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Major Case #203 With a growing list of appearances on national television programs, Gerald Clark, Ph.D., continues to receive a lot of screen time lately. That is especially true for Clark’s Massive Open Online Course (MOOC): Investigative Concepts: FBI Major Case #203 “Pizza Bomber.” A MOOC is an online course with open access, and while the concept is gaining national traction in higher education circles, Clark, assistant professor of criminal justice, is a pioneer of the course design. “The idea was brought to me by [Director of Distance Education] Tex Brieger,” Clark said. “Once we researched it, we thought, ‘Why not Gannon,’ but you need something unique and specific to offer.” Finding a unique angle wasn’t difficult. Clark was the lead investigator on the “Pizza Bomber” case, which presented a rich source for teaching investigative techniques and concepts. Throughout the MOOC’s six weeks, students learn investigative techniques, note taking and sketching; identifying, collecting, examining and
Assistant Professor of Criminal Justice, Gerald Clark, Ph.D., has been interviewed by both CNN and HBO for his work on FBI Major Case #203 “Pizza Bomber,” and also co-authored a book surrounding the case, “Pizza Bomber The Untold Story of America’s Most Shocking Bank Robbery.” processing physical evidence; and obtaining information about suspects, as well as identifying and locating suspects through a series of introductory videos, a lecture video for week one, and discussion questions. The first MOOC Clark offered on canvas.net was conservatively limited to 500 participants. “That was filled in a week and a half with students from around the world,” Clark said. The class that began on March 10 has over 600 students.
On the Move. Online. Bringing a quality, affordable Gannon education to more people is one of the things the University believes in. Online education is an opportunity for those who might not have the time to attend traditional classes. The array of programs delivered completely online continues to grow. Last summer, a Master of Education degree in Curriculum and Instruction was added to help working teachers achieve the next level of success in their profession. In February, an announcement was made that Gannon University's Villa Maria School of Nursing Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program, which has been available in a 2
gannon magazine
april 2014
combination of in-classroom and online classes, will be offered exclusively online beginning fall 2014. These classes join existing online degree programs leading toward a Master of Education in Reading, Master of Business Administration, Master of Public Administration and the RN to Bachelor of Science in Nursing program.