Promoting Continuous Quality Improvement in Online Education: The Meta Model

Authors

  • Holly McCracken Capella University
  • Eileen Dittmar Capella University

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.24059/olj.v16i2.269

Keywords:

faculty development, online learning, mentoring, assessment, technology integration

Abstract

Experienced e-learning faculty members share strategies for implementing a comprehensive faculty development program essential to continuous improvement of instructional skills. The high-impact META Model (centered around Mentoring, Engagement, Technology, and Assessment) promotes information sharing and content creation, and fosters collaboration among a large geographically dispersed postsecondary faculty teaching one hundred percent online. Among its goals are to increase student satisfaction, promote instructional quality and continuous improvement, and motivate faculty. Model components include customized individual mentoring, an emphasis on continuous professional engagement and development, the integration of technologies to reinforce ongoing communication and interaction, and ongoing assessment measures using self, peer, and student evaluations to guide the development of exemplary practices.

Author Biographies

Holly McCracken, Capella University

Holly McCracken is currently a core faculty member at Capella University where she teaches online undergraduate students. Additionally, she is a faculty member with the Council for Adult and Experiential Learning’s LearningCounts Program that emphasizes prior learning assessment. McCracken has taught at both the undergraduate and graduate levels, in the areas of experiential learning, adult education, training and performance improvement, online teaching and learning, and liberal studies. Previous professional experiences include the development and administration of distance education programs; grant writing and management; and, academic program oversight. McCracken’s research interests include adult, experiential and transformative learning, adult literacy, academic outreach and workforce education, organizational psychology, and instructional technologies. She is earning a doctorate in Educational Leadership and Management at Capella University.

Eileen Dittmar, Capella University

Eileen Dittmar, PhD, is currently a Faculty Chair at Capella University, where she teaches and manages online courses and faculty. She was awarded Capella’s Distinguished Faculty Award, and twice has been recognized in Who’s Who of American Teachers. As a national presenter Dittmar regularly shares ideas and innovations in technology applications for educators. Her expertise includes the development, administration, and leadership of distance education programs. Dittmar has professional experiences encompassing education, business, and information technology. Her research interests include web tools, student success, instructional technologies, curricular design for traditional and web-based learning, workforce education, and academic program development and administration. Dittmar earned a doctorate in Instructional Design for Online Learning at Capella University.

Published

2012-03-31

Issue

Vol. 16 No. 2 (2012)

Section

Faculty Issues

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