Course Description: Introduction to the theory and tools of teaching on-line courses. Principles of good practice are used as a structural core to develop knowledge and skills necessary to effectively develop and teach an on-line course. Fosters communication, collaboration, active learning, prompt feedback, while emphasizing personal connections, time on task, high expectations, and respect for diverse talents and ways of learning.

The course is 6 weeks long and is part of  a Certificate in Postsecondary Teaching.

Prerequisites: COMM 721 The Teaching Craft, COMM605 Advanced Interpersonal Communication, or relevant experience in higher education.

Texts: Text List    Texts can be purchased from MBS Direct.

(More Information/Registration)

Course Offering Schedule:

FALL 2011

• Module 1: Orientation to the online classroom [Dec 3 (8:30 - 12:30, Meets in the Bethel University Libary for 4 hours - HC417) - Week 1 continues online through Dec 10 Online]
• Module 2: Online pedagogy: Principles for Authentic Online Learning [Dec 10 - 17 (Online) ]
• Module 3: Online design: Incorporating good contact, collaboration, cooperation, and reciprocity [Dec 17 - Jan 7 (Online)]
• Module 4: Online engagement: Developing Active Learning in the "passive" on-line environment [Jan 7 - 14 (Online)]
• Module 5: Online management: Assessment, evaluation, and legal issues in the on-line environment [Jan 14 - 21 (Online)]
• Module 6: Christian Higher Education and On-line Learning: Integration of faith and learning in the cyberspace classroom [Jan 21 - 28 (Online - includes completion of project course)]
• All work due by Jan 4

SPRING 2012

• Module 1: Orientation to the online classroom [April 14 (8:30 - 12:30, Meets at Bethel University for 4 hours - HC417) - Week 1 continues online through April 21 Online]
• Module 2: Online pedagogy: Principles for Authentic Online Learning [April 21- 28 (Online) ]
• Module 3: Online design: Incorporating good contact, collaboration, cooperation, and reciprocity [April 28 - May 5 (Online)]
• Module 4: Online engagement: Developing Active Learning in the "passive" on-line environment [May 5 - May 12 (Online)]
• Module 5: Online management: Assessment, evaluation, and legal issues in the on-line environment [May 12 - 19 (Online)]
• Module 6: Christian Higher Education and On-line Learning: Integration of faith and learning in the cyberspace classroom [May 19 - 26 (Online - includes completion of project course)]
• All work due by June 2, 2011

 

Do I have to be a "digital native" to do well in COMM722

Most of us are "digital immigrants" and not "digital natives". We have not grown up in the digital age (unless you are under 25). Why this course is a part of the certificate program is to build on your knowledge from the Teaching Craft and Advanced Interpersonal Communication by adding in how to teach/learn and communicate effectively in the online media that has become (note I do not say is becoming) the norm in education at all levels.

You need no knowledge of any but basic computer (creating, naming, saving, finding files, use of word processing programs, email) and web technology (ability to use a browser, understanding hyperlinks) to do well in the course. The focus of the course is on effective online teaching and not on technology. In today's world this means you need to learn to use and become comfortable with at least basic learning management systems like Blackboard that have become not only pervasive, but also highly misused.

During our first session I will introduce you to the tools that will help you to assimilate into the digital learning environment. Learners with no previous technology experience have taken the course (some without even the basic skills above) and everyone that has tried and stuck with it has completed the competencies in the course successfully. Do remember, however, that this is a graduate level course (thus the 722 number), so don't expect it to be easy.  You will be challenged both in your thinking about teaching and learning and in your technology skills.  One helpful point to remember is that if you can't figure out how to make something work (technology) after 10 - 15 minutes, you should either (a) do a quick search on Google or the Bethel Knowledge Base, (b) contact the Bethel help desk [651-638-6500 #3], or (c) contact your instructor [651-638-6313, r-kistler@bethel.edu.