November 8, 1999
Contact: Elaine Warren, Edwards Campus, (913) 897-8411 or elainew@ukans.edu.
OVERLAND PARK -- It's not often an educational institution and a major corporation join forces to build an academic course, but the University of Kansas' Edwards Campus and Sprint are working together to create a completely Web-based communications technology class that will be offered in spring 2000.
"This partnership is part of a continuing effort between Sprint and KU to investigate the design, development and effectiveness of online teaching and learning" said Michael Henry, associate director of instructional development for the Edwards Campus.
The three-credit hour course, Communication Technology and Organizational Change (COMS 930/560), will emphasize changes in organizational communication due to the use of new technologies such as e-mail, voice mail, teleconferencing, GroupWare and the Internet.
The class is open to both KU undergraduates and graduate students and Sprint employees. The class is asynchronous, meaning students can take it when it's convenient for them. It is delivered entirely on the Internet, allowing students to go to class by logging on to the class Web site from any location.
"Through this course, Sprint employees will gain information and skills enabling them to approach their work more effectively," said Janice Hawley, manager of Sprint's University, College and Alliance Partnerships.
A key element of the class is that it involves interaction between students and interaction between the professor and students. "This allows for students to feel they are truly a part of a class, Henry said. "For KU students, this class gives them the chance to take a class and interact with working professionals at Sprint."
Henry says this course comes at an opportune time because communication technology is an issue that is revolutionizing organizations and businesses right now. "In this class, participants are discussing communication technology and are using it at the same time."
The Edwards Campus has offered graduate degrees to working professionals since 1975. The average age of the student body is 32. About 60 percent are married and more than 90 percent work full-time. The majority of classes take place in the evening hours. Currently, the Edwards Campus offers 17 programs including business administration, architecture, education, engineering, public administration, social work, and more. Tuition and fees are affordably priced for both Kansas and Missouri residents.