Professional Development Best Practices for Online Learning

Welcome from the President Strategic initiative Upgrade of LMS Adopt best practices for online learning Click arrow for audio. Dr. David Jeffries, President of Western Community College

Course Objectives Understand the benefits of online learning. Define the terms “best practices,” “online,” and “blended.” Understand the competencies of an effective online instructor. Describe methods for promoting quality instruction. Overcome negative misconceptions of online learning. Use and apply Quality Matters standards and Quality Matter Rubric.

What makes a good Instructor? Knowledge of content Good communication skills Experience in the field See the discussion post “What makes a good instructor” thread to add your characteristics.

What are the Benefits of Online Learning? Working adults may have time for online rather than face-to- face instruction.

What are the Benefits of Online Learning? Working adults, who live out of driving range from campus, can take online courses. There is an increased interest in online learning, especially among working professional. See the discussion post “Benefits of Online Learning” to add your own benefits.

Online meets by using LMS and other meeting applications Online meets by using LMS and other meeting applications. Uses LMS for interaction and administration. Blended meets in a classroom and uses LMS for course interaction and administration. Types of Courses

What is a “Best Practice”? A method or technique that through experience and research has been proven to lead to effective or consistent results. The term “best practice” is often used in business or for quality assurance.

Adoption of Quality Matters WCC will be adopting Quality Matters (QM) standards and QM Rubric over the next year. Quality Matters is a set of best practices for online learning. It encourages collaboration, peer- review, professional development, and engagement. QM is used by over 800 institutions and 47 states in the US.

Go to “Best Practices for Online Learning” course within LMS To complete course, read uploaded content on QM standards and respond to discussion post. Respond to the posts of at least two other individuals. Complete “Best Practices for Online Learning” quiz in LMS. Create a “Welcome Page” using the provided template for your Sandbox course.

8 Core Areas of Course Quality Course Overview & Introduction Learning Objectives or Competencies Assessment and Measurement Instructional Materials Learner Interaction & Engagement Course Technology Learner Support Accessibility and Usability

Best Practices for Online Learning Set and communicate expectations early Be available for questions and responsive Model effective behaviors Get students involved via discussion Keep an open mind and be flexible, especially with technology Plan out the entire course Provide examples and rubrics for evaluation

Additional Tips Create a forum for courses questions Create and use the “WCC Welcome page” template to introduce yourself Develop a system for discussion posts Set a timeslot for office hours for your online course instead of answering each email. Share your own tips in a discussion post. See “Instructor Tips” thread.

Become a faculty mentor Become a QM peer- reviewer Respond to the Call Become a faculty mentor Become a QM peer- reviewer

Go to “Best Practices for Online Learning” course within LMS To complete course, read uploaded content on QM standards and respond to discussion post. Respond to the posts of at least two other individuals. Complete “Best Practices for Online Learning” quiz in LMS. Create a “Welcome Page” using the provided template for your Sandbox course.