Definition

Correspondence courses provide independent instruction to students on a one-to-one basis. In this type of course, very little technology is used although it can include online testing, an online syllabus, and grade posting in the learning management system (LMS) licensed and supported by MTSU. It should be possible, however, to complete the course almost entirely without online components. There is no peer interaction or group work. Interaction and feedback between the student and instructor take the form of 1) written assignments, 2) testing, 3) evaluations, 4) guidance, and 5) assistance through several types of media (i.e. printed / written word, telephone, fax, e-mail, LMS, and/or other electronic technologies). Correspondence courses are taught as part of the MTSU faculty course load OR as an overload.

Special Notes

• If 50%, or more, of the content of a correspondence course is placed online, it should be converted to an online course.
• Two semesters, minimum, should be allotted for course development or revision, the review process, approval, and course scheduling.
• Textbook orders should be placed through Phillips Bookstore.

List of Correspondence Courses Developed

• Undergraduate Correspondence Courses
• Graduate Correspondence Courses

Getting Started

1. Deadlines for providing hard and electronic copies of course materials:

• October 1 - Spring Semester courses;
• March 1 - Summer Semester courses;
• June 1 - Fall Semester courses.

2. Criteria for Development of Exemplary Correspondence Courses

Correspondence course quality is based on criteria reviewed and approved by the MTSU Distance Learning Committee.

3. Course Proposal Form and Course Syllabus Template

A Course Proposal Form and a Syllabus, more detailed and thorough than a standard syllabus, should be prepared and submitted for each new correspondence course.

Following approval, the Course Proposal Form and Syllabus should be sent to the Distance Learning Faculty Services Office at MTSU Box X109. Receipt of this form (one per course) notifies this office of the intent to develop a correspondence course, and the course designer is then sent a Correspondence Course Development Agreement.

 4. Online Component

Development of an online component is required for each new and revised correspondence course, using the learning management system (LMS) licensed and supported by MTSU. Faculty are required to place the course syllabus and instructor contact information online for ease of access by their students. Course designers may wish to consult the MTSU Online Course Guidelines for additional information.

5. Course Creation Request Form

Completion of this form notifies the Faculty Instructional Technology Center (FITC) that a shell is needed for course development to begin the process of placing materials online.

6. Learning Management System (LMS) Training

Training is mandatory on the learning management system (LMS) supported by MTSU following request of a course creation shell. Workshop attendance or one-on-one consultation may be scheduled by contacting the FITC staff at 615/904-8189.

7. Correspondence Course Development Agreement

For each new course developed, a Correspondence Course Development Agreement must be completed, approved and sent to the Distance Learning Faculty Services Office at Box X109 to be placed on file. The agreement outlines course development and instruction expectations as well as the terms for compensation. The agreement is provided upon submission of a Course Proposal Form and Syllabus.

8. Approval and Submission of Course Materials

At the completion of correspondence course development or revision, the course designer must contact his/her assigned Faculty Peer Assistant (FPA) to begin the peer review process (see Course Approval section).

9. Course Scheduling

Academic departments should work with the Scheduling Center to schedule new correspondence courses for the semester of delivery noted in the Correspondence Course Development Agreement. Please contact the Distance Learning Faculty Services Office (cladams@mtsu.edu) if there is a delay in initial delivery.

10. Scheduling On-campus Meetings/Exams

Instructors wishing to schedule on-campus meetings (such as an orientation, exams or project meetings) are required to complete and submit the Distance Learning Meeting Request Form.

11. Correspondence Course Development Fee

Course Designers may choose between $2,500 or a new laptop computer for each new MTSU correspondence course (undergraduate or graduate) developed.

12. Course Development Resources

ADA

• ADA Compliance
• ADA Home Page

COPYRIGHT POLICIES

• The TEACH Toolkit – an Online Resource for Understanding Copyright and Distance Learning (legislation enacted in November 2002)
• TBR Copyright Policy (last updated 2001)

MTSU

• Academic Calendar
• Adaptive Technology/Disabled Student Services
• Computer and Network Acceptable Use Policy
• ITD
• ITD Resources Policy
• Technical Support
• Walker Library Distance Education Page
• Walker Library Resources for Distance Instructors