CIT 2005 - WORKSHOP DESCRIPTION

MONDAY, MAY 23, 2005

Improve Your Online Course!

Instructor: Alexandra M. Pickett and Peter Shea
Time: 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Location: Academic A-G02
Rating: Advanced

Our best practices and research show that high levels of Teaching Presence (Anderson, 2001), comprised of effective instructional design and organization, facilitation of productive discourse, and direct instruction, positively and significantly influence the satisfaction and reported learning of online students.

There is also evidence to suggest that a strong sense of community in the classroom helps reduce student feelings of isolation and burnout associated with higher attrition levels in both classroom-based and distance learning. A positive sense of community also promotes the likelihood of student support and information flow, commitment to group goals, cooperation among members and satisfaction with group processes and efforts [e.g. Rovai (2002)].

We believe that there is a relationship between teaching presence and the development of community in online learning environments, and that courses characterized by effective teaching presence are more likely to develop a stronger sense of community on the part of students.

Our goal with this workshop is to provide you, as the instructor of an online course, with the opportunity to assess teaching presence and class community in your online course, reflect on and evaluate your course and online teaching and learning experiences, and brainstorm revisions that will improve the teaching presence and sense of class community in your online course. Participants will answer a series of questions that results in a detailed report to help guide the workshop activities and your future online course revisions and enhancements. This workshop will consist of practical activities, information presentation, resources, and discussion.