Download Report: Using Technology to Promote Postsecondary Success and Savings
In 2013, the University of Texas at Tyler (UTT) began the implementation of the PATSS (Patriots Accessing Technology for Savings and Success) program, an initiative that seeks to increase the use of online technologies for instruction. A portion of a course’s classes — a third, half, or two-thirds, depending on the course — is held face-to-face, while the remaining portion is provided online. UTT faculty members who teach PATSS courses are required to attend an extensive training program on how to create effective online material and have access to professional instructional designers to help develop hybrid courses.
This research evaluates the implementation of the PATSS program, looking at student academic performance, course evaluations, and cost savings to students, educators, and the university. The authors found that while PATSS had a slightly negative impact on ratings given in student course evaluations, it had no effect on academic performance and provided a monetizable benefit of $80 per student per year. The research itself has already driven improvements to the PATSS program, resulting in clearer and better communication to students, as well as more-refined training for educators. The authors recommend that the PATSS system continue under a more centralized authority and note that faculty would benefit from continued professional development.
