Historical Perspectives - Inception and the Early Years (1999 - 2002)
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Plans were made for The Virtual VE Master's Degree Program to be taught by faculty from each of the SUS Departments of Special Education. One or two faculty members were recommended by their chairpersons. The criteria for recommendation included those veteran faculty members who had consistent high ratings in the course(s) they were recommended to teach. In addition, they would be known regionally or nationally for their expertise in the course content.
Coursework was originally offered through telecourses and/or web sites that originated at each of the state universities. For example, the faculty member teaching the course "EEX 6612 --Management and Motivation of Exceptional and At-Risk Students" was located at the University of Florida. The telecourse originated from the University of Florida and was available through cable TV or through direct downlinks at selected high schools throughout the state. For example, in Nassau County the course was available on Media One Channel 19 or via direct downlink at one of the three high schools in the county.
In addition, on-line support services were available to students registering for the Virtual VE Master's Program. On an Internet-connected computer, students were able to access web site based course materials, participate in forums with faculty and other students, submit written assignments, submit e-mail questions and receive responses, and complete tests and assessments. Library services were provided through dial-up access to the SUS library system. In addition, e-mail discussion listservs were available to all faculty and students participating in the Virtual VE Master's Degree Program.
Registration fees for courses in the Virtual VE Master's Program were set at the rates each university had established for its own graduate students who register for on-site courses. Credit hours and FTE generated by each course reverted to the university and department broadcasting that particular course. Degrees and certificates were awarded by each Department of Special Education to those students residing within the local university catchment area. For the University of Florida and for Florida State University, the Regional CSPD Partnership Catchment areas were used.
The Virtual VE Master's Degree Program was reviewed and endorsed by the Bureau of Instructional Support and Community Services, Florida Department of Education. The courses designated as required to earn the degree were as follows:
EEX 6010 Introduction to Special Education SPA 4000 Communication Disorders in the Public Schools EEX 6612 Management and Motivation of Exceptional and At-Risk Students EEX 6222 Advanced Psychoeducational Assessment of Exceptional Students EEX 6245 Transitional Programming for Adolescent & Adult Learners EDF 6481 Foundations in Educational Research EEX 6732 Consultation and Collaboration in Special Education EEX 5752 Working with Families: A Pluralistic Perspective EDG 6931 Nature and Needs of the Mildly Handicapped EEX 6943 Graduate Supervised Practicum (LD, BD or MR) EMR 6303 Educational Strategies for Students with Mental Retardation EED 6211 Educational Strategies for Students with Behavioral Disorders EDG 6931 Educational Strategies for Students with Learning Disabilities