Contents
1998 Research Report Main Page
Report from the Vice President for Research
Center for Laser and Photonics Research
College of Business Administration
College of Education
College of Engineering, Architecture, and Technology
College of Human Environmental Sciences
College of Osteopathic Medicine
College of Veterinary Medicine
Division of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources
Related Links
Research Report archives 1993-1997
Go to College of Education Abstracts
Redesigning the academic structure of the College reinforced the spirit of scholarship by broadening the framework in which faculty work and providing new and innovative programs for students to pursue.
 |
Students seine for fish as part of the Oklahoma Range and Wildlife Academy. |
Restructuring the college
also significantly increased opportunities for research. The
interests of the faculty are diverse and expanding the capabilities
for research and creative activities enhances the intellectual
vitality of the college. The faculty's record in obtaining external
funding from government, business, industry, and technology is
consistently outstanding and continues to grow. This commitment
to excellence has resulted in new instruction and educational
services including emerging technology and teaching techniques
that enhance students' real world experiences. Central to all
research is the utilization of broad-based technology systems
for which the college's home-Willard Hall-has been designed.
Current sponsored projects allow off-campus groups to come to
Willard to study in well-equipped computer laboratories, work
with video production equipment, learn to teach in distance learning
environments, and work with multimedia systems.
A variety of degrees are
offered at the bachelor's, master's, specialist, and doctoral
levels that prepare today's graduates for the challenges they
face. While programs in the college prepare students for careers
as teachers, counselors, and school administrators, they also
prepare students for careers in health professions, business,
technology, and industry. The faculty's involvement in collaborative
programs continues to expand as the College reaches out to branch
campuses offering courses that increase teachers' marketability
and address the state's needs. Recent additions to the curricula
include a rehabilitation counseling program at Rogers University
and a cohort program in aviation education at Tinker Air Force
Base.
The varied activities of
the faculty reflect the interests and expertise of a highly motivated
group. Current research projects include traditional research
as well as interdisciplinary activity. A project funded by NSF
and EPA focuses on ecology issues and land and water management.
Another interdisciplinary project sponsored by NSF teaches the
integration of mathematics and reading curricula. The faculty
also administer long-standing programs funded by NASA such as
the Aerospace Education Services Program, Teaching from Space,
aerospace education community involvement programs, and a number
of public affairs programs.
New methods of disseminating
knowledge in academics are constantly being sought. The faculty
recognizes a special responsibility to ensure that teaching in
all programs is not only consistently excellent, but also reflects
the best professional practices and the most current research.
The faculty also assumes a responsibility to provide service
in Oklahoma schools and other agencies that is consistent with
their teaching and expertise.
The Office of Extension within the college concentrates its efforts
on fulfilling its service and outreach mission by offering non-traditional
courses and workshops as well as weekend and evening classes.
The success this has brought can be determined by the participation
and support the programs have seen. Classes are consistently
filled with as many full-time, on-campus students as part-time,
off-campus ones. Extension also provides special student programs,
such as Credit By Exam, distance education courses via OneNet,
and promotes sponsored teacher training and professional development
activities. Web-based courses continue to be developed for delivery
on the Internet that make selected curriculum available to students
anywhere in the world.
Research activities provide the basis for strong undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs, and members of the faculty have an impressive rate of success in their efforts to obtain competitive funding. Research enables them to keep abreast of the most recent developments and innovations in their field, and this information is subsequently incorporated into instructional programs, enriching the educational experience for all students.
Professional Eduation Programs