Bringing the Past to life Innovations Conference 2016 - Chicago March 21, 2016
Sinclair College, Dayton, Ohio Vonya Lewis, History Professor (vonya.lewis@sinclair.edu) Jennifer Davis, Instructional Designer (jennifer.davis@sinclair.edu) Offers over 220 programs, including specialized and technical areas of study. Credits easily transfer to four-year colleges and universities in Ohio and elsewhere, with more than 100 university transfer agreements in place.
HIS 1105: African-American History Course Description A general history survey of people of African descent in North America, covering such topics as slavery, the abolitionist movement, Reconstruction and the rise of segregationist laws, the Harlem Renaissance, and the movement for human and democratic rights. The unique experience of people of African descent in America and its affinity with the main themes of North American history will be emphasized.
Original Course Design (Chronological) Introduction to the Period The Preamble Our Wretchedness in Consequence of Slavery Our Wretchedness in Consequence of Ignorance Our Wretchedness in Consequence of the Preachers of the Gospel of Jesus Christ Our Wretchedness in Consequence of the Colonizing Plan Freedom? Without a Cent in Their Pockets Northward Bound The War to Spread Democracy When Harlem was in Vogue It was Supposed to be the Last War With All Deliberate Speed A Change is Gonna Come Obama: A Dream Realized or a Dream Yet Deferred
Why Make the Change Online Face-to-Face Student numbers down to 39% success rate online versus 70% face-to-face (Spring 2013) Online Face-to-Face
Why Make the Change Student feedback Faculty concerns wanted modern connections Faculty concerns success rate low course design issues (chronological vs. thematic) Desire to make connections to present wanted students to apply learning on a broader and deeper level
What We Changed and How First Meeting Brainstorming course goals faculty passion Brainstorming thematic design media assignments/assessments
New Course Design (Thematic) Africans Come to America David Walker’s Take on Slavery Are Teacher and Preachers the Problem? Send Them to Africa Reconstruction and Migration Demand for Civil Rights The Courts & The Law Black Power: From the Panthers to Today Dying to Live Free Making the World Safe for Democracy Literature, Music and Arts Athletes and Innovators Fighting for the Right to Vote to the New Deal Obama and the “Post-Racial” Era Impact of History on Today Final Week
Since the Change Online Face-to-Face Student numbers success rate up to 71% online versus 75% face-to-face (Spring 2015) Online Face-to-Face
Since the Change Student feedback Faculty feedback “Course is exciting” recognition that history repeats itself Faculty feedback better responses to discussions modern day connections are being made (see Impact Paper handout) students are doing better in course
How You Can Enhance YOUR Course Given these topics, work as a group to make connections between your course/field of study and modern times. Assembly lines Atomic bombs Corporations vs. Mom & Pops Internet Medical insurance Personal computers Rights/Language changes Social media Space exploration Unions Urban vs. Suburban Vaccines
Lessons Learned & Questions Don’t be afraid to make changes! Courses do not have to rely on chronological design. Begin with the end in mind. Thank you for coming!