Capability Concerns

“The world is going wireless and that means an ever-increasing demand on wireless bandwidth” (University Of Phoenix Information Systems And Technology Articles, 2006-2012, para. 1).

“There is a distinction between wireless bandwidth and Internet bandwidth because they are really two separate systems that are tied together” (University Of Phoenix Information Systems and Technology Articles, 2006-2012, para. 2). 

 Understanding the basics on bandwidth helps to comprehend the issue University of Phoenix faced and how they could address these issues.

In 2011, Apollo Group Inc., the parent company of University of Phoenix, took on a business challenge of providing a state-of-the art online learning environment, a reduction of wireless network downtime and slowdowns, and protection against security threats (Cisco Borderless Network, 2011).“Our learning centers are a vital resource for our students,” says Dennis Crowe, director of network engineering, Apollo Group.  “We want these centers to be the ideal educational environment.  Everything should be available: Internet research, email, collaboration, video, class content, etc.  We also need to ensure that these facilities are secure, so that everyone’s assets are safe” (Cisco Borderless Network, 2011, Business Challenge).  This goal seemed to be far-fetched,  Apollo Group Inc. supports a diverse classroom environment with programs ranging from associate-level to doctorate-level, online classrooms functioning 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and larger ground campuses with up to 35 classrooms that require wireless Internet connection and HD media support. However, Apollo Group Inc. addressed this concern of by shifting from “more than 3000 wireless access points and 200 different distributed controller systems from multiple vendors” (D. Crowe, 2011, Business Challenge), to a solution that required a network upgrade and reducing to a single vendor, Cisco, that would only require 20 Cisco wireless controllers (Cisco Borderless Network, 2011).

“When students come to our campuses, they expect an outstanding learning environment,” says Crowe.  “We owe it to them to provide reliable and steady network service, wherever they need it and however they choose to access it.  The Cisco network has really helped us get there” (Cisco Borderless Network, 2011, Business Results).

As one could see, Apollo Group Inc. – University of Phoenix will continue their journey to improve the classroom environment and address the concerns of bandwidth and implementing web 2.0 tools.

References

Cisco Borderless Network. (2011). National Higher Learning Institution Builds Campuses of theFuture. Retrieved from http://www.cisco.com/en/US/prod/collateral/wireless/ps5678/ps10981/case_study_c36-658655.pdf

University of Phoenix Information Systems and Technology Articles. (2006-2012). Retrieved

fromhttp://www.phoenix.edu/colleges_divisions/technology/articles/2011/04/wireless-infrastructure-can-our-current-system-handle-bandwidth-demands.html

Suggestions for better technology integration for adult learning opportunities

Currently UOP offers online tutorials for math classes in areas like statistics and algebra. UOP also provides tutorials for writing in regards to language, fonts and has a program that will read and correct papers for students. The university also has an extensive online library and e-books that can be read on your computer. The on-line library provides access to professional journals and a reference originator (Technological University, 2010).

Upgrades and or changes in technology

Video lectures and or audio lectures from the teacher to the students. The use of these technologies will help the visual and auditory learners relate to the concepts presented in the classroom. 

PowerPoint presentations can also be useful for online classes. PowerPoint presentations allow students to follow along at their own pace and provide the option to revisit content as needed.

Students can also use Vignettes, short acted out scenes, to further explain or examine a specific topic the class is working on. 

Reference

Technological University. (2010). The University of Phoenix online-six plus features. Retrieved from http:// http://www.directorthettin.com/the-university-of-phoenix-online-six-plus-features.html

Technology Managment at UOP

A dedication to constant evaluation and change is one of the ways the University of Phoenix supports and manages technology (Pirani, 2003).

Some areas currently in constant development and change

·         Electronic administrative tools for faculty and staff

·         Continuous development and change of technical training for new students

·         Ecampus upgrades

·         (Pirani, 2003)

 

Identify challenges and produces support

Pirani  (2003), "It addresses these issues by systematizing training for faculty and students and creating a highly robust infrastructure that amasses processing power and redundancy on the back end and keeps things simple on the front end with a user friendly interface” (6).

Provides training to help inexperienced users get the most out of the technology. This training can assist faculty with other challenges such as time management, efficiency, and quality instruction (Pirani, 2003).

 

IT support

Pirani (2003), “Provides a reliable and scalable IT infrastructure” (7).

·         Suitable for high-volume environment

·         Is transparent

·         Supports online and on-campus instructors and students

·         As of 2003 supports

o   3 rEsource® servers that store online course materials

o   3 apply web servers for enrollment applications

o   3 financial aid servers for processing financial aid applications

o   10-12 ecampus servers to handle student and faculty web page

·         Consistently scaling resources to maintain efficiency (Pirani, 2003).

 

IT resources

·         24/7 telephone call center

·         Toll free numbers

·         Uses a predictive model to determine staffing needs to accommodate peak usage

·         Focus on customer service and technical skills for users

·         UOP invests in top job candidates with skills and customer service expertise

·         No time limit used per call which avoids conversations that are not customer centric

·         Escalation system and tiers for specialty in resolving customer concerns

·         Consistent and timely training

·         Online support tools to meet self service needs

·         (Pirani, 2003)

Reference

Pirani, J. A. (2003). Supporting E-learning at the University of Phoenix. Retrieved from http://http//www.educause.edu/ecar/

   

Technologies in use at University of Phoenix

Innovative Educational Technology

University of Phoenix selects technology pertinent to meeting the academic needs of the student, faculty, and staff. University of Phoenix uses the latest innovative education technology to remain the educational leader in online learning (University of Phoenix, 2012). This Internet-based technology connects students all over the world to instructors, classmates, and online e-learning resources. University of Phoenix tools and applications available to students include mobile applications, PhoenixConnect®, Center for Math Excellence, Center for Writing Excellence, and an online library (University of Phoenix, 2012). These technology tools and software enhance the students learning experience.

Reference: University of Phoenix. (2012). Technology that elevates your learning experience. Retrieved from http://www.phoenix.edu/students/how-it-works/innovative_education_technology.html

Computer Requirements

University of Phoenix requires students have adequate Internet access and bandwidth to complete assignments, download classroom materials, and collaborate with classmates (University of Phoenix, 2012). Each student is responsible for meeting proper computer requirements for hardware and peripherals like using a 2 GHz or faster processer, and software applications like Windows XP or Mac OS (University of Phoenix, 2012). Students will use Microsoft Office 2007 to prepare and submit their assignments. University of Phoenix supplies students free downloads for software needed for specific courses like Microsoft Visual Studio.NET and Adobe Photoshop via their virtual desktop (University of Phoenix, 2012). University of Phoenix provides students with a complimentary student email address so they can receive technology upgrade updates (University of Phoenix, 2012).

Reference: University of Phoenix. (2012). Computer requirements. Retrieved from http://www.phoenix.edu/students/how-it works/innovative_education_technology/computer_requirements.html

 Mobile App

University of Phoenix offers students using an iPhone, iPad, or Android Smartphone a complimentary mobile app so they can attend class from virtually any location (University of Phoenix, 2012). Students can access messages and post responses, post comments to discussion questions, view, edit, and save classroom drafts, and receive weekly feedback and grades (University of Phoenix, 2012).

Reference: University of Phoenix. (2012). University of Phoenix mobile app. Retrieved from    http://www.phoenix.edu/students/how-it-works/innovative_education_technology/university-of-phoenix-mobile-app.html

Center for Writing Excellence

Center for Writing Excellence (CWE) assists students in creating, organizing, and editing college-level academic written papers. CWE provides students with computer-generated or visually reviewed feedback on submitted papers (University of Phoenix, 2012). Technology tools as River Point Writer provides students with an APA formatted writing template (University of Phoenix, 2012).

WritePoint reviews papers on grammar and style and provides students with a computer-generated report (University of Phoenix, 2012). Students use Plagiarism Checker to ensure they have not omitted citing published work from others (University of Phoenix, 2012). The Reference Citation Generator assists students in submitting APA properly formatted references and in-text citations (University of Phoenix, 2012).

Reference: University of Phoenix. (2012). Center for writing excellence. Retrieved from http://www.phoenix.edu/students/how-it-works/innovative_education_technology/center-for-writing-excellence.html

Center for Mathematics Excellence

The Center for Mathematics Excellence (CME) assists students increase their math skills by offering math and statistics online tutorials so students can reduce anxiety associated with solving mathematical problems (University of Phoenix, 2012). These tutorials receive support through ALEKS Assessment and Learning in Knowledge Spaces proprietary software and range in difficulty from basic college-level math to finite math (University of Phoenix, 2012). Some classes in math and statistics use a Worldwide Whiteboard Web conferencing for synchronous online tutoring (University of Phoenix, 2012).

Reference: University of Phoenix. (2012). Center for mathematics excellence. Retrieved from http://www.phoenix.edu/students/how-it-works/innovative_education_technology/center-for-mathematics-excellence.html

University Library

The Online University Library offers students the ability to research via their virtual desktop-catalogued up-to-date documents continuously (University of Phoenix, 2012). Students receive search results from inputting keywords and indexing phrases.

Reference: University of Phoenix. (2012). Online university library. Retrieved from http://www.phoenix.edu/students/how-it-works/innovative_education_technology/online-university-library.html

PhoenixConnect®

PhoenixConnect® is a private educationally focused social network that allows students the opportunity to collaborate real-time with faculty, staff, and alumni on classroom topics (University of Phoenix, 2012). Students create a user profile and have access to videos, podcasts, tutorials, blogs, and instant chat messaging (University of Phoenix, 2012). PhoenixConnect® enhances the student online learning experience beyond the traditional academic classroom life experience.

Reference: University of Phoenix. (2012). PhoenixConnect Academic Social Network. Retrieved from http://www.phoenix.edu/students/how-it-works/innovative_education_technology/phoenix-connect.html

Campus and Online Learning Formats

 University of Phoenix online students attend class via the Online Learning System (OLS). The innovative propriety software design recognizes the evolution of technology in the workplace and the requirements of the working adult attending school (University of Phoenix, 2012). Students have access to classroom materials, books, financial aid applications, workshops, tutoring sessions, and graduation teams (University of Phoenix, 2012). The specific web-based technology tools vary among the degree programs offered. The College of Information Systems and Technology students use numerous third-party software products like Cisco, LiveLab, and Toolwire to enhance their learning experience whereas The College of Education students use the Technology Resource Library, virtual organizations, and TaskStream (University of Phoenix, 2012).

Reference: University of Phoenix. (2012). Campus and online learning formats. Retrieved from http://www.phoenix.edu/students/how-it-works/learning_formats.html

Virtual Organizations

University of Phoenix offers students customized learning tools to bridge the gap between theory and hands-on application with virtual organizations (University of Phoenix, 2012). Virtual organizations teach students critical thinking skills to respond to real-life organizational scenarios.

Reference: University of Phoenix. (2012). Virtual organizations. Retrieved from http://www.phoenix.edu/students/how-it-works/innovative_education_technology/virtual-organizations.html