplish, by creating a venture between multiple companies to create leads and generate prospects on their behalf. Though it is not 100% accurate as it is not a multi-organizational partnership for each adventure, it is the closest to what the organization was trying to accomplish.
What has influenced your understanding of the business of DE the most and why?
I would rank my understanding of the course content at approximately a 7.5. Though I understand the content and have made great strives, I still have a lot to learn and feel as though I need to focus on the specifics (i.e., better understanding what all goes into a consortia agreement). In the beginning of the course I was approximately at a 4, as I was familiar with many of the concepts; however, I had a great deal more to learn about the business of DE. I feel that the most influential aspect of the learning process thus far has been the readings. The readings have contributed greatly to how I understand and what I understand about the business of DE.
Were the objectives for Module 4 achieved?
Yes, the objectives were achieved for the most part. I focused a great deal on the partnerships and leadership in this module, and this may have been at the expense of some of the other concepts such as social media in DE. However, in general the objectives were met and I am far more confident in discussing the objectives of this module.
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
Module 3 Reflections
In what ways did this module's readings and discussions influence the development of your business case? How do you see your business case differentiating itself from the competition?
Well, I believe this module actually opened my eyes to the true business of Distance Education (DE) and recognizing the need for differentiation of product. Previously I was thinking too much along the lines of academia and how an external outreach organization would provide a great deal of benefit to cut costs associated with employment, etc., etc. However, now I am forced to think about how to market and brand the company and set an image that will reflect value to DE institutions that would be using the business plan product. So many competetors are entering the market, whether it be for-profit or non-profit, and I will need to find major strategies for differentiating my business plan from all of the rest of the competitors.
Reflect upon your understanding of distance education and e-learning as a business. Do you still consider DE, or education in general, to be a business (or not)? What specifically has influenced your understanding of DE as a business?
I believe DE is a business that is changing to meet the changing demands of new learners. Historically learners were coming out of high school and entering higher education institutions to prepare for a career in a field; however, now days learners are entering the workforce and realizing later on in life that continued learning is necessary for growth and promotion. Therefore, learners are in need of an education that is adaptable and allows them to continue in their career while gaining additional study. The overall differentiation of DE from traditional higher education institutions has been the most influential aspect of my understanding. The approach of DE to differentiate its product through marketing and branding and creating cost effective measures has allowed me to realize that DE is a business within the education industry.
Elevator pitch
In the face of tough economic times and decreased higher education funding, institutions are struggling to find funding to employ staff to meet the demands at education events throughout the country and globe. The DE market is continuing to grow at an unprecedented rate and new services and products will need to be created to meet the requirements of this growth. Education Outreach LTD will provide event or exhibit outreach on behalf of DE institutions that contract with Education Outreach LTD. The reduced costs associated with staffing and brick and mortar offices allows Education Outreach to drastically reduce the costs and pass the savings on to our consortium agreements counterparts.
Well, I believe this module actually opened my eyes to the true business of Distance Education (DE) and recognizing the need for differentiation of product. Previously I was thinking too much along the lines of academia and how an external outreach organization would provide a great deal of benefit to cut costs associated with employment, etc., etc. However, now I am forced to think about how to market and brand the company and set an image that will reflect value to DE institutions that would be using the business plan product. So many competetors are entering the market, whether it be for-profit or non-profit, and I will need to find major strategies for differentiating my business plan from all of the rest of the competitors.
Reflect upon your understanding of distance education and e-learning as a business. Do you still consider DE, or education in general, to be a business (or not)? What specifically has influenced your understanding of DE as a business?
I believe DE is a business that is changing to meet the changing demands of new learners. Historically learners were coming out of high school and entering higher education institutions to prepare for a career in a field; however, now days learners are entering the workforce and realizing later on in life that continued learning is necessary for growth and promotion. Therefore, learners are in need of an education that is adaptable and allows them to continue in their career while gaining additional study. The overall differentiation of DE from traditional higher education institutions has been the most influential aspect of my understanding. The approach of DE to differentiate its product through marketing and branding and creating cost effective measures has allowed me to realize that DE is a business within the education industry.
Elevator pitch
In the face of tough economic times and decreased higher education funding, institutions are struggling to find funding to employ staff to meet the demands at education events throughout the country and globe. The DE market is continuing to grow at an unprecedented rate and new services and products will need to be created to meet the requirements of this growth. Education Outreach LTD will provide event or exhibit outreach on behalf of DE institutions that contract with Education Outreach LTD. The reduced costs associated with staffing and brick and mortar offices allows Education Outreach to drastically reduce the costs and pass the savings on to our consortium agreements counterparts.
Wednesday, March 7, 2012
Module 2 Reflections
After reflecting on the discussions thus far, how have your ideas about DE as a business and/or students as customers been influenced? What---or even who---influenced your ideas the most?
No, I originally had the idea before starting the course that a student was some different identity and that a student in no way, shape, or form could be a customer. However, I decided based on the definition of a customer and many of the module 1 readings that a student was a customer. I read the article from Courtney and Courtney (n.d.) and despite their direction towards the taxpayer being the customer, I have maintained the belief that the learner is the customer.
Looking back on the debate on whether the student is a customer, who do you think had the stronger arguments and why?
Maybe being a bit biased in this one, I believe the student being the customer arguments had the most momentum and the strongest argument. One of my class mates referred to the fact that the learner can leave due to dissatisfaction at any point in time. If the learner can change institutions and the taxpayer cannot just walk away from the obligation to pay taxes for the education, isn't the learner in the customer role? Afterall we as a society pay for other social programs such as WIC, does this mean that someone who goes to the grocery store and uses WIC will not be the customer, the taxpayer will? Throughout the readings I felt that much of the research surrounding other entities being the customer in higher education were a bit far fetched.
How does what you have learned in this module influenced your thinking about your business case? Has this new knowledge influenced and/or guided your approach or understanding of what you will need to consider in your business case? If so, what specifically has influenced your thinking?
I don't beleive that this modules specifically influenced how I am thinking about my business project. I do beleive that it is making me think about the learner and how I will be targeting my learner more. Additionally, it has made me rethink the role of the learner as a major target market. Originally, I was set on the institution being the largest market for my product; however, the learner makes the institution.
No, I originally had the idea before starting the course that a student was some different identity and that a student in no way, shape, or form could be a customer. However, I decided based on the definition of a customer and many of the module 1 readings that a student was a customer. I read the article from Courtney and Courtney (n.d.) and despite their direction towards the taxpayer being the customer, I have maintained the belief that the learner is the customer.
Looking back on the debate on whether the student is a customer, who do you think had the stronger arguments and why?
Maybe being a bit biased in this one, I believe the student being the customer arguments had the most momentum and the strongest argument. One of my class mates referred to the fact that the learner can leave due to dissatisfaction at any point in time. If the learner can change institutions and the taxpayer cannot just walk away from the obligation to pay taxes for the education, isn't the learner in the customer role? Afterall we as a society pay for other social programs such as WIC, does this mean that someone who goes to the grocery store and uses WIC will not be the customer, the taxpayer will? Throughout the readings I felt that much of the research surrounding other entities being the customer in higher education were a bit far fetched.
How does what you have learned in this module influenced your thinking about your business case? Has this new knowledge influenced and/or guided your approach or understanding of what you will need to consider in your business case? If so, what specifically has influenced your thinking?
I don't beleive that this modules specifically influenced how I am thinking about my business project. I do beleive that it is making me think about the learner and how I will be targeting my learner more. Additionally, it has made me rethink the role of the learner as a major target market. Originally, I was set on the institution being the largest market for my product; however, the learner makes the institution.
Monday, February 6, 2012
Module 1 Reflection
Do you think education should be considered a business? Why or why not?
I struggled with the concept of education being considered a business. I was taught my entire life that academics was the untouchable and something far different than business. However, as I read through the true definition of a customer and in our readings of what a business is, I have changed my views and believe that education is a business with customers. The customer may stay with the higher education institution or may choose to leave for an alternative institution.
I have concerns about classifying education as a business, as I feel that many businesses have too much monetary pressures; however, with today's economic climate many institutions have these pressures regardless of whether they are classified as a business. An example of the pressure to retain students can be identified by the Department of Educations use of the National Center for Education Statistics to provide potential learners with the retention rates of higher education institutions, thus placing pressure on the institution to find creative new ways to keep learners from the beginning of the degree until completion.
Do you consider yourself a customer of UMUC? How would you describe your relationship to UMUC in the language of business and why?
I consider myself a learner at UMUC. However, in all reality I do think that I am a customer of UMUC. Similar, to a customer purchasing language software from Rosetta Stone, I am paying UMUC for a product or service that they specialize in (an online learning environment and degree program). In turn for the money that I have spent on the product, I will receive access to the learning environment. I have a demand for non-traditional higher education that can be taught via the web and UMUC supplies the web based learning environment.
I struggled with the concept of education being considered a business. I was taught my entire life that academics was the untouchable and something far different than business. However, as I read through the true definition of a customer and in our readings of what a business is, I have changed my views and believe that education is a business with customers. The customer may stay with the higher education institution or may choose to leave for an alternative institution.
I have concerns about classifying education as a business, as I feel that many businesses have too much monetary pressures; however, with today's economic climate many institutions have these pressures regardless of whether they are classified as a business. An example of the pressure to retain students can be identified by the Department of Educations use of the National Center for Education Statistics to provide potential learners with the retention rates of higher education institutions, thus placing pressure on the institution to find creative new ways to keep learners from the beginning of the degree until completion.
Do you consider yourself a customer of UMUC? How would you describe your relationship to UMUC in the language of business and why?
I consider myself a learner at UMUC. However, in all reality I do think that I am a customer of UMUC. Similar, to a customer purchasing language software from Rosetta Stone, I am paying UMUC for a product or service that they specialize in (an online learning environment and degree program). In turn for the money that I have spent on the product, I will receive access to the learning environment. I have a demand for non-traditional higher education that can be taught via the web and UMUC supplies the web based learning environment.
Saturday, January 28, 2012
Introduction
Well, it looks like I will be doing another learning journal, similar to the journal created previously for another course. This project was a struggle for me last time, as I was not getting the concept of placing my thoughts and feelings about my learning down in the blog. I hope this time around I will retain what I had learned last time and place it to use this time. I am getting excited about getting into the classes and familiarizing myself with the surroundings. I always feel a lot more comfortable once the ball starts rolling. I see that I have already made a major mistake and named my blog OMDE 622 versus the correct title of DEPM 622.
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