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Interview with David Pimentel, Coordinator for Academic Services at Syracuse SIS

 

Note: Responses do not reflect all distance learning programs at Syracuse University, but only those offered at the School of Information Studies.

ICT: How has the distance learning program at Syracuse evolved since its inception?

DP: The School of Information Studies has been offering master's degrees in a limited residency distance learning format since 1993. This format offers a unique opportunity for those who have schedules that don't allow them to attend regular campus-based courses. (Our students live all over the world, including Central New York.) The program combines brief on-campus residencies with study over the Internet.

Initially, only the Master of Library Science was offered in the distance learning format. Following the success and popularity of the distance MLS, the School's two other graduate degrees were later offered in the distance learning format: the Master of Science in Information Resources Management distance program began in 1996 and the Master of Science in Telecommunications & Network Management distance program was added in 1998.

Limited residency courses meet in Syracuse for two to four days and then are completed from home via continued study and interaction via the Internet. In addition to the limited-residency format, the distance learning program has also evolved to include Internet-only course delivery.

Distance learning and (traditional) on-campus students are now regularly integrated in so-called "joint campus/distance" courses. These offerings are taught in one of the distance learning formats (residency or Internet-only), but are open to both distance learners and main campus graduate students.

ICT: What benefits have you found to the brief residency periods that are regularly required of distance learning students?

DP: Students find that the intensive course residencies are invaluable, not only in receiving a significant portion of lecture and instruction, but also meeting and getting to know other students who will be working with them (sometimes in teams) in the online environment. Teamwork in a distributed, asynchronous, online environment benefits greatly from prior face-to-face contact. Students also comment that they enjoy meeting instructors and having a chance to interact with them. The School also uses the residency dates to create opportunities for student social activities as well as academic advising and career counseling.

The residencies are important to the success of the programs for a number of other reasons:

  • Students are trained on the technology that will allow them to complete their courses over the Internet.
  • Activities that are hard to accomplish at a distance are completed (e.g., hands-on labs).
  • Students bond with the other students in their cohort group.
  • Students network with each other and faculty members.
  • Students are exposed to the atmosphere of the school.
  • Students familiarize themselves with the University and develop a sense of identity with Syracuse.

ICT: Does Syracuse have eventual plans to offer the Ph.D. via distance learning?

DP:Currently, the School of Information Studies has no plans to offer the Ph.D. in Information Transfer in the distance learning format. Students in the Ph.D. program can enroll in the aforementioned joint campus/distance offerings.

ICT: Approximately how many students enter each year's distance learning program? How many students enter your on-campus program?

DP: Typically, the MLS program has 55-60 new distance learning students and 25-30 new campus students. The IRM program sees 20-25 new distance and 90-100 new campus. TNM, the youngest of all our programs, has between 10-15 new distance learners and 35-40 new campus students.

ICT: Does the distance learning program seem to attract a different type of student? What are some common reasons prospective students give for wishing to enter the distance learning track?

DP: Distance learning students typically have families, full-time jobs, or are otherwise only able to pursue graduate study in the highly flexible distance learning format.

Many are already working in the field -- particularly those that enter our IRM and TNM programs -- but some are looking for a career change. The rich backgrounds of the students make each cohort a dynamic group.

Our distance learning applicants also tell us that they have experience as independent learners, and are highly self-motivated.

ICT: What type of technical requirements are necessary for successful enrollment in one of your Internet courses? What type of computer background is helpful?

DP: The School has developed two specific documents on these topics, both are available online, and are published in the Application for Graduate Study:

ICT: Does Syracuse also offer continuing education courses via the Internet, or are all classes offered toward the degree?

DP: While Syracuse University offers many different continuing education options, School of Information Studies distance learning courses are currently only open to students matriculated in a degree program.

ICT: Has the distance learning program met with any resistance from faculty? Do all faculty members teach Internet courses?

DP: Faculty are very enthusiastic about distance instruction. Currently the number of offerings prevents *all* faculty from teaching in this mode, but all would/could if asked.

ICT: What kind of reaction have you had from employers of Syracuse graduates? Do potential employers seem indifferent to how the degree was achieved, or do they seem either more or less likely to employ graduates of the distance education program?

DP: Often, we hear that employers of our MLS distance learning graduates are very excited about how students achieved their degree. MLS graduates who have completed a distance learning program are exposed, de facto, to a great deal of technology. Distance learners must be excellent managers and users of technology in order to succeed -- so our distance learning students are at an advantage to some main campus students.

But as our Director of Career Planning points out, most employers do not usually ask how a student received their graduate degree. They are interested in Syracuse's graduate program regarding content. Employers are most interested in the skills that the student brings to the table. The MLS provides content that allows for skill development and a broad knowledge of the field, with practical experience in the form of internship. "Our MLS program provides for solid skill development and an excellent fundamental knowledge base -- that's what sells the employer."

ICT: What else would you like to tell me about your program?

DP: Regarding the academic content and the curriculum of the School's master's degrees, our MLS is ranked third (and our IRM program is ranked second) in the nation by US News and World Report.

(Visit the distance learning program at Syracuse SIS: http://istweb.syr.edu/academic/distance/overview.shtml)