An Internet Integration Plan for the MPA Curriculum: A Case Study of Florida Atlantic University

Abstract

Internet-mediated learning presents numerous opportunities for the field of public affairs and administration. The first part of this article focuses on a plan that shows a pedagogical approach for integrating Internet-mediated learning into existing courses. The plan is based on experience with previous implementation of the plan in the Introduction to Public Administration and Research Methods courses at Florida Atlantic University (FAU). The second part of the article focuses on a case study of MPA students who were enrolled in Introduction of Public Administration courses at FAU between 1996 and 1998. The case study includes an assessment of the students' computer abilities at the beginning of each semester and a summative evaluation of Internet-mediated learning at the end of each semester. The case study illustrates the change in students' access to computers, the change in students' knowledge and use of Internet tools, reasons why students don't use all types of Internet tools, and the level of usefulness of Internet-mediated learning.