Summer 2014 Online Teacher Training Introduction Welcome to the Online Teacher Training Summer 2014 course. This course is an introduction, not just to D2L and course design, but how to teach online. Online learning, like classroom learning, is complicated. Learning the instructional management system is one step. Learning best practices in course design is another step. Learning the intricacies of online teaching and learning is another step. Content Overview In this brief four day class, we will introduce new or relatively new online faculty to all of these steps, which are intertwined. We ll look at how to create a logical, welcoming course design and tone that lets the instructor s personality come through and meets best practices in accessibility and engagement. We ll look at communication, which is the most important component of online learning. We ll look at ways to deliver, assess, and collect, and communicate information and create meaningful learning experiences. Course Outcomes Participants will be able to: Review the basics of D2L features such as the quiz tool, news features, discussion creation, grade book, and drop box. Create assignments that incorporate best practices for online learning and course design Recognize and implement ADA best practices into online course design, assignments, and communication Distinguish the similiarities and differences between online teaching and course design Debate issues regarding online learning interaction, communication, and demeanor Successfully create discussion questions, quiz questions, and other assignments that align to the outcomes in their courses Demonstrate how to access D2L and online education resources for further instruction and assistance
Construct meaningful assessments techniques in their online courses and learn how to use D2L tracking to gauge effectiveness of assignments and other course elements Expectations Since the class will only meet together for 20 hours, some readings and assignments will need to be completed in between class sessions. Every day, there will be one or two assignments to complete before the next morning. In addition, there will be at least two follow up sessions later in the summer to discuss course content and address lingering questions. The instructors, Val Lundberg and Amy Jo Swing, will provide many examples, best practices, and resources for online teaching. This class is only meant to be an introduction to all these complicated concepts. The resources provided in this class as well as future workshops, trainings, and mentoring, will give more detailed information and instruction to help instructors complete or improve their online courses and teaching. Follow Up Those who complete the training will be expected to have their course peer reviewed the second time they teach it or the semester following the training, whichever comes first. Schedule for Online Teacher Training: Summer 2014 Day One: Setting the tone for your online class Teaching Philosophy Complete Online Teaching Survey Teaching Philosophy Discussion Quizzes Class discussion board Welcome Page Create Welcome Before or during class Wednesday, May 28
Look of Course Discuss ADA in design Introductory Materials Resources Afternoon: When and how to use the D2L gradebook Page Message Change course colors and customize links Practice ADA best practices in font size, colors, and picture tags Look at samples Review resources for online teaching and D2L, especially Online Peer Review rubric Discuss why and how to use the gradebook and configuration options. Create one or two gradebook items/configure grades Link on content page of our class Day Two: Controlling the Content Modules or Tasks Look at samples of organizing content Class content page Logic Course Design Create outline of first three weeks of class Discuss deadlines and how to set them Put in your D2L shell and submit outline to course dropbox Class discussion board Before first up session. Multimedia Look at samples of In our D2L shell
Options Afternoon: When and how to use the D2L dropbox media and Panopto (and talk about ADA compliance) Record a short audio clip to go along with a homepage message or other assignment or embed a video Create a dropbox assignment with directions and links to content page directions Assignment in your D2L shell. Wednesday, May 28 Wednesday, May 28 Day Three: Engaging Students Online Look at best practices for communication Communication Guidelines Discussion on OPAC recommendations Write a statement for students about your participation and communication guidelines and expectations (for students and for instructor) Friday, May 30 Respond to discussion question about instructor interaction called How much In our D2L discussion board Friday, May 30
Communication Options How to Communicate with Students Communicating Software needs Afternoon: When and how to use D2L quizzes communication? Review communication possibilities for online learning Respond to a difficult student email In our D2L shell Class discussion board Review ways to In our D2L shell make sure students have correct and updated software Create two quiz questions: one auto graded and one long answer Day Four: Discussions and Groups When and why to use discussions Discuss discussions and look at best practices Friday, May 30 Create discussion forum and topic Discussion guidelines Write discussion and grading guidelines for your class Before follow up session Interactive Write one Class discussion Friday,
discussions discussion question that engages students and gets them to interact board May 30 Instructor participation Answer discussion questions about How much instructors should participate in student discussions In our D2L shell discussion board Before follow up session Discussion Groups Discuss how to use groups for online learning Friday, May 30 Revised teaching statement Create a discussion group Revise your initial In our D2L class teaching philosophy discussion area: statement and Week four respond to discussions discussion question about online teaching Friday, May 30 or before follow up session.