Use of distance learning technology to teach a multidisciplinary course: Phytochemicals in fruits and vegetables

Most of our universities are using, or exploring the use of, distance education as a delivery system for courses, degrees, and continuing education. Phytochemicals in Fruits and Vegetables to Improve Human Health was developed and delivered as a new graduate course in spring, 1999. Distance learning technology provided the conduit for interaction among 18 faculty/researchers across the nation and a diverse group of learners in 10 videoconferencing sites. Weekly topics and discussion were delivered via the Trans-Texas Videoconference Network (TTVN) with course handouts and PowerPoint slides available on a course Web site. Formative and summative evaluations were collected on-line and stored in a database. An external evaluator observed the course and kept a field journal, compiled numerical ratings, and completed the constant comparative method to integrate categories on all open-ended responses. The most beneficial component of the course was access to national experts/presentations and the relevancy of research applications to a geographically dispersed audience. Only through distance education was this approach possible. The initial evaluative results will be implemented for the revision of this course and practical recommendations will be shared.

Overview