On-course+curriculum+and+teaching+methodologies




 * About This Workshop**

This workshop will cover some of the big topics that arise in on-line learning environments. We will look at a few online courses and see what went right and what could have made the teaching and/or learning more meaningful. Some of the questions we will cover:
 * How do we incorporating technology as a normal part of the learning environment?
 * How might you plan an on-line course that takes your face-to-face curriculum into consideration?
 * How do you stimulate meaningful on-line discussions?
 * How might you motivate students and keep them accountable?


 * Workshop Agenda**


 * Introduction to some online management tools - Sakia, Blackboard, ClassWeb
 * Planning your course - Curriculum, resources, setting goals and deadlines
 * Developing activities - individual and group work
 * Simulating on-line discussion
 * Grade management and timely feedback

Here are several dimensions to course planning and development that should be considered by Larry Ragan.
 * Teaching in a blended learning format:**

Blended learning courses are dependent on several technologies to function. These can include:
 * Technology**


 * learning management systems
 * digital libraries
 * mobile technologies
 * streaming audio and/or video media
 * reusable learning objects and materials

Online materials are central to a blended course's success, and the students' work online must be relevant to the in-class activities. Aycock, Garnham, & Kaleta (2002) at the University of Wisconsin’s blended learning effort revealed the importance of integration:
 * Integration**

“The project's participants emphasized this point repeatedly. When asked, 'What would I do differently?' they were united in their response: 'I'd devote more attention to integrating what was going on in the classroom with the online work.' This was true even though the project's faculty development sessions repeatedly emphasized the importance of connecting in-class material with out-of-class assignments. One instructor responded emphatically, 'Integrate online with face-to-face, so there aren't two separate courses.' We found it impossible to stress integrating face-to-face and online learning too much."

For the most part, the blended format will be new to students, and they will benefit greatly from a clear rationale for its use. Instructors may need to explain the model and why it was chosen. A carefully constructed syllabus can provide much of the information about course structure for students; information like when and where the face-to-face meetings will be held, when and how assignments should be submitted, and what exactly will occur during the class meeting times are all critical aspects of the course that may not be obvious to those students new to blended learning. Interaction
 * Organization**

Research indicates that student satisfaction with the blended format is highly dependant on the level of interaction with instructors and other students. Instructors can address interaction issues by providing time during the face to face sessions for discussion, in addition to using available inline discussion tools such as ANGEL discussion forums.

Blended learning students require a greater ability to regulate their work and manage their own time. This is because they have fewer in-class meetings, and thus may not realize that they are falling behind in the course. Many blended instructors report significant problems with students not taking responsibility for their courses and with students' poor time management skills.
 * Student Expectations**

In addition, some instructors have found that students occasionally assume that online and blended courses are inherently “easier” than traditional face-to-face courses. This can create problems when the rigors of the course surpass the expectations of some students. Again, a well-constructed syllabus can provide the essential details on what exactly is expected of students, thereby mitigating possible confusion on the part of students.

https://mysakai.rsmart.com/xsl-portal
 * Resources**

http://www.blackboard.com/

http://moodle.org/

National Technology Plan - Teacher Training http://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/os/technology/plan/2004/site/stories/edlite-teachertraining.html

http://www.edutopia.org/