Ubiquitous Learning: Leveraging the Strengths of Online Education

Holding courses online is no longer a nice-to-have option for higher education. Colleges invest money in a learning management system and expect faculty to start using it. Unfortunately, preparing for the online classroom is very different from the traditional classroom, and many faculty resist the transition. Some resist from fear of change, others from fear of technology, and others because they cannot conceive of online learning being successful. The online environment offers many opportunities that are unavailable to the traditional classroom. In this session we will look at best practices in online learning, and some of the hallmarks of successful MOOCs, which attract tens of thousands of learners worldwide. We will discuss the nuts and bolts of effective online lectures, discussion questions, and assessment activities that allow students to use 21st century tools to demonstrate what they have learned. We will consider the value of peer assessments, rubrics, and group work that leverages collaborative problem solving. Part theory, and part tactical, this session is presented from the trenches of experience, and will allow you to share your successful ideas to embrace the process of knowledge making over knowledge consumption. Presented at ATD2015, Orlando FL in the Higher Ed track.Read less