From my limited experience with on-line teaching and learning I know that it often takes more time than other learning experiences. The good news is I can do the learning in my PJs at 2 AM.
One perception is that education is becoming so important for employment, self-esteem and just being able to participate in world activities that alternative methods are inevitable. In the few on-line courses I have taught I have primarily used the discussion board as a means of communication with the class. While I have posted power-point presentations, lectures, articles etc. I have not had satisfactory ways of determining whether these teaching tools were sufficient to really promote learning, I have never used group options, synchronous learning or many of the other options available.
I am now responsible for teaching a hybrid course at the doctoral level and really want this to be an active and interactive experience for the co-scholars. They will only be on campus for 3 classes during each trimester so the majority of the interaction between the co-scholars will be on-line. This is a daunting responsibility!
One of the techniques that I am really excited about is the electronic portfolio. As health care professionals we are required to maintain a portfolio of our continuing competency for licensure and for certification. We will be requiring our doctoral students to develop a portfolio of learning as they progress through their studies. Both of these collections lend themselves to this higher tech process. I feel certain that in the very near future, health care professionals will be required to use this technique,.
I'm excited about the opportunity to learn enhancement techniques, new applications and new ways to promote learning.
