Mid-South Instructional Technology
Conference 1999
Proposal #17

Title: Implementing the Seven Practices For Effective Undergraduate Instruction In A Web-Based Environment

Name: Jim Formosa

Type of Presentation: Lecture/Presentation

Preferred Track: 3 Pedagogy and Technology Integration

Abstract: Much of what purports to be Web-Based instruction is, in fact, web enhanced or web supported instruction. An equally large amount is not good instruction. In what has become a classic work, Chickering and Gamson (1991), using a meta analysis of existing research identified seven practices that they described as principles for good undergraduate instruction. This presentation looks at each of the seven practices and methods for implementing each in a true web-based instruction environment.

An actual web course that is under construction but that contains an
implementation of the seven practices is demonstrated. In the final section, a proposed model for professional development is presented to provide faculty with the skills necessary to implement the seven practices.

Description: The world that many of us have become comfortable with is changing dramatically. Many authors contend that we are on the verge of evolving into a truly global system of higher education. If this happens, we will find ourselves in a competitive environment similar to that industry is facing in a global economy. In such an environment, those who do distance and web-based instruction will fare far better than those who do not. Some of the world's leading authority have gone so far as to predict the demise of many of the institutions that currently exist, either through consolidation or simple elimination.

The surest indicator of quality is student learning. Student learning is enhanced by effective instruction. Chickering and Gamson identified seven practices for good practice in undergraduate instruction. This presentation looks at the implementation of each of those seven practices in a web-based instructional environment. An actual Web course that is still under construction that implements the seven practices is demonstrated.

If the seven practices are going to be implemented in a web-based environment, the traditional approaches to professional development will need to be supplanted with a well thought-out and managed program of professional development. The concluding section of this presentation looks at a three-year plan currently under development at Nashville State Tech.

Length:
90 minutes including time for participant discussion and questions

Audience: General, faculty, administrators

On-Site Equipment Requirements: Projector, PC with internet connection, white board or chalk board (markers, chalk, and eraser)

Contact Information:
Nashville State Tech
120 White Bridge Road
Nashville, TN 37209
Phone - 615-353-3420
FAX - 615-353-3428
E-Mail - Formosa_J@nsti.tec.tn.us


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