University of Guam - a case study in graduate online program development

Abstract

The School of Education launched the University of Guam's first online program, the Master of Education with a specialization in Reading program during the 2012 Spring semester. Developed for students in Guam and the Micronesia region, the program prepares professionals in the field of reading/literacy who are interested in becoming highly effective teachers and reading specialists. The Senior Commissions of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges approved the program in August 2011. The program has become an example of how to develop a new online graduate program that meets student demand while addressing the institutions mission to serve its learners and the communities of Guam, Micronesia, and the neighboring regions of the Pacific and Asia. This paper describes the program, its development. and the challenges encountered in the process.