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Kokomo UAW representative Roy Gammon brought the idea to IUK's Continuing Studies Director Donald Lane, who, with his staff, put a proposal together and presented it to Chrysler officials in Detroit. Since that time, the partnership has experienced steady growth and includes both associate and bachelor's degree programs, which can be completed without ever having to set a foot on campus.
IUK faculty member Earl Wysong, who teaches upper-level sociology courses in the program, says the NTC format requires instructors to be very organized and essentially to plan the details of the entire course before the first class meeting.
"The positive side of this requirement is that it forces instructors to think carefully and holistically about integrating course and learning objectives with reading materials and other supplements used in class," Wysong says.
On the down side, Wysong adds, the distance education format can be somewhat impersonal and restrictive, with fewer spontaneous features than occur in traditional classroom settings. He has been able to overcome those drawbacks, however, through the use of short, in-class, small group projects.
"I enjoy working with the NTC students," says Wysong. "On balance they are a highly motivated and often 'streetwise' group. Through extensive writing assignments, telephone calls and FAX exchanges, I often get to know the students very well."
Marcia Gillette, who teaches chemistry, says "The biggest adjustment for me was from my usual mode of cruising back and forth across the front of the room to being a 'talking head.'"
Gillette says she found that students participating via interactive technology are actually more willing to engage in conversation with her via the network than in traditional classroom settings. "As a group," she says, "they seem willing to share their experiences and to argue what they consider to be political issues."
Currently, courses delivered through NTC are beamed to two sites in Detroit and to Toledo and Twinsburg, Ohio; Newark, Del.; St. Louis, Mo.; Huntsville, Ala.; Belvedere, Ill.; Syracuse, N.Y.; and Indianapolis.
Until recently, IUK professors have traveled to a Chrysler facility in Castleton to deliver their NTC courses. In January, however, courses will originate at a training center just a few blocks from campus.
Lesa Nalley, assistant director of Continuing Studies and general studies counselor, works closely with NTC students helping coordinate their schedules and answering questions. Using an 800 number, Nalley is able to provide advising via telephone.
To date, IUK has offered 49 classes and served more than 2,000 NTC students. A typical semester consists of four to five course offerings, each with an average class size of 42 students. The opening of a Kokomo site brings with it the possibility of expanded programming and greater student participation.
Meanwhile, Wysong says he's already anticipating next semester, when he'll be teaching Sociology of Power.
"What can I say," asks Wysong. "Like many faculty I confess to being somewhat of a performer, and the NTC television format provides a larger stage. But it only works if you invite students to be an integral part of the production."