Learning at a distance has proven to be effective when certain characteristics are properly incorporated within the course structure. Modern learning management systems (LMS), such as iCollege, have evolved in order to better facilitate learner engagement. This facilitates a important requirement in addressing the needs of the student, as well as an essential need for faculty presence.

Online teaching and learning, although distinct, offers similar traits to traditional face-to-face classroom instruction. In order to be effective, certain characteristics must be present. One important factor is to offer a strong instructional presence as it relates to student engagement and interaction, in order to limit isolation and inevitably frustration both from an instructional perspective as well as for individual learners.

The University offers a wide array of resources that support student engagement. What is student engagement? This topic, as it relates online teaching pedagogy, can be defined as; The Art of finding ways to show presence without actually being physically present. An important role for the online educator is to address specific instructional needs with resources that are available in order to increase student-student as well as faculty-student engagement and interaction.

Methodologies used to address isolation and disconnection as it relates to online teaching and learning.

Two primary approaches:

• Observation: (reading e-mails, discussion posts, viewing content lectures and documents)
• Application: (posting to discussions, writing e-mails, taking quizzes—particularly those that provide feedback).

Internal/External Learning Tools

• Within iCollege
• Linked to iCollege (plugin)

Asynchronous/Synchronous Communications

• Discussions

Email

• Web Conferencing

VoiceThread

• Record content from webcam
• Upload media, documents
• Voice Record (telephone, microphone)

Kaltura

• Upload video content etc.

Camtasia video content (interaction/quizzing)

• Develop lecture videos etc.

 

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