Narrative:  

Troy University is in compliance with this Comprehensive Standard.

Troy University is committed to preparing students to meet the challenges of living and working in a global economy. To prepare students for this context the University must teach not only the basics of technology use, but it must also give students the foundation they need to adapt to the changing landscape. This foundation includes competencies, knowledge and skills related to information literacy, critical thinking, innovative thinking, and global awareness.

The Troy University mission statement identifies the significance of student learning in “providing a variety of educational programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels for a diverse student body in traditional, non-traditional and emerging electronic formats.”

The eCampus is the vehicle through which Troy University reaches its students in multiple time zones, states and countries. Multiple degree programs leading to majors and concentrations at the associate, bachelor’s and master’s levels are available completely online. The University utilizes an advanced content management system to support student learning and resources the upgrades necessary to keep it in its most current configuration.

Troy University’s policy for the use of technology and enhancement of student learning may be found in Appendix A of the Faculty Handbook.

The University Library offers a comprehensive array of materials and services in online format. An online public access catalog (WEBCAT) provides access to a multitude of online database systems containing full text journals, online database systems with partial full text and/or bibliographic references, and online full text books. The online resources are available 24 hours a day from any location. Assistance is also available through Live Chat, an online chat service available around the clock when classes are in session and by e-mail. Evidence to support the WEBCAT online catalog search engine as well as the online database systems and the electronic reserves can be found at the Library Web site.

The University is committed to graduating students who are technologically capable of succeeding in the information age and as such, the University incorporates a basic technology course into its general studies requirements. IS 2241 Introduction to Information Systems provides an interdisciplinary introduction to microcomputer literacy, word processing, spreadsheets, databases, business graphics and the Internet. Additional technology instruction is integrated into various degree programs within the various colleges.

The syllabus for IS 2241 is attached. This syllabus states the course purpose and learning outcomes as:

In the IS 2241 course, students receive instruction in the following technologies:

1. general computing concepts,
   
2. Microsoft Windows,
   
3. Microsoft Office fundamentals,
   
4. Microsoft Word,
   
5. Microsoft Excel,
   
6. Microsoft PowerPoint, and
   
7. Microsoft Access.

The competencies taught in the course are measured by a unit exam designed by the course instructor. The skills taught in the course are measured by the assessments designed into the MyITLab product provided by Pearson Education. MyITLab is an online solution professors can use to deliver courses on Microsoft Office 2007 with defensible assessment and customized training. The MyITLab solution allows for authentic assessment of demonstrated technology skills through project-based and skills-based assessments. MyITLab's advanced reporting capabilities, including detailed student click-stream data, let instructors see exactly what actions their students have completed click-by-click, for true defensible grading.

The table below maps these technologies that are covered in the course to the appropriate learning outcome and indicates how the outcome is measured.

Competency / Skill	Learning Outcome	Evaluative Criteria
General Computing Concepts	List and describe the hardware and software components of a computer system.	Unit Exam
Microsoft Windows XP	Maintain file systems, and run applications.	Unit Exam
Microsoft Office Fundamentals	Use a word-processing application to create, modify, save, and preview fully featured, academically formatted documents.	MyITLab Exam
Microsoft Word	Use a word-processing application to create, modify, save, and preview fully featured, academically formatted documents.	MyITLab Exam
Microsoft Excel	Use an electronic-spreadsheet application to create, save, modify, and preview a fully featured, multiple-sheet workbook.	MyITLab Exam
Microsoft PowerPoint	Use a presentation software package to create, save, modify, and show a multiple-slide presentation using various templates, designs, formats, objects, headers, footers, and animation and transition schemes	MyITLab Exam
Microsoft Access	Use a database package to create, save, populate, maintain, and query a database and to produce formatted reports.	MyITLab Exam

By integrating this basic technology course into the general studies curriculum, Troy University is ensuring that students have received formal instruction related to the computing competencies and skills that they will need across their academic and employment endeavors.

Not only does Troy University provide this technology course, but it also encourages its faculty to integrate technology into the teaching and learning process so that students have multiple opportunities to use technology to refine their technology skills as they progress through the curriculum.

Troy University’s emphasis on integration and use of technology in its teaching is evidenced by the Graduating Student Survey Report summarized in the Troy University 2007 Fact Book in which graduating students rated the faculty’s use of technology in enhancing teaching at 3.93 on the Troy Campus and 4.20 in the Global Campus on a 1 to 5 point scale. (Page 85)

The University provides ample computer labs and student access computers at all of its campuses and sites as well as wireless access in dormitories and common use areas. These labs and student access computers provide licensed software as well as Internet access.

The University maintains a robust and sophisticated Web presence including a Web site for student and faculty support (www.troy.edu), a student interface (Trojan Web Express) with the student database system (Datatel), and a customized content management site, BlackBoard. Additionally, students are provided with an email account that functions as the e-mail system for the school (Trojan Web Mail) allowing students to communicate freely with instructors and other University personnel to support learning and well as administrative and social needs.

Training on the use of technology is provided not only through course work but through a variety of help desks and online tutorials. Help desk support for Web Mail and Web Express is located at https://it.troy.edu. Help desk support for BlackBoard is located at http://www.troy.edu/bbhelp/.

Troy University has demonstrates its distance learning education leadership responsibilities with its investment in new technologies to support online testing. Troy has partnered with Software Secure, a leading test security company that has developed a cutting edge device designated Remote Proctor. Remote Proctor meets the needs of today’s distance education student by ensuring both the identity of the distance learning student and monitoring the test environment of the student taking an exam remotely. The Secure Exam Remote Proctor represents a technological leap forward in the area of test integrity for distance learning education students and is the result of a heavy investment of both time and money on the part of the University.

Technology is integrated into programs and course objectives by the colleges to enhance learning. The following courses are specific examples of courses in which technology is an integral part of the course:

Undergraduate Courses
ACT 3396	Accounting Information Systems
ART 2210	e-Drawing
ART 3308	Principles of Digital Design
ART 3310	Time/Sound
ART 3315	Design for the Internet
ART 4424	Design Studio
BIO L100	Principles of Biology Lab
BIO L101	Organismal Biology Lab
BIO L110	Survey of the Human Body Lab
BIO L202	Principles of Environmental Science Lab
BIO L229	General Ecology Lab
BIO L307	Invertebrate Zoology Lab
BIO L308	Vertebrate Zoology Lab
BIO L320	Genetics Lab
BIO L325	Plant Form and Function Lab
BIO L326	Plant Diversity Lab
BIO L347	Human Anatomy and Physiology Lab
BIO L372	Microbiology Lab
BIO L382	Immunology Lab
BIO L386	Hematology Lab
BIO L405	Entomology Lab
BIO L410	Animal Behavior Lab
BIO L413	Limnology Lab
BIO L414	Food Microbiology Lab
BIO L416	Microbial Ecology Lab
BIO L421	Population Ecology Lab
BIO L428	Environmental Pollution and Control Lab
BIO L430	Applied Genetics Lab
BIO L432	Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy Lab
BIO L433	Embryology Lab
BIO L445	Ichthyology Lab
BIO L446	Herpetology Lab
BIO L447	Ornithology Lab
BIO L4471	Parasitology Lab
BIO L448	Mammalogy Lab
BIO L451	Toxicology Lab
BIO L452	Industrial Hygiene Lab
BIO L478	Cell Biology Lab
BIO L479	Environmental Assessment Lab
BIO L480	Histology Lab
BIO L482	Molecular Biology Lab
CHM L115	Survey of Chemistry Lab
CHM L142	General Chemistry I Laboratory
CHM L242	Analytical Chemistry Laboratory
CHM L342	Organic Chemistry I Laboratory
CHM L350	Principles of Physical Chemistry Laboratory
CHM L352	Biochemistry
CHM L381	Physical Chemistry I Laboratory
CHM L444	Advanced Inorganic Laboratory
CHM L445	Instrumental Analysis Laboratory
CS 2244	Computer Programming I
CS 2261	Foundations of Computer Science Concepts
CS 2262	Business Systems Programming
CS 2265	Advanced Programming 1
CS 3323	Data Structures
CS 3325	Operations Research
CS 3329	Analysis of Algorithms
CS 3330	Data Structures and Algorithms
CS 3331	Fundamentals of Artificial Intelligence
CS 3332	Software Engineering I
CS 3339	Fundamentals of Object-Oriented Programming
CS 3347	Advanced Programming II
CS 3357	Logical Structures of Computer Design
CS 3365	Introduction to Computer Organization and Architecture
CS 3370	Nature of Programming Languages
CS 3372	Formal Languages and the Theory of Computation
CS 4401	Special Topics in Artificial Intelligence
CS 4420	Introduction to Database Systems
CS 4443	Web-Based Software Development
CS 4445	Data Communication and Networking
CS 4447	Systems Analysis and Design
CS 4448	Operating Systems
CS 4449	Applied Networking
CS 4451	Computer Security and Reliability
CS 4461	Software Engineering II
CS 4462	Special Topics in Object-Oriented Programming
CS 4495	Special Topics in Computer Science
DRA 2245	Stagecraft Lab
EDU 3305	Microcomputers in Education
EDU 4499	Technology Across the Curriculum
ENG 3366	Professional Document Design
GEM 1100	Computer-Aided Drafting
GEM 3391	Applications of Geographic Information Systems
GEM L110	Computer-Aided Drafting Lab
GEM L220	Basics of Cartography and Surveying Lab
GEM L391	Applications of GIS Lab
GEM L409	Hydrology Lab
IS 2241	Computer Concepts and Applications
IS 2244	Computer Programming I
IS 2260	Computer Programming II
IS 3300	Introduction to Information Systems
IS 3320	Data Communication and Computer Networking
IS 3330	Web Authoring
IS 3339	Object-Oriented Programming I
IS 3346	Database Management Systems I
IS 3349	Object-Oriented Programming II
IS 3380	Network Operating Systems
IS 4430	Web Site Design
IS 4440	Database Management Systems II
IS 4443	Internet Development
IS 4447	System Engineering and Project Management
IS 4450	Network Design and Management
IS 4451	Network Infrastructure and Security
IS 4460	E-Commerce Design
JRN 1100	Technologies in Journalism
KHP L474	Exercise Physiology Lab
MGT 4452	Supply Chain Management Information Systems
MGT 4480	Technology and Innovation Management
MTH 2220	Computer Programming for Mathematics
MUI 3310	Audio Principles and Techniques
MUI 3325	Recording Studio
NSG 1160	Introduction to Technology in Nursing Education
PHY L252	General Physics I Laboratory
PHY L262	Physics I with Calculus Laboratory
PHY L410	Modern Physics Laboratory
QM 2241	Business Statistics
SCI L 234	Earth and Space Science Laboratory
SCI L233	Physical Science Laboratory
SCI L335	Physical Geology Lab
SCI L336	Observational Astronomy Laboratory
SCI L340	Marine Science Laboratory
SCI L350	Weather and Climate Laboratory
SPE 3330	Integrating Assistive Technology

 

Graduate Courses
ADE 6605	Computer Based Instructional Technologies
ADE 6606	Current and Emerging Instructional Technologies
ADE 6608	Curriculum Integration of Technology
BIO L505	Entomology Lab
BIO L510	Animal Behavior Lab
BIO L513	Limnology Lab
BIO L516	Microbial Ecology Lab
BIO L521	Population Ecology Lab
BIO L530	Applied Genetics Lab
BIO L532	Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy Lab
BIO L533	Embryology Lab
BIO L545	Ichthyology Lab
BIO L546	Herpetology Lab
BIO L547	Ornithology Lab
BIO L548	Mammalogy Lab
BIO L551	Toxicology Lab
BIO L571	Parasitology Lab
BIO L578	Cell Biology Lab
BIO L580	Histology Lab
BIO L582	Molecular Biology Lab
BIO L600	Aquatic Entomology Lab
BIO L602	Human Pathophysiology Lab
BIO L606	Economic Botany Lab
CHM 5545	Instrumental Analysis
CHM L545	Instrumental Analysis Laboratory
CHM L552	Physical Chemistry I Laboratory
CHM L553	Physical Chemistry II Laboratory
CS 5543	Software Engineering
CS 5545	Computer Architecture
CS 5547	Systems Analysis and Design
CS 5549	Analysis of Algorithms
CS 5550	Operating Systems Principles
CS 6640	Data Base Management Concepts
CS 6641	Society and Information Systems
CS 6643	Theory and Design of Compilers
CS 6646	Information Systems for Operations and Management
CS 6647	Simulation and Modeling
CS 6648	Operations Research
CS 6649	Special Topics in CS
CS 6650	Distributed System Principles
CS 6651	Artificial Intelligence
CS 6652	XML Technology Principles
CS 6653	Topics in Software Security and Reliability
CS 6654	Topics in Software Engineering
CS 6655	Digital Logic Design – Principles and Practices with Emphasis on Testable Semicustom Circuits
CS 6656	Design and Testing of Reliable Digital Systems
CS 6699	Research and Thesis
EBS L513	Limnology Lab
EBS L521	Population Ecology Lab
EBS L530	Applied Genetics Lab
EBS L551	Toxicology Lab
EBS L552	Industrial Hygiene Lab
EBS L578	Cell Biology Lab
EBS L582	Molecular Biology Lab
EBS L600	Aquatic Entomology Lab
EBS L630	Pollution Science Lab
EDU 6605	Computer-Based Instructional Technologies
EDU 6606	Current and Emerging Instructional Technologies
EDU 6607	Curriculum Integration of Technology
EDU 6611	Educational Technology in the Curriculum
EDU 6617	Graphic Design in Multimedia Instruction
EDU 6618	Advanced Multimedia Production
IS 6672	Information Systems and Business Strategy
IS 6674	Information Systems Management
IS 6676	E-Commerce for Global Business
IS 6679	Management Information Systems
MTH 6650	Trends in Technology and Problem Solving in Secondary Mathematics Instruction
NSG 6635	Integration of Technology in Information Exchange
PSE 6606	Current and Emerging Instructional Technologies
PSE 6608	Curriculum Integration of Technology
SPE 6635	Meeting Instructional Needs Through Technology

The eCampus

Troy University has been actively involved in the development and evolution of distance learning technology for over fifty years. Troy’s Global Campus (formerly called University College) has been formally organized for thirty-five years. With the addition of the Alabama campuses in fall of 2007, Troy University’s eCampus became the consolidated, Internet-based online provider for all Troy University students.

Troy’s eCampus, which operates globally, offers flexible and convenient educational opportunities, innovative teaching methods and advanced technology. Student goals are achieved by removing accessibility issues, geographical boundaries and time concerns. All Troy University degree programs are regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Both undergraduate and master’s degrees are offered using a variety of interactive Web-based classes. To achieve best practices in distance education, eCampus course requirements, like all course requirements, are standardized in terms off faculty development, assessment and continual review and redesign of courses. Troy University’s eCampus engages in best practices in distance learning technology, training and development of faculty, and e-course review and redesign.

Technology

Troy University uses Blackboard as its content management system for online and Web-enhanced courses. Through the Troy Blackboard system, instructors and students have access to the Blackboard Support Page that offers tutorials and other training material to support instructors and students as they learn to maneuver the Blackboard System. Additional training material is also offered to instructors on the use of the Content Management System (CMS). Licensed software such as Respondus, Turnitin and Impatica are available through Blackboard to faculty to help with the enhancement of their online courses. Students also have access to the Smarthinking student tutorial software as well as the eLibrary to support their online course work. The eLibrary tab is available to online students and with a valid Troy University User ID students have the opportunity to do research using the online search programs.

Troy University instructors are required to take the Teaching Online Proficiency (TOP) course before they are allowed to teach using the Blackboard system. TOP is a three-week training course that teaches instructors how to build a quality course using the primary functions within Blackboard. Once the instructor successfully builds his or her course development shell for the TOP course, he or she is identified as Blackboard proficient within Datatel and is allowed to be scheduled for Blackboard courses. Instructors are periodically required to be tested on the latest features of Blackboard to maintain their proficiency status.

Training

Troy University is committed to providing the training and support necessary for its faculty and staff to be able to integrate technology into the teaching and learning process. The University’s strategic initiative 4.1 is “to ensure that 100% of the faculty and staff will be trained in the use of technology needed to execute their responsibilities.”

An ad hoc committee has been charged with guiding and monitoring the University’s progress toward the completion of this objective. The committee has identified the following strengths:

1. The current technology training initiatives are congruent with the technology training needs reported by faculty and staff. For example, the types of training which are most often provided are training on Datatel (the University’s student record management system) and Blackboard. Datatel and Blackboard were also reported as the technologies for which there is the highest expressed need for training.
   
2. The implementation of technology training is focused at the local campus level yet coordinated centrally. The types of training requested and the delivery system as well as preferred dates and times vary substantially from campus to campus. For example, faculty and staff from the Troy Campus reported that they prefer face-to-face training. Faculty and staff from eCampus reported that they prefer online training. Using the data provided on the campus specific reports, campus leaders are in the best position to match technology training needs with training programs.
   
3. The Human Resources department coordinates training initiatives across the University. The Human Resources Department’s Training and Development provides training services for Troy University to advance institutional effectiveness by providing training and development opportunities designed to enhance employee performance. Training & Development includes providing publicity, registration, tracking of attendance, online service support, and coordination of facilities for the training sessions. This centralized entity works to fulfill training needs throughout the University.
   
4. The IT (information technologies) department of Troy University provides several live and online training opportunities and resources. The IT department provides training for Datatel, the Microsoft Office suite, computer basics and security training. This training is provided face to face as well as online.
   
5. The eCampus provides Blackboard training. All faculty members who use Blackboard must demonstrate mastery of the software prior to being assigned a faculty user account. Completion of this is tracked in the faculty member’s record in Datatel.

In an effort to measure the degree toward which this objective is being met, the committee surveyed 2752 Troy University faculty and staff in the spring of 2008. Almost half of all faculty and staff (43%, N=1171) participated in the survey. The Technology Training Survey results and analysis provides a thorough analysis of the types of computer software being deployed across Troy University and as a component of the institution's strategic plan, will be used to develop further opportunities to integrate technology into the teaching and learning process.

eCourse Redesign

The eCourse redesign project is an initiative to update all of the online courses taught by Troy University. Using the common curriculum across Troy University, there is a need to ensure that the common learning objectives are being met in all online courses.

The typical course development method used by Troy University has been to give a blank Blackboard shell to each adjunct or full-time faculty member selected to teach an online course. The faculty member would then design the course as he or she considered appropriate. This process has resulted in many exemplary online courses. However, it has also created extensive variability across multiple sections of the same online course. The eCourse redesign project is a multi-year process to create an eCourse or course template that defines the minimum required content necessary to meet the learning objectives of the course.

This eCourse redesign project has been mandated from the Executive Vice Chancellor/Provost’s office and was planned for several months. The current committees were established by the deans of the various disciplines with the intent of providing experienced faculty with the tools and abilities to make and implement these decisions. The eCourse redesign project is being directed by the Vice Chancellor of Troy Global Campus.

The project goal is to establish an acceptable set of learning objectives and resources that all faculty members teaching these courses in any Troy University program will use. This will be the minimum acceptable level. Faculty will be able to choose how they wish to teach these and what additional points they feel should be added. It is important that all academic decisions be made by faculty involved with the courses. Instructional designers will help with structure and with trying to maintain the schedule. They will also do research on additional resources available and technical issues. Faculty will choose the content and the scope of the courses. The desired result is a course designed and created to teach the right material, with a chosen text, support materials and even possible assessment suggestions. The scope and depth of this process are up to the faculty redesign team.

As part of this overall redesign process, Troy University enhanced its commitment to the integrity of its online course offerings by standardizing the proctoring options available to students in online courses. The eCampus implemented a more stringent proctoring policy beginning with the Summer 2008 term. The goal of this policy is to improve the validity of University claims related to student authentication and enforcement of the instructor’s requirement for a standardized testing condition. The policy requires the student to use one of the following four options:

1. use the Remote Proctor device;
   
2. go to a third party certified testing center, such as Sylvan or Prometrics;
   
3. use an approved Military Education Office; or
   
4. use a Troy University workstation testing center located at a University sites.

Students with extenuating circumstances can contact the eCampus Assistant Director for Testing for assistance.

Support

Troy University invests in providing technical support to students, faculty and staff. These support services are detailed in Core Requirements 2.9 and 2.10 and Comprehensive Standards 3.8.1 and 3.8.2. Innovations such as Blackboard and interactive video sessions in chat rooms are putting students in touch with their professors and classmates. Also included in the eCampus are the University’s email system, the toll free information call center, online chat assistance, informative Web pages, adaptive needs services, online book services including electronic books, a large e-library database, a specialized library search tool called Helot, online student orientation, expanded financial aid services, a writing center and online tutorial services. An added thrust to eCampus is the SecureExam remote proctor, a technology co-developed by Troy distance learning educators and Software Secure, Inc. The aim is to provide an additional level of security for online test takers, further ensuring academic integrity for the eCampus programs.

Conclusion

Troy University is in compliance with this Comprehensive Standard.