Face-to-Face Workshops or Online Classes
The LTS is presented in two formats: as a workshop (all modules covered in two, 7-hr days), or completely online. The workshop mode will ideally be held in a lab with multimedia computers connected to the Web. In the online mode, each module spans the course of one week. Class activities are asynchronous and require a multimedia computer and Web access. Both formats use the ancillary Learning Technology Series© CD/Web hybrid and students participate in online activities.
Descriptions of Modules
1) Web Pedagogy 101: Initial Considerations
Since most teachers did not have current instructional technologies as part of their educational background, they have no models for effectively using instructional technology. This module hopes to bridge the gap by acquainting teachers with initial considerations including: the growing use of instructional technology, basic learning theory, communication modes, good teaching practices, and campus issues.
2) Web Pedagogy 102: Teaching Tips
This module will cover online teaching tips in two parts: Class Management Tips, discusses the aspects of online teaching that occur prior to the beginning of the semester and involves the administration or management of your course. Section two, Teaching Tips, involves a discussion of guidelines for facilitating an online course.
3) Web Pedagogy 103: Building Your Personal Web Site
This course demonstrates how faculty can use a personal web site to supplement traditional courses and/or deliver educational content in an online course. This module will cover the importance of having a web site, the fours steps to creating an instructional web site, and will give a few tips for organizing your site.
4) Web Pedagogy 104: Designing Collaborative and Discussion Assignments
Collaborative and discussion assignments may present the most difficult delivery issue in an online class. This module discusses the features and pros and cons of current online discussion technologies. Several examples of online assignments will be examined and we will discuss a process for selecting technologies for use in an online environment.
5) Multimedia Pedagogy 101: The Pedagogics of Multimedia Presentation
Using multimedia effectively entails more than just knowing how to use a piece of software or digitizing equipment, it involves an understanding of new pedagogical principles that address the use of this rapidly evolving modality. This course covers multimedia design elements, assessing equipment needs, and soliciting feedback. Topics include: class setup, lighting, projection systems, computer specs, integrating multiple media types, negative/positive screen space, and more.
6) Instructional Technology 101: Developing a Learner-Centered Environment in the Online Classroom
This module will introduce the concept of individual student learning preferences and how assessment can help teachers adapt teaching methods to preferred styles of learning. This module will include a brief look at learning theory, current online assessment tools, and structuring online assignments. Resources will include numerous online references and assessment tools, and will provide examples of web-based learning activities that are directed to particular learner preferences.