Preparing and Implementing an Animal Science Course for Distance Education at Utah State University

¹ Department of Animal, Dairy, and Veterinary Sciences, Utah State University, Logan 84322-4815

Several distance education programs have been developed by personnel at Utah State University. One such program has been an undergraduate animal breeding and genetics class produced for delivery through the nationwide Agricultural Satellite Corporation instructional network. Development of this course included a content analysis, which required the identification of critical and secondary topics in the course curriculum. An expanded syllabus and lecture notes for the instructor were constructed from this content analysis. In addition, computer-generated graphics, videotaped segments, and still frame shots were designed to supplement more traditional instructional media. The course was videotaped in fall 1991, and the tapes are now available for distribution through the instructional network. In developing a course suitable for distance education, faculty should be prepared for an increase in preparation time of two to three times over that required for a traditional course where instructor and student meet face to face.

Key Words: distance education • electronic learning • course development

Submitted on September 30, 1991
Accepted on May 4, 1992