Evolving synchronous online graduate CS education

Abstract

The authors have supported online distance education delivery of the Master of Science in Computer Science degree at George Mason University for the past decade. We have focused on simultaneous online and classroom delivery, using an open-source hybrid approach combining synchronous classroom capture with the popular Moodle learning management system. Our program has been challenged to change its mode of operation to survive administration plans for growing asynchronous distance education in our institution. We report here on results of our efforts in rising to this challenge: technology enhancements to reduce support requirements and student surveys to understand the best new directions for the program.