Scholars Institute II: Learning in a Networked World
The 2009 conference continues what has proven to be a successful venue for sharing and collaboration by faculty and staff across The University of Alabama System. This year's theme, "Learning in a Networked World", and the session clusters/tracks are focused on Learning. Our goal is to promote excellence in teaching in online, blended, and classroom settings, emphasizing technology as a tool and focusing overall on how best to further effective learning. The sessions will provide the opportunity to receive relevant information on best practices, collaborate with others, engage in hands-on activities, and hear practical advice for all participants - both experienced technology users as well as novices. A solicitation for presentations will be made in February, so as you review the session clusters, below, consider being a presenter and sharing your real-world experience, best practices, and advice.
Session Clusters/Tracks
Learning Environments:
Emerging learning environments are creating new opportunities to employ technology as a means of enhancing pedagogy. This track will explore evolving learning environments, their design and development; and provide practical advice and best practices on teaching in these environments. This track will focus on areas such as:
- participatory online and blended course models,
- virtual teams and affinity groups,
- communicating effectively online,
- building community,
- furthering 21st century literacy,
- designing and facilitating critical thinking, problem solving, knowledge creation,
- utilizing case studies, capstone projects, group assignments
- managing online interaction, hands-on activity, groups, large classes, and small classes
- building learning environments for the future
Learning Effectiveness:
As online and blended learning becomes more prevalent on our campuses, we must assess achievement of learning outcomes. This track will focus on ways of assessing student learning, formative/summative evaluation, quantitative/qualitative approaches, alternative testing approaches, the role of a learning community in assessment/feedback, and evaluating the learning environment.
Learning Tools:
A constantly evolving range of computer-mediated tools and services are being harnessed to support curricular, administrative and pedagogic goals. This track will offer hands-on and demonstration sessions which explore the use, impact, opportunities , and potential of a variety of leading tools and techniques, such as gaming, mobile learning, simulations, e-portfolios, Camtasia, Wimba Voice Tools, Wimba Live Classroom, Second Life, Clickers , Classroom technology, Wikis, Blogs, Angel, Blackboard, learning objects, SCORM modules, and other upcoming technologies
Getting Started:
Teaching with technology presents new opportunities for content delivery, student engagement, course efficiency and collaborative learning. However, these technologies present practical challenges, especially for faculty just getting started with limited time and/or experience with these tools. This track will offer practical advice on getting started, what technology should be used, when and why, efficient, and effective design methodologies (course maps, storyboarding, and using the syllabus as a guide to course design).