Application Process

No matter where you live, the application process is the same. It is NOT necessary for you to come to the MU campus to apply for our graduate program. However, if you do decide to visit MU, please give us a call a couple of days in advance so we can make sure we have everything in order for you.

Enrolling Before You Apply

You may take up to 9 hours of SISLT coursework prior to being admitted, but keep in mind:

• Taking courses prior to applying does not guarantee admission.
• Be sure to take courses that will be included in your Program of Study – check with the Student Coordinator Office before enrolling.
• No more than 9 hours will count towards your degree before you are officially accepted into the program.

Preparing for the GRE Test

The GRE is a norm-referenced exam, which means that your performance on the exam is compared to others who took the exam. If they do better than you do, your score goes down! GRE study guides and practice tests are available in most large bookstores and online sources.

Admission Materials and Criteria

Your total credentials will be considered in making an admission decision. In general, successful applicants meet these criteria.

Required Application Materials	Criteria for Admission
GRE (Graduate Record Exam) Scores When reporting your GRE scores, use Institution code "6875 U Missouri Columbia" and Department code "3903 Educational Media"	GRE taken after August 2011: scores of 156 Verbal, 146 Quantitative, 4.0 Writing. GRE taken prior to August 2011: scores of 550 Verbal and Quantitative, 4.0 Writing; or a minimum combined score of 1100 and a minimum of 4.0 on the Analytical Writing section of the GRE.
GPA (Grade Point Average) verified by transcript.	GPA of 3.00 or higher (A=4.00) on the last 60 hours of undergraduate coursework.
TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) if English is not your first language.	At least 500 (paper-based) or 61 (internet-based).
Resume summarizing education and experience	Some type of relevant experience.
Recommendation Letters (2)	Submitted by persons knowing your interests and potential for success as graduate student.
Statement of Purpose	Demonstrate that your goals align with our program.

If your credentials are lacking one of these characteristics, you could possibly be admitted on probation status. If this happens, you must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 during your first 12 hours of graduate coursework, with no grade lower than a "B".

How to Apply

1. Prepare electronic versions (e.g., Word files) of your resume and statement of purpose (what you hope your degree will do for you). If you have electronic versions of your letters of recommendation, you should have these ready as well.
2. Apply using our convenient Apply Yourself online system. Be sure to upload your resume, statement of purpose and letters of recommendation.
3. Provide an official copy of your transcript from the college or university where you received your bachelor's degree, your GRE scores, and your TOEFL scores if English is not your first language. For the GRE, use institution code "6875 U Missouri Columbia" and department code "3903 Educational Media". Official transcripts should be sent to Graduate Admissions, 210 Jesse Hall, Columbia, MO 65211.

When to Apply and Deadlines

You can apply to our graduate program whenever you are ready. If you are ready to apply now, follow the process described above. If being admitted by a particular semester is important to you, please observe the deadlines below.

• Fall Semester - May 1st
• Spring Semester - October 1st
• Summer Semester - March 1st

Course enrollment dates vary from semester to semester. For the most current information, visit the MU Academic Calendar/Dates to Remember.

Admission Decision and Notification

Once all your application materials are in place, we will review your credentials and notify you of the decision. Most decisions are made within a month.

If you MUST have your admission decision by a certain date, please notify our Student Coordinator, providing the date and rationale. We will do our best to meet your deadline.

Questions? Contact the SISLT Student Coordinator

Student Coordinator - Amy Adam

303 Townsend Hall
Columbia, MO 65211

Toll-free: (877) 747-5868
Local: (573) 882-4546
Fax: (573) 884-0122

Email for SISLT: sislt@missouri.edu
Email for Amy Adam: adamae@missouri.edu

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Course Schedules

Go to the Searchable Schedule for All SISLT Courses to find available courses by semester.

Go to MyZou.missouri.edu for all University courses. After logging in, go to Self-Service and then Class Search.

Enrolling

Enrolling Before You Apply

You may take up to 9 hours of SISLT coursework prior to being admitted, but keep in mind:

• Taking courses prior to applying does not guarantee admission.
• Be sure to take courses that will be included in your Program of Study – check with the Student Coordinator Office before enrolling.
• No more than 9 hours will count towards your degree before you are officially accepted into the program.

How to Enroll

1. Determine which courses you want and when they are available by checking MU's course schedule.
2. Register for the courses that meet your needs and interests.
   • For off-campus courses use the online registration form at Mizzou Online.
   • For on-campus courses use MU's convenient myZou web application.
3. Buy your textbooks and get started! You can purchase your books online from the University Bookstore, by phone: 573-882-7611 or 1-800-862-5866, or http://www.mubookstore.com/.

When to Enroll

Enrollment dates vary from semester to semester. For the most current information, visit the MU Academic Calendar/Dates to Remember.

How to Get Your Mizzou Tiger ID Card?

Your Mizzou Tiger ID Card has many purposes, including providing access to the Mizzou Recreation Center and checking out books from MU Libraries. Your first ID card is free upon request; replacement cards cost $10 each.

• ON CAMPUS: Go to the ID Card Office, located in Mizzou Bookstore.
• OFF CAMPUS: Fill out and submit the Distance Student ID Card Request form to the MUDirect office. You’ll receive a non-photo ID card that must be used with your standard photo ID.

Information for International Students Studying in the U.S.

International Students and Reduced Course Loads

If you are not enrolled full-time according to the guidelines listed below (per U.S. immigration regulations), you must (1) ask your academic advisor to sign this form and (2) submit it to the International Center. For more information about enrollment rules, please review the guidelines listed on the International Center website at: http://international.missouri.edu/come-to-mu/students/enrollment-guidelines/. Full-time enrollment for graduate students is defined as 9 credit hours in SISLT. (http://international.missouri.edu/forms/forms/isss-rcl.pdf)

International Students and the SEVIS Requirement

SEVIS requirements state that international students must be enrolled full-time (9 credit hours in SISLT) each semester and that no more than three online credits can count toward full-time enrollment. For students enrolled in additional online courses, a face-to-face component must be arranged with the course instructor. This requires regular meetings on a bi-weekly basis as arranged by the instructor. You will need to get a form from the Student Coordinator’s Office (Amy or Kylee) to verify your regular meetings with the instructors.

Questions? Contact the SISLT Student Coordinator

Student Coordinator - Amy Adam

303 Townsend Hall
Columbia, MO 65211

Toll-free: (877) 747-5868
Local: (573) 882-4546
Fax: (573) 884-0122

Email for SISLT: sislt@missouri.edu
Email for Amy Adam: adamae@missouri.edu

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Fees

While your education is certainly one of the most valuable things in your life, it doesn't have to be the most expensive because MU is a top-tier university without a top-tier price tag. Created by recognized leaders in the field, the EdTech program was the first online program at MU, opening the door for a range of online programs recently recognized as a "Best Buy" award winner.

The Educational Technology programs require 30 credit hours. The current cost per credit hour for Missouri residents AND all distance students is $336.50 and includes two additional fees per credit hours: an Information Technology fee of $12.60 and a College of Education fee of $38.90. Using these numbers the total cost of your EdTech program will be about $11,301 (plus books and materials).

Not a Missouri resident?

No problem! Whether you are an online student half way around the world or a near-by Missouri resident, the cost is the same. And the added flexibility and access of online learning saves you commuting time and money.

For more information related to off campus student fees, please check out the MU Direct website.

For more information related to on campus student fees, please check out the MU Cashiers Office website.

Financial Assistance

Graduate Assistantships

Full-time students may be eligible for graduate assistantship positions, which include a tuition waiver and supplemental medical insurance. You must be accepted into a degree program to participate. For more information and to apply, please visit HireMizzouTigers.com.

Scholarships

Ranging from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars, numerous scholarships are available on a competitive basis. Use the Graduate Scholarship form to apply. The application deadline is March 1.

Other Financial Assistance

Additional financial aid options can be found online through the University of Missouri's student financial aid and Graduate School's websites:

• gradschool.missouri.edu/financial
• www.sfa.missouri.edu

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EdTech Facebook

Facebook page for University of Missouri EdTech Program
http://www.facebook.com/pages/EdTech-at-Mizzou/196704523693461

EdTech YouTube

YouTube site for University of Missouri EdTech Program
http://www.youtube.com/user/SISLTatMizzou

EdTech Listserv

1. Send an email message to LISTSERV@po.missouri.edu
2. Do not type anything in the subject line.
3. Do not include your signature
4. In the body of the message type one of the following and only one of the following:
   

   To subscribe send:
   subscribe sislt-edtech@coe.missouri.edu Joe User

   To unsubscribe send:
   unsubscribe sislt-edtech@coe.missouri.edu

   Note: Please replace “Joe User” with your name.

Before your subscription (or unsubcription) will process, you will have to “confirm” the command. LISTSERV will send you back a confirmation request email. Click on the web link in the email to activate your subscription or leave the list. This extra step helps block spammers and prevents internet vandals from changing your subscriptions.

To send a message to all the people currently subscribed to the list, just send mail to sislt-edtech@coe.missouri.edu.

Digital Media Zone

The ZONE is a support environment for students enrolled in digital media and Web development courses taught online by SISLT faculty. The ZONE is staffed by Zone Mentors who help students via discussion boards, e-mail, instant-messaging, telephone, and in-person consultations.
http://zone.missouri.edu/

The Reflector

Library and technology lab located in the College of Education and staffed by SISLT students among others.
http://education.missouri.edu/reflector/

SISLTcast

SISLTcast provides interactive web-based learning resources for the College of Education. Special programs focusing on educational technology include Zone Radio covering digital media tools, methods and products for students enrolled in online courses, EDgeTech showcasing K-12 teachers who utilize technology in their classrooms, and Show Me The World sharing international activities of the COE around the world.
http://sisltcast.missouri.edu/

Information Experience Laboratory

Usability design and testing services offered by SISLT, primarily focusing on human interactions with websites.
http://ielab.missouri.edu

Allen Institute

SISLT’s research and development facility for faculty and students. Research and development projects are located and supported in the Allen Institute.
http://alleninstitute.missouri.edu/

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Faculty | Staff

• Faculty

• 
  CaplowJ@missouri.edu (573) 884-1706 211K Townsend Hall

  Julie A. Caplow

  Associate Professor

  Research Areas:

  • Informal Curriculum in Professional Education
  • Program-Based Learning
  • Technology and Post-secondary Instruction
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• 
  FitzgeraldG@missouri.edu (573) 882-0566 303 Townsend Hall

  Gail Fitzgerald

  Professor

  Research Areas:

  • Electronic Performance Support Tools for Students with Disabilities
  • Interactive, Multimedia Learning Environments in Teacher Education
  • Classroom Observation Methodology
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• 
  HowlandJ@missouri.edu (573) 882-6698 303 Townsend Hall

  Jane L. Howland

  Associate Teaching Professor

  Research Areas:

  • Constructivist and Collaborative Learning in Online Environments
  • Information Technology Use with K-12 Learners
  • Technology-Enhanced Student Assessment
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• 
  Jonassen@missouri.edu (573) 882-2832 221C Townsend Hall

  David Jonassen

  Curators' Professor of Learning Technologies and Educational Psychology

  Research Areas:

  • Designing problem-based learning
  • Cognitive Tools (Mindtools) for Learning
  • Cognitive modeling/Cognitive Task Analysis
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• 
  KlimczakA@missouri.edu (573) 882-4546 303 Townsend Hall

  Aimee Klimczak

  Lecturer

  Research Areas:

  • Online Learning Environments
  • Portfolio Development and Assessment
  • Protocol Analysis
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• 
  LaffeyJ@missouri.edu (573) 882-5399 221L Townsend Hall

  James M. Laffey

  Professor

  Research Areas:

  • Social Computing
  • Performance Support Systems
  • Interface Design and Usability
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• 
  rmarra@missouri.edu (573) 882-2877 303 Townsend Hall

  Rose M. Marra

  Professor

  Research Areas:

  • Assessment and Evaluation of Educational Change
  • Epistemological Implications of Learning Technologies
  • Gender Equity in Engineering and Science Education
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• 
  MooreJoi@missouri.edu (573) 884-2797 303 Townsend Hall

  Joi L. Moore

  Associate Division Director | Associate Professor

  Research Areas:

  • Electronic Performance Support Systems
  • Interactive Learning Environments
  • Designing User-Centered Web applications (Human-Computer Interaction)
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• 
  WedmanJ@missouri.edu (573) 882-9434 303H Townsend Hall

  John F. Wedman

  Professor Emeritus

  Research Areas:

  • Analogical Problem Solving
  • Performance Support Systems
  • Technology Integration in Teaching & Learning
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• Staff

• 
  Adamae@missouri.edu (573) 884-1391 304 Townsend Hall

  Amy Adam

  Student Coordinator

  Expand
• 
  souciek@missouri.edu (573) 882-4546 304 Townsend Hall

  Kylee Soucie

  Student Services Specialist

  Expand

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Research & Development Projects

SISLT R&D projects are housed in the Allen Institute, named in honor of Dr. Bryce L. Allen who was recognized as an excellent instructor and ground-breaking researcher in SISLT during the period 1996 – 2001. The Allen Institute offers an infrastructure of support and a collaborative space wherein the vital inquiry of SISLT can be enhanced. Bryce Allen represented the best of collaboration and creative research; the goal of The Allen Institute is to continue in this noble tradition.

Ongoing Research Projects

Assessing Women in Student Environments

URL: http://www.engr.psu.edu/awe/
Point of Contact: Rose Marra
AWE offers exportable assessment instruments, literature resources and capacity building tools.

CANS: Context-aware Activity Notification System

URL: http://cansaware.com/
Point of Contact: Jim Laffey
Developing tools for use in the SAKAI course management system.

eThemes

URL: http://ethemes.missouri.edu
Point of Contact: Laura Wedman
Email: ethemes@missouri.edu
An online database of content-rich, age-appropriate resources for teaching and learning.

Information Experience Laboratory

URL: http://ielab.missouri.edu
Point of Contact: Neeley Current
Laboratory and enterprise for for research, teaching and service in technology usability.

iSocial

URL: http://isocial.missouri.edu/iSocial/
Point of Contact: Jim Laffey
Developing virtual environments for individuals with autism (partnering with Thompson Center).

KidTools Support System (KTSS)

URL: http://kidtools.missouri.edu
Point of Contact: Gail Fitzgerald
Computer-based performance support tools for children and youth with learning disabilities and/or emotional/behavioral disorders.

Materials Science Problem-Based Learning Project

Point of Contact: David Jonassen
Design, implementation, and assessment of a problem-based learning (PBL) version of a materials science course in the mechanical engineering curriculum. In order to establish effects, data are being collected in a a traditional version of the course and a PBL version of the course.

National Girls Collaborative Project

URL: http://www.ngcproject.org/
Point of Contact: Rose Marra
Design, develop and test performance tools and assess the effectiveness of activities designed to recruit and retain women in engineering and science.

Project Whistlestop

URL: http://www.trumanlibrary.org
Point of Contact: Tom Kochtanek and James Borwick
The digital library for the Truman Presidential Library.

Prototyping the Engineer of 2020

URL: http://www.nae.edu/nae/engeducom.nsf/weblinks/MCAA-5L3MNK?OpenDocument
Point of Contact: Rose Marra
Data-mining to examine six institutions of higher education that appear to be successful in developing the “Engineer of 2020”.

StrategyTools Support System (STSS)

URL: http://strategytools.org
Point of Contact: Gail Fitzgerald
Computer-based performance support tools for adolescents with learning disabilities and/or emotional/behavioral disorders to help
them prepare for transition to post-school settings.

Supporting Collaboration in Engineering Education (SCEE)

Point of Contact: David Jonassen and Rose Marra
SCEE will develop an online, customizable environment – the Engineering Education Collaboration Environment -- in which students will manage and implement collaborative activities associated with engineering design projects. The project will include dissemination, testing and research in several engineering classrooms at multiple institutions.

SWE-AWE Project: Increasing Assessment Capacity in Engineering Outreach

Point of Contact: Rose Marra
Building capacity in the engineering outreach community by updating and transitioning the previously NSF funded award “Assessing Women in Engineering” (AWE) to the Society of Women Engineers to more broadly disseminate a comprehensive set of assessment tools and recreate a platform for sustainability and maintenance of this valuable resource.

This Week in Newsy

URL: http://newsy.missouri.edu/
Point of Contact: Laura Wedman
Email: ethemes@missouri.edu
An online database of age-appropriate, news-related media resources for teaching and learning.

Virtual Resource Center for Behavioral Disorders

URL: http://vrcbd.missouri.edu
Point of Contact: Gail Fitzgerald
Resources for teaching children with emotional & behavioral disorders: multimedia cases, instructional guides, learning
assessment materials.

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Careers in Educational Technology

Educational Technology graduates have an array of career options available. Some graduates work in K-12 schools, others work in corporations, and still others apply their skills in government, healthcare, higher education, and other settings. Whatever the career, you will leave here with a skill set that will serve you well in the future.

Those who choose the Technology in Schools (TiS) focus can look forward to fulfilling careers including K-12 classroom teacher, media/technology specialist, or technology training specialist. The versatile nature of what you learn in the TiS focus lends itself to varied career paths.

The Online Educator focus will prepare you to teach in online venues and provide leadership in developing online offerings. In this rapidly developing and changing environment, you will find employment in virtual schools, higher education, government, business/industry, military, museum, and other settings offering public education.

For those who choose the Learning Systems Design & Development (LSDD) focus, there are countless opportunities. Combining technology and human interaction opens the door to careers in research, software development, and other creative endeavors.

If you're interested in speaking with a student or recent graduate about their career opportunities and experiences, contact our Student Coordinator at (877) 747-5868.

Finding Jobs

Hire MIZZOU Grads: The University of Missouri provides an online job placement service at no cost to MU students. This is a new service that promises to be increasingly valuable. To find out more, visit the Hire MIZZOU Grads website.

Jobs Listserv: Many employers tell us about their job openings, and we distribute this information via our Jobs Listserv. These positions all fall under the broad umbrella of Information Science & Learning Technologies, are from across the country, and in extremely diverse contexts. If a job looks interesting (based on the work, the location, the organization, whatever), you should apply for it.

Listserv Address: sislt-jobs-l@po.missouri.edu.

Subscribing instructions:

1. Send an email message to LISTSERV@po.missouri.edu
2. Do not type anything in the subject line.
3. In the body of the message type the following and only the following- don't include your signature block if you are using one.
   • To subscribe, send a message like the following:
         subscribe sislt-jobs-l@po.missouri.edu Joe User
   • To unsubscribe send:
         unsubscribe sislt-jobs-l@po.missouri.edu
   • Note: Please replace "Joe User" with your name.

Before your subscription (or unsubcription) will process, you will have to "confirm" the command. LISTSERV will send you back a confirmation request email. Click on the web link in the email to activate your subscription or leave the list. This extra step helps block spammers and prevents internet vandals from changing your subscriptions.

To send a message to all the people currently subscribed to the list, just send mail to sislt-jobs-l@po.missouri.edu.

Other Job Sites. Several professional organizations maintain websites listing jobs. Some of these organizations limit this service to members; others are open to the public. Here are a few that might be helpful in your job searching.

• AACE (Association for the Advancement of Computing in Education)
• Academic 360
• Academic Employment Network
• Academic Keys
• AECT Job Center (Associational for Educational Communication and Technology)
• The Chronicle of Higher Education (USA) (see jobs)
• eLearning Guild Job Board (must be an associate member—which is free)
• HigherEdJobs.com: Instructional Technology and Design
• Indiana University, Instructional Systems Technology (IST) Department jobs listserv
• ISTE (International Society for Training in Education)
• * International Society of Performance Improvement (ISPI) (note: these tend to be more corporate training types of jobs but not all)
• Job Hunt
• Jobster
• Sloan-C JobLine (this one looks great)
• Society for Applied Learning Technology (SALT)
• Times Higher Education (UK): Educational Technology
• Top Higher Education Jobs: Instructional and Curriculum Design

Presenting Yourself

Once you find a job that looks interesting, the next step is to begin the application process. Most application processes involve the following phases. Check out the Tips & Techniques for each phase.

Graduate School Career Services
Resources for help with resumes, cover letters, and interview techniques.
http://gradschool.missouri.edu/student-development/job-search/

Your Application Letter
http://elc.polyu.edu.hk/cill/jal.htm

Your Resume
Guidelines for Writing a Professional Resume

Your References
http://www.quintcareers.com/job_references.html

Your Interview
http://www.job-interview.net/

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Forms

General Program Forms

• Distance ID Request
  This is the form that allows distance students who will never be on campus to request an MU ID.
• Graduate Scholarship form
  This is the application form for a graduate scholarship from the department and/or the college. NOTE: Completed applications should be returned to 118 Hill Hall by March 1 to be considered for College of Education scholarships, and should be submitted to the SISLT Student Coordinator's office by April 1 to be considered for departmental scholarships.
• MU graduate application
  This is the MU graduate school application for admission.
• Program of Study substitution form
  Use this form when you need to make a change to your Program of Study. Submit this form to the Student Coordinator.
• Reference forms
  This is the form for those who are going to write a reference for you to accompany your admission application.
• Request to Re-enroll
  This is the form which allows you to re-enroll after not taking courses for a year or more.
• Travel Application Form
  Students should use this form to apply for funds to travel.
• MU Student Life Rules and Regulations
• MU Registrar Educational Policies

Master’s Degree Forms

• FERPA Signature Form
  The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act Form must be signed by all students in the Technology in Schools emphasis area.
• Internship Guide for Technology in Schools
  
  
• Learning Systems Design & Development Advising Aid
  Advising Aid for the Learning Systems Design & Development Track
• LSDD focus Program of Study M-1 Form
  This form is only for the M.Ed. program - it establishes the courses required for students to get the degree. Also known as the "Program of Study" form and should be returned to the Student Coordinator by your second semester of enrollment. This form has to be approved by your advisor.
  • Note: For changes to your Program of Study, please use this form: Program of Study substitution form.
• Report of Committee M-3 Form
  This is the form that committee members sign to indicate you have passed the portfolio or final project.
• Technology in Schools Advising Aid
  
  
• Transfer Credit Worksheet
  Use this form to request up to 6 hours of transfer credit on your Program of Study in the Ed Tech, Technology in Schools focus area.
• TiS focus Program of Study M-1 Form
• Course Substitution Form
• Online Educator focus Program of Study M-1 Form

Ed Specialist Degree Forms

• Program of Study S-2 Form
  This form establishes the courses required for students to get the degree.
• Report of Committee S-3 Form
  This is the form that committee members sign to indicate you have passed the portfolio or final project.
• Request for Committee S-1 Form
  The form used for student & advisor to create a committee that will review course work and graduation.
• Course Substitution Form
• Online Educator Program of Study S-2 Form

Scholarship and Financial Aid Information

SISLT Graduate Student Financial Aid

Ranging from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars, numerous scholarships are available on a competitive basis. Please NOTE: Completed applications should be returned to the SISLT Student Coordinator’s office (304 Townsend Hall, Columbia, MO 65211) by March 1 to be considered for departmental scholarships.

COE Graduate Scholarships

http://education.missouri.edu/academics/financial_aid/scholarships-graduate.php

Contacts

International Student Resources and Contacts

The University of Missouri is the American home for students from around the world. And nowhere is this more evident than in our EdTech program. Our current students and recent graduates were drawn to MU because of our commitment to building a global learning community enabled by technology. International Students at the University of Missouri have access to many resources that are dedicated to their success.

Asian Affairs Center
http://asia.missouri.edu/

Chancellor’s Diversity Initiative
http://diversity.missouri.edu/

College of Education International Resources
http://education.missouri.edu/international/index.php

European Union Center
http://eu.missouri.edu/

International Student Center
http://international.missouri.edu/

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eThemes Saves Time, Lowers Cost, and Improves Student Learning

The eMINTS National Center and the School of Information Science & Learning Technologies provide eThemes -- a free, online database of carefully selected, child-safe learning materials, bringing media-rich content to classrooms across the country. eThemes includes thousands of websites grouped into over 2,500 thematic areas ranging from “advertising” to “zoos”. Aligned with the educational standards of Missouri and eight other states, teachers use eThemes materials because they are age appropriate and up-to-date. By saving teachers from the time-intensive task of finding high-quality instructional websites and reducing the need for expensive print materials, conservative estimates are that eThemes lowers the annual cost of K-12 education by millions. The eThemes website receives over 6,000,000 hits annually.

Learning Support Systems Help Students with Learning Disabilities and Emotional/Behavioral Disorders

Through KidTools and StrategyTools, the School of Information Science & Learning Technologies is providing educators with free computer-based performance support tools for children and adolescents with learning disabilities and emotional/behavioral disorders. Project director Gail Fitzgerald and her colleagues designed the tools to enable students to succeed in school and to help them transition to post-school settings. The U.S. Department of Education has provided $2.8 million in funding since 1998 to support the development of this software and to establish its efficacy in public school classrooms. The software is being disseminated to teachers and parents throughout Missouri and the nation.

Digital Support and Resources for the Truman Presidential Library

Launched with a grant from the U.S. Department of Education in 1996, Project Whistlestop provides online support and digital library services for the Truman Presidential Library & Museum. Lead by Tom Kochtanek in the School of Information Science & Learning Technologies, the Project Whistlestop website (www.trumanlibrary.org) receives more than 77 million hits a year, providing immediate access to Truman resources for researchers, students, and other online visitors.

Online Learning Resources Help Improve Boating Safety and Law Enforcement

Software designers in the School of Information Science & Learning Technologies are working to improve boating safety. A team lead by Joi Moore is working with the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) to evaluate and improve the organization’s online learning resources. NASBLA is a national nonprofit organization that works to develop public policy for recreational boating safety. NASBLA represents the recreational boating authorities of all 50 states and the U.S. territories, affecting the lives of over 83 million American boaters.

Open Source Software Improves eLearning

Jim Laffey and a team of software designers from the School of Information Science & Learning Technologies are working to create open source software to enhance learning and improve the function of on-line resources. The team has created CANS (Context-aware Activity Notification System), an activity monitoring system designed for use in open source information and course management systems such as Sakai. CANS is made available to educators for free so they can better monitor and assist student progress and their students can benefit from the social nature of learning in online settings.

Virtual Environments Help Individuals with Autism

The iSocial project is a partnership between the School of Information Science & Learning Technologies and MU’s Thompson Center for Autism & Neuro Developmental Disorders. Under the direction of Jim Laffey, the iSocial team is creating a 3D Virtual Learning Environment to help develop social competence for individuals with autism. According to the Center for Disease Control, from 1994 to 2005 the number of children and youth ages 6–21 years receiving services for ASD increased from approximately 20,000 to 200,000.

Department of Labor Grant Improves Radiation Safety Training

David Jonassen and Rose Marra from the School of Information Science & Learning Technologies are partnering with Bill Miller from Nuclear Engineering on a $2.3 million project that will help increase the pool of well-trained Radiation Protection Technicians at nuclear power plants. The Radiation Protection Curriculum Project is developing courses and learning resources that will be implemented at 6 community colleges across the country, helping meet the projected need for roughly 90,000 new nuclear employees in the next 10 years, on top of additional needs resulting from new nuclear power plant construction.

Assessment Tools Help Engineering Programs Recruit and Retain Female Students

The School of Information Science & Learning Technologies is working to develop performance tools that assess the effectiveness of engineering and science programs to recruit and retain women. Partnering with Penn State University, Rose Marra is working with the National Girls Collaborative Project, Assessing Women in Engineering (AWE) and the Society of Women Engineers (SWE) to build capacity in reaching female engineering students and to distribute a comprehensive set of assessment tools to help recruitment efforts and to measure retention rates. The need for this work is supported by the continued low enrollment of women in undergraduate engineering programs where percentages remain at approximately 20% in spite of over two decades of efforts to increase enrollments.

IE Lab Helps Improve Websites

Operated by the School of Information Science & Learning Technologies, the Information Experiences Laboratory (IE Lab) helps clients across Missouri improve the usability and impact of their website and other digital resources. IE Lab clients range from small start-up companies to large, multi-national corporations, as well as several libraries and other non-profit organizations in Missouri. After implementing IE Lab recommendations, two clients have won national awards for their improved websites.

IE Lab Global Network

Faculty in the School of Information Science & Learning Technologies are working with colleagues in Taiwan, China, Thailand, and Singapore to create the IE Lab Global Network, a consortium of usability testing facilities. The lab in Taiwan is currently assisting the Missouri Department of Agriculture’s Asia Office to create a website in Chinese for Missouri’s agribusiness presence in the Pacific Rim.

MU Prepares Librarians

A federal grant from the Institute for Museum and Library Services is helping MU faculty meet the growing demand for professional librarians in Missouri. MU has Missouri’s only Library Science program that is accredited by the American Library Association (ALA). With access points in Kansas City, Springfield, Columbia, St. Louis, and Omaha, NE, the Library Science program produces approximately 100 librarians a year, helping meet a growing demand for these information specialists across the State and region.

For more Mizzou impacts please go to http://economicdevelopment.missouri.edu/impact.php.

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