PRE-CONFERENCE
October 6, 2009
Sponsored by Fielding Graduate University
Expand your OTL experience with an optional online Pre-Conference program led by faculty members and graduate students at Fielding Graduate University.
The pre-conference offers three additional sessions that focus on “Staying on Your A-Game: Orienting Your Students and Taking Responsibility for Your Own Professional Development“.
- Special Pre-Conference Workshops (October 6, 2009): Additional $129 USD at registration
- Receive one (1) Continuing Education Credit (CEU) for Pre-Conference: Add $50 USD at registration
PRE-CONFERENCE SESSIONS INCLUDE:
“Pre-Conference Welcome”
with the OTL 2009 Team
“10 Ways to Take Responsibility for Your Own Professional Development”
with Rena Palloff, Ph.D. and Keith Pratt, Ph.D.
Description: Evidence suggests that a good instructor, measured in terms of ability to construct and facilitate an effective online course, is the key to student persistence and success online. Faculty cannot be expected to intuitively know how to design and deliver an effective online course, however. Although courses and programs about the use of technology in education are emerging in institutions of higher education and available to those in training to teach, even seasoned faculty have not been exposed to the techniques and methods needed to make online work successful. Current software applications make it easy for faculty to simply transfer material to a course site. The lure to do this is complicated by the fact that institutions, seeing online distance learning as their life-saver in times of on-campus declining enrollment, are enrolling such large numbers in online classes that the burden on faculty is enormous. The result is the development of poorly constructed classes or the creation of a course written by one faculty member but delivered by many. The intent of the original designer of the course may become lost as inexperienced faculty are engaged to deliver the material.
Providing training for faculty in order to help them get started and also to support their ongoing work in online teaching does help. Providing that training online through the development of an online learning community for faculty can be even more powerful and effective. Budget constraints, however, are having an impact on the availability of training within institutions. What makes a successful online instructor and how can excellent instructors be trained? This is the central question that will be explored and addressed in this session. Participants will take away 10 ways to allow them to take responsibility for their own professional development in online teaching.
“7 Tips for Using 3D Worlds for Teaching and Learning”
with Jeremy W. Kemp
Description: Using 3D virtual worlds like Second Life for teaching and learning may be the new trend, but are they merely decorative chat rooms? From helping students choose avatars to building learning material to making sense of it all, this presentation will give hands on practical advice gathered over two years with 1500 graduate students. It will describe several research-based strategies that ease faculty transition from Web-based activities to trans-dimensional learning environments. See how 2D assignments, lessons and assessments are converted into meaningful 3D objects, settings and tasks. Learn how student demographics play a role in whether they love it or leave it. Is having a gaming background less important than being Web 2.0 savvy? How do gender, age and technical ability tip the adoption scale? Participants will gain an overview necessary to begin planning a 2D/3D structured learning activity and surefire strategies to attract students based on their skills and backgrounds.
“Getting Started with Wikis”
with Glen Gatin, Ed.D
This third session concludes with a de-briefing discussion with Rena Palloff and Keith Pratt (from 5:00-5:30 pm EDT) for Pre-Conference registrants.
Description: Ever wondered how a wiki might fit into your personal learning environment? How you could use a wiki to support your ongoing professional development? How to use a wiki to teach others?
Join this practical hands-on online session and discover how a wiki can be used to support learning. You will come away with a deeper understanding of wikis and a functioning wiki of your own that you can dedicate to whatever purpose you like.
