Friday, December 18, 2009

Holiday Break Finally!

Well the fall semester is inching its way to a close, finally. I know for myself I am in the mode of wrapping the semester up and looking forward to a little R&R, then a fresh start for the spring semester. But wait! An important start to the spring can be made much easier if I take a few moments and reflect on the past five months. Here are a few questions to ask yourself before you take a break:

· What went well in my online course?
· What road-bumps did I hit over the past semester?
· What student comments are fresh on my mind to help me tweak my course for the spring? · Are there instructions or details I want to add to my content that will help students in the future?
· Is there a way to reorder the course materials to make navigation easier?
· Was there a thought or idea for a new collaborative project that I wanted to explore?

A few notes now will make your work much easier in the spring to give your course a simple facelift. The new additions and changes will help keep it fresh for you and the students will benefit from the efforts you have put forward.

Have a great holiday break and see you all in the spring.

Tuesday, December 1, 2009

Spring 2010 DE Faculty Development Series

Student Success 2.0
A series on student outcomes in the online world

This spring, you will have several opportunities to hear from Distance Education experts about important topics related to online student success. Registration details will be available in the Spring. We hope you can join us!

Program Evaluation Strategies for TWU Chairs
Featuring Drs. Ron Carriveau and Richard Plott from University of North Texas*
Friday, February 12
1 – 4 p.m.
Library 101

Cheating in Online Courses
Featuring Ms. Lori McNabb from UT Telecampus*

Friday, March 5
1 – 3 p.m.
This presentation will be presented via Wimba and will provide a reality check about whether online students really do cheat more (for people who have not taught online) and ideas to encourage academic integrity in online courses (for people who teach online).

Assessing and Aggregating Learning Outcomes
Featuring Ms. Kaye Shelton from Dallas Baptist University*

Friday, April 9
2 – 4 p.m.
This presentation will give a look at using embedded assessment to demonstrate achievement of learning outcomes, along with a demonstration of how DBU does this.

Denton ACT 301; Parkland 229; Houston 3322

*Subject to change

Live, Desktop Presentation

Wednesday, December 9, 1 – 2 p.m.
Register Today! The registration deadline is Monday, December 7.

Critical Thinking Activities
Presented by Heidi Ashbaugh, Sr. Instructional Design Specialist, Dallas
Critical thinking is an important skill for students to learn and can benefit them long after they leave the University. However, it can be difficult to find ways to teach this type of thinking to students. This presentation will provide ideas for teaching critical thinking within any discipline by using metacognitive “wrappers” for various assignments and activities.

To attend, you must
Register. The registration deadline is Monday, December 7 at 11:45 p.m. If you register, you will be sent your log-in information prior to the event.