http://www.merlot.org:80/merlot/ A search of MERLOT materials Copyright 1997-2013 MERLOT. All rights reserved. Thu, 23 May 2013 08:18:54 PDT Thu, 23 May 2013 08:18:54 PDT http://www.merlot.org:80/merlot/images/merlot.gif http://www.merlot.org:80/merlot/ 44 34 http://www.merlot.org/merlot/viewMaterial.htm?id=761941 Abstract: Online courses continue to become increasingly prevalent in higher education. The relationship between computers and writing is natural, as computers are now the primary tool for producing writing. The purpose of this case-study paper is to report on the design, development, and delivery of an online course that was created in response to the identification of a need for effective and efficient delivery of writing instruction to large numbers of university students. The paper describes an online academic writing course that evolved from an elective course enrolling 150 students to a required course enrolling over 2,000 arts and social sciences and engineering students at a mid-sized Canadian university. An account of the history of the course is included, along with discussion regarding institutional and student resistance to the course, technological challenges, use of peer review, cheating, course problems, and course successes. Course effectiveness data are also presented. Suggestions are offered for instructors wishing to create similar online writing courses.Keywords: online writing instruction, academic writing skills, teaching with technology, student peer review, peer assessment http://www.merlot.org/merlot/viewMaterial.htm?id=761509 Abstract: At institutions of higher learning, there is an increased demand and need for online courses. However, the number of faculty developing and teaching these courses does not match the growth in online education. The purpose of this study was to determine the perceived barriers to online teaching experienced by various faculty groups at a public institution located in the southeastern United States using a new survey instrument, which was developed from recent research findings. This study sought to identify the most prevalent barriers to online instruction for the faculty group surveyed. In addition, these findings may identify prevalent barriers for faculty groups in an effort to inform administrative decisions concerning policy, training, and compensation as well as to facilitate involvement for specific types of online instruction for faculty development. A number of novel and important differences were found in the perceived barriers that exist between faculty groups on four constructs identified through an exploratory factor analysis. The factors found were: (1) interpersonal barriers; (2) institutional barriers; (3) training and technology barriers; and (4) cost/benefit analysis barriers. The results of this study may be of use to other institutions as they develop online instruction training programs.Keywords: online education, instructional technology, perceived barriers, survey research, online faculty http://www.merlot.org/merlot/viewMaterial.htm?id=761294 ״Learn More" media items (more than 60 in all) include carefully screened and selected online media, including videos, PowerPoints, PDFs, podcasts, and articles. These media provide examples and insights from successful professionals to reinforce learning about business communication. http://www.merlot.org/merlot/viewMaterial.htm?id=760303 This is a TED talk about how sosciety views a person's apperance and judges them based off it. http://www.merlot.org/merlot/viewMaterial.htm?id=759104 An online course devoted to the study of Faust: concentrating on works by Christopher Marlowe, Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, Thomas Mann, Friedrich Murnau, Jan Svankmajer and Randy Newman, the course encompasses literature, film, music, visual arts and the history of ideas. http://www.merlot.org/merlot/viewMaterial.htm?id=758622 A Kahn Academy presentation of Goya's seminal painting commonly referred to as "Tres de mayo de 1808 en Madrid.״ http://www.merlot.org/merlot/viewMaterial.htm?id=755919 ״The Computer History Museum offers many online exhibits on a variety of topics related to the history of computing. Some online exhibits like Visible Storage and Mastering the Game complement physical exhibits you can also experience when you visit the Museum in person. Other online exhibits are available only through the Internet and extend the reach of the Museum to virtual visitors around the world.״ http://www.merlot.org/merlot/viewMaterial.htm?id=755409 Article et fiche pédagogique en français sur le thème des prénoms sur le site VOYAGES EN FRANÇAIS. L'objectif est de comprendre, de réflechir à sa propre expérience en lisant les commentaires des autres puis de partager un commentaire en français.Le choix d’un prénom n’est pas anodin, tant pour l’enfant que pour sa famille ...Lisez l'article puis racontez l'histoire de votre prénom ! http://www.merlot.org/merlot/viewMaterial.htm?id=755422 This is a Stand Alone Instructional Resource (StAIR) analizing Shakespearean English in the context of a "Julius Caesar." Students will recieve explicit instruction on how to read (and comprehend) Shakespearean English. Afterwards, they will be given excerpts from the play and have to decide if the excerpt was said by a character loyal to the Conspiracy or loyal to Triumvirate. http://www.merlot.org/merlot/viewMaterial.htm?id=755146 Interviews with Malian musician Toumani Diabate and a visit ti the Ecole de la Musique Kirina. A video project of Playing for Change, described below:״The act of playing music with people of different cultures, religions, economics and politics is a powerful statement. It shows that we can find ways of working together and sharing our experiences with one another in a positive way. Music has the power to break down the walls between cultures, to raise the level of human understanding.״~ Mark Johnson, founder, Playing for ChangeExternal Links http://www.playingfor