PROPOSAL & PLAN FOR AN

ONLINE HONORS THESIS

COURSE

Proposed by: Aundra Freeman

 Aundra Freeman LDT 7940 SS’21

Table of Contents

Background & Design Problem 2

The Proposed Intervention 3

Problem/Process/Opportunities 4-5

Timelines 6

Expected Results 7

Conclusion 8

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 Aundra Freeman LDT 7940 SS’21

OVERVIEW

The Irvin D. Reid Honors College provides Wayne State's highest-achieving

undergraduates with a program that is both academically rigorous and culturally
engaged. Founded in 2008, it is home to roughly 2000 students, comprising both
University Honors and Departmental Honors tracks.

The University Honors track is an interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary program that

includes a distinctive First Year sequence, field learning and Honors courses across the
curriculum. The Departmental Honors track is a discipline-specific program that varies
by major. Honors students may pursue either or both tracks. The Honors program does
not, and is not, intended to “add” more classes. It is meant to enhance the major with
the Honors distinction reflected on the student’s transcript and diploma.

My project will focus on University Honors’ track using the final honors course: HON
4998, and is a required course for all honor students. Initially, students identify a WSU
Faculty/mentor to advise them on their project from beginning to end. Upon
completion, the mentor will also provide the final grade, to be submitted to RECORDS.

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 Aundra Freeman LDT 7940 SS’21

PROPOSED INTERVENTION

I propose an eLearning course for the overview and information provided to students
for the HON 4998 Senior Thesis course. This course will be used to provide instruction
for students as they prepare for their Thesis project - which is commonly a research
paper but can also be a variety of other approved ‘projects’.

A college thesis is the crowning achievement of a student's hard work. For many, a
thesis is the culmination of many years of study within a particular major or field; it is
the result of a lengthy thinking process. The Senior Thesis project is the student’s final
honors course and is done as an independent project mentored by a WSU faculty.

Currently, there is a Thesis Information session held at the beginning of each semester
providing greater details and resources to students starting their work. There is also a
CANVAS course containing documents and information used to ensure a successful
project. Once registered, students can use more than one semester, which is highly
recommended, to complete their work without penalty.

This eLearning course will provide (not limited to):

• Course Syllabus
• Schedule/Timelines
• Proposal Form - used to provide details on “who” and “what” is the thesis
topic/question or project
• Grade Rubric & Assessment
• WSU DigitalCommons – online Honors Database of various thesis projects
• Survey Feedback & Assessment – used to determine what the student learned in
the course

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 Aundra Freeman LDT 7940 SS’21

PROBLEM/PROCESS/OPPORTUNITY

• This course will allow students access to thesis course information after
registered for the class
• Once students register for the HON 4998 course, they have no idea of how to
start, and what to do to begin the thesis work
• Students will have access to all information in one location and available online
• Students will no longer need to attend a virtual or face-to-face information
session
• This course will provide guidance, instruction and preparation for the Honors
thesis requirements

Submit Start
Senior Lift-Block to Identify a Meet
CANVAS Thesis Thesis
Status Register Mentor w/Librarian
Proposal Work!

COURSE PROCESS

1. Can student register for HON 4998? Check senior status.

2. Is the student in good standing?
a. Check GPA
b. Check # of credits
3. If Yes, lift-block (override) for approval to register; Otherwise, No
4. CANVAS access given to all registered students
5. Identify a mentor/faculty to advise for duration of thesis project
6. Submit Thesis Proposal form – describing the topic/project/type/mentor
7. Meet with Librarian for resources to start project (optional)

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 Aundra Freeman LDT 7940 SS’21

Student notify
Contact Post
Submit Final Upload Thesis Honors of DigitalCommons
mentor for Grade in
Draft in CANVAS work review?
grade RECORDS
completion

Upon completion

1. Student will submit final thesis draft/project to mentor

2. Upload final draft in CANVAS
3. Student will notify honors/email of work completion
4. Contract mentor for final Thesis grade
5. Student reviews DigitalCommons whether to submit, or not their thesis in
Honors database
6. Post Grade via RECORDS
7. Survey Assessment

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 Aundra Freeman LDT 7940 SS’21

TIMELINE

Description Feedback Final Materials

Project Proposal and Plan May 28 May 30

Learner Audience Analysis June 4 June 6

Design Plan – DRAFT TBD June 20

Design Plan – FINAL TBD July 4

Evaluation Plan July 4

Prototype Design Materials – DRAFT July 11

Test Design Materials and Report July 18

e-Portfolio (create or update) July 25

Prototype Design Materials – FINAL July 30

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 Aundra Freeman LDT 7940 SS’21

EXPECTED RESULTS

1. To have an online eLearning instructional course for HON 4998 (CANVAS),

providing guidance, information and resources for honor students beginning
their thesis work.

2. The ability for students to access information once registered for the class and
approved thesis project.

3. Keep Thesis information and resources current for each semester.

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 Aundra Freeman LDT 7940 SS’21

CONCLUSION

TBD