Faculty FAQ's

Q: Why is distance education important to UNL?
A: Distance education is becoming an important trend in higher education. A growth rate of 33% in distance education is expected over the next several years, according to figures from the International Data Cooperation. The NU Board of Regents has called for distance education to be a part of the core activities of the University. The importance of distance education is evident in every UNL planning document. All of UNL’s academic colleges have developed a wide range of distance education courses and/or programs to support their students’ unique needs. CASNR’s undergraduate certificate in Meat Culinology, CBA’s M.B.A. degree, CEHS’s M.A. in Textiles, Clothing & Design and Architecture’s Master’s Degree with a specialization in Interior Design are just a few examples of the variety of distance education programs being offered by UNL’s academic colleges. By offering courses for undergraduate, graduate and high school audiences, the distance education programs are designed with the diverse population of students important to UNL’s future in mind.

Q: I would like to teach online. How do I get involved?
A: After visiting with your department chair regarding your interest, contact one of the EE&O Program Specialists, who will discuss with you the various types of distance education programs including undergraduate, graduate, and Advanced Scholars in an effort to help you determine which program is best suited for your course.

Q: What funding is available for the development and teaching of distance courses?
A: EE&O may be able to provide some course development funding for select distance education courses and/or programs identified by UNL administration as priority programs. The Program Specialist (see above question) for your college can explain the funding priorities and process with you prior to the development of a course/program. Once you have identified courses/programs you wish to devlop in a distance format, you may submit a funding request form to EE&O.

Q: What support services are available to faculty?
A: EE&O offers assistance in planning, designing, marketing and delivering distance courses and programs. We also offer ongoing faculty development opportunities including a personalized orientation for new online faculty and networking opportunities such as faculty demonstrations and luncheons.

Q: How long does it take to develop a distance education course?
A: There is no standard timeframe for developing a distance course, but it may take as much as one year or as little as a semester You will need to consider the complexity of your content, amount of materials you already have available, the variety and types of technology you wish to use, and production schedules. Once you have worked with your Program Specialist to determine the types of distance education courses you will offer, an Instructional Designer will be assigned to work with you on the design process.

Q: How will my distance education course be marketed?
A: Your course will be marketed as part of a distance education program. EE&O has a staff of marketing professionals who will work with you and your EE&O Program Specialist to create a marketing plan that will support the distance program’s business plan. In addition, the marketing plan will outline methods to reach the types of students who are most likely to be interested in your program.

Q: How many students will be in my online courses?
A: Your online course can be designed for very large audiences or smaller, more interactive classes. The maximum enrollment for your course will be determined with your department chair during the course development process.

Q: How do I arrange for an exam to be proctored?
A: Contact EE&O’s Distance Education Programs at unlextended@unl.edu for assistance with proctoring, as well as dissemination and collection of exams.

Q: I want my students to complete research assignments. Do distance students have access to the library?
A: Yes. UNL Libraries provide extensive online services. Professor Kate Adams is the Library’s Distance Education Coordinator.

Q: Will students have access to technical support?
A: Yes. UNL Information Services provides extensive online services, including extended help desk hours.