Faculty who complete the Learning Technology Series will be able to:

• Articulate their own learning theories and learning styles and relate this to the design and implementation of their web-enhanced or online class.
• Assess the relevance and appropriateness of certain technologies in addressing learning objectives.
• Design and implement collaborative and discussion assignments using web-based technologies.
• List the steps for creating and implementing a class Web site or multimedia presentation.
• Locate and implement various assessments of student learning preferences.
• Describe the pros and cons of listservs, discussion boards and form posts as means of facilitating communication in an online environment.

Descriptions of Modules

1) Web Pedagogy 101: Initial Considerations

Since most teachers did not have current instructional technologies as part of their educational background, they have no models for effectively using instructional technology. This module hopes to bridge the gap by acquainting teachers with initial considerations including: the growing use of instructional technology, basic learning theory, communication modes, good teaching practices, and campus issues.

2) Web Pedagogy 102: Teaching Tips

This module will cover online teaching tips in two parts: Class Management Tips, discusses the aspects of online teaching that occur prior to the beginning of the semester and involves the administration or management of your course. Section two, Teaching Tips, involves a discussion of guidelines for facilitating an online course.

3) Web Pedagogy 103: Building Your Personal Web Site

This course demonstrates how faculty can use a personal web site to supplement traditional courses and/or deliver educational content in an online course. This module will cover the importance of having a web site, the four steps to creating an instructional web site, and will give a few tips for organizing your site.

4) Web Pedagogy 104: Designing Collaborative and Discussion Assignments

Collaborative and discussion assignments may present the most difficult delivery issue in an online class. This module discusses the features and pros and cons of current online discussion technologies. Several examples of online assignments will be examined and we will discuss a process for selecting technologies for use in an online environment.

5) Multimedia Pedagogy 101: The Pedagogics of Multimedia Presentation

Using multimedia effectively entails more than just knowing how to use a piece of software or digitizing equipment, it involves an understanding of new pedagogical principles that address the use of this rapidly evolving modality. This module covers multimedia design elements, assessing equipment needs, and soliciting feedback. Topics include: class setup, lighting, projection systems, computer specs, integrating multiple media types, negative/positive screen space, and more.

6) Instructional Technology 101: Developing a Learner-Centered Environment in the Online Classroom

This module will introduce the concept of individual student learning preferences and how assessment can help teachers adapt teaching methods to preferred styles of learning. This module will include a brief look at learning theory, current online assessment tools, and structuring online assignments. Resources will include numerous online references and assessment tools, and will provide examples of web-based learning activities that are directed to particular learner preferences.

If you have further questions concerning the Learning Technology Series© contact David Diaz (e-mail: davidpdiaz@earthlink.net ext. 2702).

© Learning Technology Series. No portion of this may be used without the consent of David Diaz.

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