Mid-South Instructional Technology Conference
Teaching, Learning, & Technology
Transforming the Learning Environment
April 4-6, 2004
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David Warner Betty Denison Robert Safdie Roane Track 2 - Promoting Transformation in the Learning Environment |
Abstract
Three community college teachers challenge a traditional view that “some courses should not be taught online.” The presenters provide an overview of three online courses: Fundamentals of Speech Communication (COM 100) offered through Volunteer State Community College, Elementary Algebra (DSPM 0800), and Computer Concepts and Applications (COLL 1020) both offered through Roane State Community College. The unique barriers in developing these classes for on-line consumption are discussed and successful elements for each class are presented.
Description
In this singular presentation, David Warner, Betty Dennison, and Robert Safdie provide an engaging overview of stereotypes that educators may have concerning what should and should not be offered online. Speech, algebra fundamentals, and computer literacy are typically classified as out-of bounds for online delivery. The instructors challenge the traditional reluctance to offer such classes on the Web and answer the question, “Why not?”
David Warner, course developer for Fundamentals of Speech Communication online (COM 100) offered through Volunteer State Community College, Betty Denison, developer for Elementary Algebra online (DSPM 0800) at Roane State Community College, and Robert Safdie, team participant in the development of Computer Concepts and Applications online (COLL 1020) at Roane State Community College explore the pedagogy in these unique Web classes by examining aspects of the course climate, course materials, and instructional approaches used.
All three courses are considered successful by students and supportive evaluations are presented. The elements common in their success are described as well as typical challenges that make such courses difficult to offer online. In these three courses, the approaches used by faculty to address the classroom or learning climate or online context, the uniqueness of course support materials (beyond texts) and the variety of instructional approaches to address unique delivery and communication concerns are discussed.
Faculty and Administrators considering development of courses that are traditionally considered “out-of-bounds” as online offerings will be provided insights for a variety of approaches that address the unique needs of courses not often considered as candidates for online delivery.