April 23 – May 16

Getting Started: Online Course Development Basics

Based on research and the Sloan-C effective practices, this workshop provides the foundation for designing and delivering online courses. Faculty gain enhanced pedagogical knowledge and learn effective strategies for creative, online classroom facilitation.

Moving the Laboratory Online: Changing the Laboratory Learning Experience Using the Online Environment*

Is it possible to create authentic and engaging “hands-on” scientific learning experiences over the Internet? Can remote instrumentation combined with the tools and culture of the online environment be developed as a legitimate alternative to the current approaches used in teaching and learning laboratory-based sciences? Moving the lab online requires challenging the traditional science teaching practices, notions, and approaches used in science education today. It also involves redefining the best practices associated with these activities. As these practices develop, the online science environment will continue to provide interesting and engaging opportunities for the teaching of science. This workshop explores the laboratory learning experience in an online environment.

*This workshop is part of the Select Series and College Pass Members must use their additional 50 seats provided to take advantage of this workshop.

Marketing Online Programs in Higher Education

This workshop focuses on the important aspects of marketing online programs to potential students. Two companies that are highly involved in understanding the rigors of higher education marketing, as well as two successful institutions that deal with these issues on a daily basis will provide key information you can use to more effectively market your online course offerings. Many of the challenges of marketing online programs in today’s higher education will also be addressed.

Using the Quality Matters Rubric to Improve Your Online Course

Recognizing quality is much like recognizing art – you know it when you see it, but everybody sees something different. And when it comes to online courses, your students, faculty, administrators, peers, and accrediting bodies may certainly not see what you do. In fact, they might not even know what to look for in assessing quality. Sloan-C announces an interactive online workshop focused on learning how to improve your online course(s). Learn how to use the rubric tool developed by the nationally recognized, FIPSE-funded Quality Matters (QM) project. The QM rubric provides a research-supported framework with annotations and examples for applying quality practices to specific course design standards. Affirm the strong areas in your course(s) and generate specific ideas for improvements. The QM rubric is the centerpiece of the QM process. Additionally, this course serves as a stepping stone for faculty interested in becoming certified course peer reviewers.

Introduction to Second Life for Educators

Throughout this workshop participants will learn the basics of Second Life, and integrate learning theories in the use of virtual worlds. Participants will be encouraged to create activities that are student-centered and maximize the real potential of virtual worlds. A primary goal of the workshop is to get educators thinking about their classes and how the tools used in Second Life can be personalized for the learning environments that they create. The workshop will explore examples of good teaching in Second Life and move beyond PowerPoint, lecture, and passive learning. Participants will make use of asynchronous discussions, multimedia materials, reading assignments and live, interactive class sessions to collaborate, learn, and expand the range of instructional possibilities that are available to students.

Learning Online 2.0: 20 Engaging, Interacting and Syndicating Applications

Web 2.0 technologies are revolutionizing the way in which we engage and interact with students online. Through RSS syndication, we are automating the delivery of learning objects to the students. Through Web 2.0 applications a whole host of new ways to engage and interact with students has emerged. Wikis, blogs, podcasts, interactive whiteboards, VoIP, tagging, image sharing, discussion rooms, and many more learning tools are freely available to educators.

This workshop introduces and explores 20 of the most engaging and promising Web 2.0 technologies that are freely available for use in online learning. Workshop facilitators will discuss and demonstrate both the technologies and the pedagogies associated with best applying those technologies. Participants will be assisted in developing mini-projects using their choice of the applications. An emphasis will be placed on practical application and implementing working models that can be expanded by participants for immediate use in their own online learning classes. The workshop facilitators will also look to the near horizon for ways in which these and soon-to-be-released technologies will be implemented in mobile learning applications, virtual environments, and the next generation of online learning.

Fair Use & The TEACH Act: A Closer Look*

For those who already possess a basic understanding of copyright law, this workshop offers a closer look at the fair use defense and The TEACH Act. First, the workshop will report on recent research surveying fair use decisions that offers insight into how courts really evaluate the fair use factors when confronted with actual cases. In addition, the 9th Circuit’s recent decision in Perfect 10 v. Amazon.com, Google.com et al will be discussed. It provides an important reminder that fair use analysis is not to be approached in a formulaic manner but with the overriding goal of advancing creativity. Finally, The TEACH Act is now five years old. This workshop will also take a closer look at what we now know about its implementation and impact.

*This workshop is part of the Select Series and College Pass Members must use their additional 50 seats provided to take advantage of this workshop.

Workload Management Strategies for Online Educators

Instructors need to develop new time management skills when transitioning to online teaching. Online teaching can redefine faculty members’ teaching schedules. While the advantages for participating in online education include flexibility; the reality of the 24/7 classroom can prove daunting due to the investment in curriculum development and planning as well as the need to be responsive to student inquiries. This workshop offers strategies enabling online educators to manage time demands while teaching online courses. Topics include: course planning, information presentation, frequency of interaction, and scheduling.

Using Moodle to Create Online Courses

Moodle is an open source Learning Management System and is a low cost alternative for educators to create vibrant online content. This workshop will define Moodle and it’s features. Later, the facilitators will illustrate how to use Moodle to create an online course and take participants through the actual process of creating actual course content with Moodle. Following the workshop participants will have a working knowledge of Moodle and will be prepared to create their own effective online courses with this open source tool.

Academic Integrity in Online Education*

The role of technology in academic dishonesty is in the news, and federal legislation is pending that will require authentication of online learners. This session will provide information, examples, and a reality check for staff and faculty working in online education. Participants will explore why and how students cheat, faculty beliefs regarding cheating and online education, and tools and techniques to deter and detect cheating and plagiarism. The emphasis will be on a three-prong approach to addressing academic integrity: policing (catching and punishing cheaters), prevention (designing courses and assignments that discourage cheating), and virtue (creating learning communities in which students do not want to cheat). Current projects focusing on student authentication will be reviewed, and issues surrounding student authentication will be discussed.

*This workshop is part of the Select Series and College Pass Members must use their additional 50 seats provided to take advantage of this workshop.

Toppling Global Barriers: The Emerging Culture of the Online Classroom*

Cross-cultural virtual classrooms are fast becoming the rule rather than the exception. In today’s interconnected and independent world, the online learning environment is becoming more diverse. Faculty and students involved in international learning communities provide opportunities for both to understand the world across the breath, depth and complexities of human experiences. This workshop explores the opportunities and challenges institutions face as they expand their classroom doors overseas, such as instructor/learner preparation, conflict resolution, team building, and time zone/holiday management. Participating institutions will demonstrate how effective management of the global classroom contributes toward building human-to-human connections and rendering educational boundaries between countries irrelevant.

*This workshop is part of the Select Series and College Pass Members must use their additional 50 seats provided to take advantage of this workshop.

Open Educational Resources: Build It and They will Come?

Abstract: E-learning content is becoming much more pervasive. This developing content which can be shared within one institution, or across continents represents a powerful possible paradigm shift in the distribution methods of learning content and courseware from traditional publishing models to those of open and collaborative in nature. Major initiatives from leading institutions to provide open courseware further support the growth of this segment of online learning.

Introduction to Second Life for Educators

Throughout this workshop participants will learn the basics of Second Life, and integrate learning theories in the use of virtual worlds. Participants will be encouraged to create activities that are student-centered and maximize the real potential of virtual worlds. A primary goal of the workshop is to get educators thinking about their classes and how the tools used in Second Life can be personalized for the learning environments that they create. The workshop will explore examples of good teaching in Second Life and move beyond PowerPoint, lecture, and passive learning. Participants will make use of asynchronous discussions, multimedia materials, reading assignments and live, interactive class sessions to collaborate, learn, and expand the range of instructional possibilities that are available to students.

Based on research and the Sloan-C effective practices, this workshop provides the foundation for designing and delivering online courses. Faculty gain enhanced pedagogical knowledge and learn effective strategies for creative, online classroom facilitation.

Podcasting in Higher Education: Current Trends and Applications

Podcasting has had a revolutionary impact on formal and informal teaching and learning. Rising out of the advent of the Apple iPod, podcasts have grown into the mainstream of online media since their inception in early 2004. The power of the individual to use podcasts to communicate globally has important implications for educators. Higher education professionals must learn how to harness the power of podcasting to reach an increasingly more tech savvy population of students and colleagues. Learn all about podcasts and podcasting in this online workshop conducted by two of the pioneers in using this technology in higher education: Burks Oakley II and Ray Schroeder.

Using the Quality Matters Rubric to Improve Your Online Course

Recognizing quality is much like recognizing art – you know it when you see it, but everybody sees something different. And when it comes to online courses, your students, faculty, administrators, peers, and accrediting bodies may certainly not see what you do. In fact, they might not even know what to look for in assessing quality. Sloan-C announces an interactive online workshop focused on learning how to improve your online course(s). Learn how to use the rubric tool developed by the nationally recognized, FIPSE-funded Quality Matters (QM) project. The QM rubric provides a research-supported framework with annotations and examples for applying quality practices to specific course design standards. Affirm the strong areas in your course(s) and generate specific ideas for improvements. The QM rubric is the centerpiece of the QM process. Additionally, this course serves as a stepping stone for faculty interested in becoming certified course peer reviewers.

Introduction to Second Life for Educators

Throughout this workshop participants will learn the basics of Second Life, and integrate learning theories in the use of virtual worlds. Participants will be encouraged to create activities that are student-centered and maximize the real potential of virtual worlds. A primary goal of the workshop is to get educators thinking about their classes and how the tools used in Second Life can be personalized for the learning environments that they create. The workshop will explore examples of good teaching in Second Life and move beyond PowerPoint, lecture, and passive learning. Participants will make use of asynchronous discussions, multimedia materials, reading assignments and live, interactive class sessions to collaborate, learn, and expand the range of instructional possibilities that are available to students.

What are some of the available media applications that can increase learner motivation and engagement? Educators need effective tools to promote idea sharing, understandings, and collaborative, creative explorations. A wide range of media and tools are being designed and deployed in online education. This workshop seeks to explore effective emerging technologies that improve instruction and learning increasing satisfaction among students and faculty.

Support Services and Emerging Technologies

A student's online academic journey can be complex, but should it? When designed properly, emerging technologies can assist both institutions and students. What does an institution need to support online learning endeavors?

Assessment Advances Using Emerging Technologies

What's my grade? How am I doing? Performance evaluation throughout the learning path of a student in an online environment is evolving. How are new technologies and applications helping us understand assessment? Lets examine emerging technologies that assist with assessment that will enable us to better serve our anytime, anywhere lifestyles. Concepts included will be: student learning and programmatic effectiveness.

January 16 – February 8

Getting Started: Online Course Development Basics

Based on research and the Sloan-C effective practices, this workshop provides the foundation for designing and delivering online courses. Faculty gain enhanced pedagogical knowledge and learn effective strategies for creative, online classroom facilitation.

January 30 – February 8

Pedagogy And New Learning Environments

Teaching and learning has vastly changed due to emerging technologies. Personalization, collaborative learning, and social software have produced and introduced perhaps a new paradigm. Can instructional designers keep up? How? We'll explore what has been done to improve pedagogy using these new tools. Other considerations include: open educational resources, collaborative efforts, design paradigms, and affordable, sustainable delivery models.

February 6 – March 7

Technology Bootcamp

Technology Bootcamp is a 4-week crash course for new cadets who seek to acquire new skills, or perhaps brush-up on old ones prior to the conference. As online educators, mastery of new technologies can help you stay ahead of the curve. Through hands-on technology demonstrations, you will obtain clear new ideas on how technology can improve you online classroom.

Finding Evidence of Quality in Distance Education: Community College Exemplars

This workshop has been renamed "Accreditation: Community College Case Studies Point the Way" and rescheduled for March. Please see that listing.

Using the Quality Matters Rubric to Improve Your Online Course

Recognizing quality is much like recognizing art – you know it when you see it, but everybody sees something different. And when it comes to online courses, your students, faculty, administrators, peers, and accrediting bodies may certainly not see what you do. In fact, they might not even know what to look for in assessing quality. Sloan-C announces an interactive online workshop focused on learning how to improve your online course(s). Learn how to use the rubric tool developed by the nationally recognized, FIPSE-funded Quality Matters (QM) project. The QM rubric provides a research-supported framework with annotations and examples for applying quality practices to specific course design standards. Affirm the strong areas in your course(s) and generate specific ideas for improvements. The QM rubric is the centerpiece of the QM process. Additionally, this course serves as a stepping stone for faculty interested in becoming certified course peer reviewers.

Dynamic Collaboration, Discussion and Facilitation Practices

In the online classroom, interaction prompts more interaction by stimulating more perspectives, points of view, ideas, questions, and disagreements. Through collaboration and discussion, both facilitators and students help each other in the learning process. This workshop examines how facilitators can increase and provide quality engagement in an online academic environment..

Introduction to Second Life for Educators

Throughout this workshop participants will learn the basics of Second Life, and integrate learning theories in the use of virtual worlds. Participants will be encouraged to create activities that are student-centered and maximize the real potential of virtual worlds. A primary goal of the workshop is to get educators thinking about their classes and how the tools used in Second Life can be personalized for the learning environments that they create. The workshop will explore examples of good teaching in Second Life and move beyond PowerPoint, lecture, and passive learning. Participants will make use of asynchronous discussions, multimedia materials, reading assignments and live, interactive class sessions to collaborate, learn, and expand the range of instructional possibilities that are available to students.

Accreditation: Community College Case Studies Point the Way*

This workshop uses a series of illustrative case studies to describe the particularly effective practices of a small selection of community colleges and discusses a variety of possible strategies for institutions seeking to meet emerging accreditation standards for distance education programs. More...

*This workshop is part of the Select Series and College Pass Members must use their additional 50 seats provided to take advantage of this workshop.

Blended Learning: Using the Hyflex Course and Design Process*

Hyflex represents an approach to creating and managing blended courses that provides students even greater choices when trying to manage their time. Hyflex, (Hybrid/Flexible), allows a student to choose whether they will attend a F2F class, or complete the required work online for any particular class date. Hybrid – combines both online and face-to-face teaching and learning activities. Flexible – students may choose whether or not to attend face-to-face sessions … with no “learning deficit”. This workshop examines how to structure and deliver in a Hyflex environment: how to present the course effectively (and professionally), how to engage learners with generative learning activities and how to use authentic assessment to evaluate student learning.

*This workshop is part of the Select Series and College Pass Members must use their additional 50 seats provided to take advantage of this workshop.

Online – Informal – Learning Communities: How do they work?

What do successfully sustained online communities have in common? How do informal communities emerge and evolve in ways that are distinct from formal directed communities? In this workshop participants will explore and utilize community places and spaces to discuss successful (not best) practices, identify resources that help sustain communities, and share cases of successful communities.

Copyright Compliance for Online Educators

As an online educator, you need to know how copyright affects you when using materials to supplement your online courses. You also need to know how your original works can be protected. In this workshop, Linda Enghagen, of the University of Massachusetts at Amherst, will take you through the key copyright issues that you and your colleagues should be aware of when preparing and delivering your online courses.

Accommodating Students With Disabilities: Leveraging the Online Learning Environment*

Think accommodations for students are covered in an accessible course platform? Think again! Online-only institutions may not realize the legal mandates that obligate them to provide necessary support to students with disabilities, and if they DO understand their responsibilities, they may not have a clear picture of how to fulfill the obligation. Traditional institutions of higher education who are making significant commitments to newly-constituted online programs do not understand why their existing disability services unit cannot absorb the need for serving students with disabilities using established policies and procedures. Whichever your setting, the need is significant, the legal mandates are clear… and the information is scarce! This workshop provides information to assist you in serving this often ignored population.

*This workshop is part of the Select Series and College Pass Members must use their additional 50 seats provided to take advantage of this workshop.

Advanced Techniques with Podcasting for Educators

Many educators know a couple, some practice three or four, but this unique workshop experience reveals practical tips to making your podcast a dominate force in your online classroom. The facilitators will walk you through podcasting essentials and help you establish pedagogical linkages. Content is tightly focused on engaging the online learner, so bring your questions as this workshop is designed to be interactive in nature. Prerequisite: Podcasting in Higher Education: Current Trends and Applications.