June, 2008

Online Classroom - June, 2008 - Full Issue PDF
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Using Group Audio Communication to Enhance Social Connectedness in the Online Classroom
By Michele Wallen, MPH, Sloane Burke, PhD, CHES; and Jody Oomen-Early, PhD, CHES
In the asynchronous and time-challenged online learning environment, it is imperative for educators to integrate dynamic, innovative, and motivating teaching strategies to create a sense of community and connectedness and a positive learning climate among both instructors and students.

Tips from the Pros: Using IM to Reach Students
Despite numerous studies that show that students prefer instant messaging to email, initiating communication with students via IM is not necessarily the best way to go, according to the editors of The Edutech Report.

Workload, Promotion, and Tenure Implications of Teaching Online
As more and more faculty are being asked to teach online, there is a growing need to address workload, promotion, and tenure policies to reflect the differences between teaching online and teaching face-to-face. Because of the differences among departments and institutions, there is no single solution to these issues.

Using Surveys to Improve Courses, Programs, and Instruction, Part 1
By Patti Shank, PhD, CPT
Surveys are commonly used as data collection tools for improving courses, programs, and instruction because they are easy to administer. But the value of survey data is highly dependent on the design and implementation of the survey. So my goal, in this and the next few articles, is to provide some guidance on designing and implementing surveys so that you get data that helps you improve your courses, programs, and instruction.

Reaching and Enthusing the New-to-Online-Learning Student!
By Errol Craig Sull
We often forget about the student who is new to online learning. Students elect to take a course online for a variety of reasons, but it’s up to us as online educators to make this first-time experience a positive one.