Topic: Distance Learning

Distance learning evolved from instruction delivered via satellite to online learning to video streamed through mobile technologies. Rockman researchers have been investigating distance learning through a good part of that evolution — from online professional development of teachers and service providers to individual tutorials and instructional programs. The efforts have included interface and usability studies as well as assessments of impact. REA has also undertaken market research for several providers of online learning initiatives.

Animation Program The goal of the ACME Network’s ACME Animation program is to create a permanent continuum for skill development, school achievement, and career success in art and animation for diverse and economically disadvantaged youth and young adults. REA served as the evaluator this program. more» Client: The ACME Network Funding Agency: The ACME Network Topic: Instructional Materials/Programs, Informal Learning, Web Sites, Distance Learning

Behavioral Interventions in Autism (BIA) Rockman et al worked with The University of Massachusetts (UMass) to conduct the external evaluation of the Behavior Analysis Autism Training Project funded by the U.S. Department of Education’s Fund for the Improvement of Post Secondary Education (FIPSE). more» Client: University of Massachusetts (UMass) Medical School Funding Agency: U.S. Department of Education: Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education (FIPSE) Topic: Professional Development, Distance Learning

Center for Interactive Learning and Collaboration: Vistas Project REA completed a two-year study of the Lake Coastal Waters Project, a partnership with schools in the Lake Coastal Waters of northern Indiana funded by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources. Science classes in five schools participated in a community-centered science inquiry, exploring environmental issues on the northern edge of Lake Michigan. Students investigated specific problems, and, based on their research, offered viable solutions to enhance the ecology of the lake coastal area. more» Client: Center for Interactive Learning and Collaboration (CILC) Funding Agency: Center for Interactive Learning and Collaboration (CILC) Topic: Assessment, Instructional Materials/Programs, Community Outreach, Technology and Education, Distance Learning

Community Skills Mentor (CSM) Project REA served as the external evaluator for the University of Massachusetts' (UMass) Community Skills Mentor Project, an online course for supervisors of direct service providers who work with people with disabilities. The goal of the course is to lead mentors to mastery over the skills they need to support and supervise direct support workers. more» Client: University of Massachusetts (UMass) Medical School Funding Agency: U.S. Department of Education: Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education (FIPSE) Topic: Professional Development, Distance Learning

Connected University Connected University is the professional development initiative of Classroom Connect. Rockman et al was engaged at the start of this successful program to serve as its external evaluator. Rockman explored the Web site and instructional interface, provided feedback on the online “guides,” and established a standard course assessment program for the online university. more» Client: Classroom Connect Funding Agency: Classroom Connect Topic: Professional Development, Distance Learning

Critical Choices Rockman et al worked in conjunction with an internal evaluator at Northern Illinois University to evaluate the development of an online program to teach soft skills (time management, conflict resolution, professional behavior, etc.) to unemployed and underemployed individuals. more» Client: Northern Illinois University Funding Agency: U.S. Government: Learning Anytime, Anywhere Program Topic: Informal Learning, Web Sites, Technology and Education, Distance Learning

e-Learning Network: Learning Anytime, Anywhere! The e-Learning Network Project developed a basic networking curricula (Information Technology Fundamentals) and revised and disseminated a training program in CCNA (Cisco Certified Network Associate) and CCNP (Cisco Certified Network Professional). Rockman et al served as the external evaluator for the e-Learning Network. more» Client: Arizona State University Funding Agency: U.S. Department of Education: FIPSE LAAP Grant Topic: Technology and Education, Distance Learning

Early Intervention (EI) Online The purpose of this project was to develop, implement, evaluate, and disseminate Internet-Based Early Intervention (EI) Training as a five-course continuing education and development distance-learning program for EI providers who serve children with developmental disabilities, special health care needs, and their families. REA conducted the formative and summative evaluation of the three year project. more» Client: University of Massachusetts (UMass) Medical School Funding Agency: Topic: Professional Development, Distance Learning

Educational Development for Planning and Conducting Evaluations (ED PACE) The Educational Development for Planning and Conducting Evaluations (ED PACE) was a three-year research project funded by the U.S. Department of Education to develop, implement and refine a set of research tools and methods that would enable project personnel at the state and local level to compare student outcomes and achievement data using a quasi-experimental design. more» Client: West Virginia Funding Agency: U.S. Department of Education (ED): Institute of Education Sciences (IES) Topic: Technology and Education, Distance Learning

Staff Development Study In 1999, APEX was considering entering the arena of online educational professional development, credentialing, and certification in collaboration with several institutional partners. APEX needed to define its market, identify the features and attributes of its offerings, position its courses and services against a growing set of competitors, and explore the pricing, marketing, and distribution of the products to teachers and school administrators. Rockman et al conducted phone interviews and collected survey ratings from district and building level staff development coordinators, technology coordinators, and teachers to help APEX identify the critical issues and inform the company’s plans and goals. more» Client: Apex Learning Funding Agency: Apex Learning Topic: Professional Development, Distance Learning, Informational Media

Star Schools This was a three-year study of the impact of the online, supplementary education services (SES) provided by Educate Online, Inc. (EO). This randomized control trial study was conducted by Rockman et al (REA) and funded by the Star Schools Program of the U.S. Department of Education. more» Client: Catapult/Educate, Inc. Funding Agency: U.S. Department of Education (ED): Office of Innovation and Improvement (OII) Topic: Instructional Materials/Programs, Technology and Education, Distance Learning

Tech Museum: Tech Virtual Evaluation The Tech Museum of Innovation engaged Rockman et al (REA) to conduct an evaluation of the museum’s Tech Virtual project. The Tech Virtual, which was launched in December 2007, is a collaborative platform using the web and Second Life that allows curators and the public to conceptualize and prototype exhibits online. more» Client: Tech Museum of Innovation Funding Agency: Moore Foundation Topic: Informal Learning, Technology and Education, Distance Learning