34 th Annual Teaching Public Administration Conference Williamsburg, Virginia

1. TEACHING MPA Research Methods and Data Analysis as Hybrid Courses: Advantages and challenges for distance course deliverY 34th Annual Teaching Public Administration Conference Williamsburg, Virginia

2. Agenda • Overview of FGCU Hybrid MPA • “Iron Triangle” of Analytical Methods Courses • Research Methods • Data Analysis • Evaluation • Effectiveness • Observations

3. Hybrid MPA at FGCU • Exempt vs Non-Exempt Status • Class Frequency and Content • Core Courses include Three Analytical Methods

4. The “Iron Triangle” • Three of Nine Required Core Courses • Research Methods and Data Analysis Prerequisite for Evaluation • Research and Evaluation Only in Fall • Data Only in Spring

5. Research Methods • Research Proposal • Question formulation • Literature review • Research design • Research methodology • Academic based vs. practitioner based • Distance learning limitations • Hybrid • Discussion boards • AdobeConnect use • Key course elements discussion • Assignment review

6. Data Analysis • Practitioner’s viewpoint • Interpretation, not calculation • Informed consumer, not producer • Live Sessions used as “labs” • Review prior modules • Describe lab assignments • Describe expectations • Labs are group projects • Team analysis • Division of labor • Reduces statistical panic attacks

7. Data Analysis: Angel System

8. Data Analysis: Adobe Connect

9. Evaluation • Support of new Capstone Seminar • Case study focus • Presentation preparation • Individual, not group focus • Distance learning limitations • Evaluation planning rather than execution • “Evaluation of Evaluations” assignment • AdobeConnect use • Seminar discussions • Assignment review

10. Effectiveness • Engagement • Hybrid • Abode Connect

11. For more information: • Dr. Sandra Pavelka spavelka@fgcu.edu • Dr. Howard Smith hsmith@fgcu.edu