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IDLA Innovators Award Master of Science in Agronomy Program Director: Ken Moore, PhD. The Iowa State University Master of Science in Agronomy program is a robust distance education program. It began in 1998 with a pilot group of 15 students, and today has grown to 113 active students, and 19 graduates located throughout the world. Evaluation information received from the pilot group students, allowed for changes to be made to course content/interface that has had a direct impact on today’s M.S. Agronomy students. M.S. Agronomy students can access the courses by computer from their home or place of business via the Internet and CD-ROM. The courseware integrates interactive material on CD-ROM with online communication tools. The program curriculum consists of 40 credits, 36 credits from specified courses, a 1-credit workshop, and a 3-credit creative component. The 1-credit workshop, and the creative component seminar will require students to travel to the Ames, Iowa campus. In the first 31 credits of the curriculum, emphasis is placed on technical knowledge and applications in the areas of climatology, crop production, soil and water management, and integrated pest management. The remaining credits focus more on integration of knowledge, and development of problem-solving and professional skills. Due to the flexibility of this program, it is designed for professionals working in industry and government. Most students have completed the degree in 3-5 years while working full-time. The rigorous curriculum is subsidized by the wealth of information provided on the program’s website. Faculty, students and visitors each have a section dedicated to their specific needs. Here they are easily able to find course information, student demographics, scholarship opportunities, and sample/setup lessons. The courses interface is very easy to navigate. There is a setup lesson to ensure all students will be able to access the content and understand it. There are clearly defined objectives, a list of suggested readings, lesson map (contents page), conversions calculator as well as a program glossary, all of which stay consistent between courses. This gives the learner a sense of continuity between classes so they can focus on learning and not on figuring out a new course interface. Throughout the lessons, the learner will find themselves using various multimedia tools for enhanced learning. Supplementary materials such as pictures, graphs and interactive activities make for a pleasant learning environment. One student said this program, “provided a deeper technical understanding of agronomic principles, how to practically apply that knowledge, and overview of the current major challenges facing crop production. Program has helped develop technical communication skills, such as consultant communicating ideas/suggestions to a farmer/customer, and critical thinking.” The M.S. Agronomy program at Iowa State University is well deserving of this award. They have embraced the idea of on-line learning and have created an innovative program for working professionals who do not have the time nor means to pursue a degree on-campus. Through their continuing studies of the program, they strive to maintain quality of education via on-line learning. For complete program details, please visit the website: http://masters.agron.iastate.edu |
