CJ811 is a fully online graduate course in social research methods for terminal masters criminal justice students, most of whom are working professionals with full time jobs who live outside of the East Lansing area. The course was initially developed as a blended version of CJ811 offered in the same semester as a fully online version. The two sections proceeded in tandem sharing a common ANGEL space. Current offerings of this course are now completely online.
Video lectures were pre-recorded for this course, and were used to explain some of the more complicated concepts in social research methods.
Highlights of Design and Analysis in Criminal Justice Research include:
- A well-organized, understandable layout helps to create a comfortable environment, including small touches (like custom icons) to create a unique look-and-feel to differentiate from other courses.
- Discussion forums permit students interact with each other and the instructor to find solutions to “real world” research problems.
- Group projects throughout the semester are used to “build” components of the final group project. Students rotate leadership and identify tasks based on their particular strengths.
- Each module includes a link to materials prepared for my blended undergraduate methods course.
- As part of their final group project, students present their findings in a “virtual poster session”. They create a web page to display their results using Google Sites and share their site with the class. This free software allows students to present their findings in a manner that encourages peers to review and evaluate others’ work. This interface is useful for terminal masters students, who can take these skills into the workforce. It also demonstrates the benefits of working collaboratively.
Evidence of Effectiveness:
Students appreciated the very clear course organization, the use of recorded videos (which they rarely encounter in this online MA program), skillful integration of technology, meaningful group projects, and the instructor’s accessibility, availability, and engagement with the online students.
TeamChristina Dejong, Associate Professor, Criminal Justice
