Staying Relevant A examination of an effective online course. Staying Relevant Learning Team A E-Learning/AET 541 September 29, 2014 Dr. Mary Poe (Elizabeth Andrews)

The Effective Online Course From the perspective of the adult, online learner there are a number of attributes that create an ideal educational experience. This presentation will discuss a number of these attributes, their educational role and other related information. (Elizabeth Andrews)

Asynchronous Learning Environment As many adult learners have hectic schedules filled with a variety of family, work, and social obligations an asynchronous learning environment allows them to fully participate in the course but on their own schedule (Haythornthwaite, 2011, Chapter 12). “Asynchronicity sets the stage for anywhere, anytime, and anyone communication. It removes the necessity for all participants to be in the same physical or online meeting place at the same time. It also serves ubiquitous learning well since it can be managed on a just in- time and as-time-is-available schedule: formal learners can choose when to dip into and join online class discussions; lifelong learners can pick up new information and skills as and when needed; and everyday learners can search the web now for information on today’s activity” (Haythornthwaite, 2011, Chapter 12). (Elizabeth Andrews)

Technology Participatory Practices Games, simulations, and social networking Creates an opportunity for creative teaching practices Provides engagement and active learning for the online learner Self-directed and motivates online learners (Brockers-White) (Brockers-White)

Communication Tools The effectiveness of an online course is dependent on the methods of communication used to facilitate interaction between instructor to student, student to instructor, and student to student. There are various communication tools available for both synchronous and asynchronous learning environments to increase presence, build community, and promote learning. “The more deliberate you can be about planning interactions and using the appropriate communication tools for the interactions, the more you can enhance the opportunities to build a learning community that will assist learners in staying motivated and persisting and ultimately achieving the learning outcomes of the course” (Stavredes, 2011). (Robert Mandel)

Stavredes, T. (2011). Effective Online Teaching: Foundations and Strategies for Student Success. Retrieved from The University of Phoenix eBook Collection database. (p. 180) Communication Tools (Robert Mandel)

Communication Tools (Robert Mandel)

Discourse and Collaboration According to Stavredes (2011), “through discourse, learners can discover viewpoints different from their own; through this discovery learners may learn to question their own conceptions and resolve conflicts between opposing ideas (Chapter 12). Stavredes (2011), goes on to state that “It is through collaboration between learners that higher-order thinking skills can be developed, including critical thinking, creative thinking, and problem solving (Chapter 12). When discourse and collaboration are both utilized through classroom discussions, participation threads, and group assignments a learning experience that both enhances learners’ knowledge and problem solving skills is created. (Elizabeth Andrews)

Problem-Based Learning Student centered, and constructs and challenges prior knowledge Content specific and encourages collaborative learning Heightens critical thinking skills Builds a sense of community Actively engages and motivates learners Enables reflection (Brockers-White) (Brockers-White)

Staying Relevant and Current Technology is always changing and it is important to look ahead at the benefits innovation will bring to education. Embracing new technologies will help keep the learning experience current and relevant for both the facilitator and students. (Robert Mandel)

Staying Relevant and Current Some of the resources used: Games Games Simulations Simulations Grammar and Plagiarism Checkers Grammar and Plagiarism Checkers Presentation Programs Presentation Programs Audio and Visual Tools Audio and Visual Tools (Robert Mandel)

Staying Relevant and Current When incorporating new technologies in the course it is important to stay current with copyright laws that protect intellectual property and define “fair use” for education. “Copyright is a critical legal issue in the online learning environment that must be carefully considered when using resources in an online course” (Stavredes, 2011). (Robert Mandel)

Ensuring a Long Shelf LIfe Incorporate simulations in teaching and learning Teaching and learning with Web 2.0 tools Multimedia discussion forums Personal bios and introductions

Strategies to Stay Relevant

Rubric Feedback is a key element in an online course and is used as a measure for assessing learner progress and identifies areas needing attention for improving learning performance. One method used to provide feedback in an online course is a simple grading Rubric. The following is a Rubric designed for measuring this presentation. (Robert Mandel)

Rubric (Robert Mandel)

Conclusion Every learner has individual needs, but there are common components that every online learner wants and/or benefits from. This presentation delivered a number of these components along with supporting ideas, explanations, and examples to help others create a relevant and effective online course. Every learner has individual needs, but there are common components that every online learner wants and/or benefits from. This presentation delivered a number of these components along with supporting ideas, explanations, and examples to help others create a relevant and effective online course.

References Gallow, Dr. D. (2014). Problem-Based Learning Faculty Institute. Retrieved from Harvard Business Publishing for Educators. (2014). Teaching with Simulations. Retrieved from Haythornthwaite, C. (2011). E-learning theory and practice. Retrieved from The University of Phoenix eBook Collection database. Stavredes, T. (2011). Effective online teaching: Foundations and strategies for student success. San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass.