February, 2010

Online Classroom - February, 2010 - Full Issue PDF
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Teaching with Second Life
By John Orlando, PhD
Second Life has attracted considerable interest from higher education in recent years. An estimated 300 institutions have a presence in Second Life, with 70 of those owning their own islands (Michaels, 2008). But despite its promise, many educators are reluctant to adopt Second Life for their courses.

Tips from the Pros - 3 Course Adjustments
By Patrick Durow, PhD
Last fall I made the following three methodological adjustments that resulted in improved student performance outcomes.

Enabling: A Strategy for Improving Learning
By Teresa K. Dail, PhD
Technology enables students to connect with each other, the instructor, and the content. However, distractions—in the form of real-time electronic conversations and a barrage of dozens of commercial and personal interjections—can be omnipresent. Perhaps the online instructor needs to provide his/her own steady stream of engagement that can serve to interrupt (at least temporarily) the flow of extraneous information that competes for both time and focus.

Online Teaching Fundamentals: Using Course ‘Holes’ to Keep Online Courses Current
By Patti Shank, PhD, CPT
Many online courses are developed to be used over and over. They may be developed to be regularly updated, but “regularly” may not mean the same thing as “as needed.” Unfortunately, many online courses can (and do) become dated quickly.

The Importance of Teaching Presence in an Online Course
By Credence Baker, PhD, and Staci L. Taylor
Think back to your most inspiring and influential teacher. What did she or he provide for you as a student that so effectively engaged you in learning? Can those inspirational traits actually translate in an online learning environment to bridge the transactional distance between learner and instructor?

Teaching Online With Errol: Make Sure Your Online Students Take Their Learning beyond the Course!
By Errol Craig Sull
Every online instructor is always on a quest to achieve the Holy Grail of teaching: having students take the material offered and use it far beyond the course, in the students’ professional and/or personal lives.