The UMUC-Verizon Virtual Resource Site for Teaching with Technology consists of two modules, and each explores key issues in developing and teaching online courses with the use of technology. The first module provides information about the selection and use of various Web-based media, such as text, audio, video, still images, animated graphics, applets, and scripts, to accomplish a number of different learning strategies. The second module focuses on delivery and features faculty interviews about realities and successful practices in online course delivery. The site also provides resources for faculty using technology in research assignments, small group projects, and discussions to encourage activity.
Type of Material:
Sample web pages, audio clips, video clips, and text are used in this web site.
Recommended Uses:
This resource is recommended for faculty who are developing on-line courses, particulary faculty new to online teaching.
Technical Requirements:
Most of the modules on the site are simple, html-driven pages, but the volume of material and links, as well as a number of streaming video interviews and resources suggest value-added if viewer has a high-speed connection.
Identify Major Learning Goals:
1- to assist faculty in creating and using Web-based media in ways that are appropriate for their students\' learning experiences. 2- to help faculty use some of the materials presented in the first module. 3- to encourage interactivity as a key influence on students\' learning styles. 4- to provide specific strategies for managing the use of technology in various learning activities.
Target Student Population:
This site is for higher education faculty new to online course development,
and provides good navigation to specific technologies or discussions for instructors wishing to improve their online materials.
Prerequisite Knowledge or Skills:
Some experience as an instructor in higher education; basic computer skills.
Content Quality
Rating:
Strengths:
The resource provides a wealth of information for faculty members who are designing on-line courses. In addition, there are numerous examples across many disciplines for each concept and links to additional resources. Each example is explained and demonstrated. The material is clearly presented. It's a "magnetic" site in that it literally pulls you in to explore the many fine examples. Much fun!
Concerns:
Discussion in various forms is not included among the learning activities. The Collaborative Learning examples really gave little if any information about the collaborative learning approaches \& strategies used. In particular, the Visions for a Sustainable City: Owings Mills, MD was really dated (1995)\& involved an early venture in the use of email \& web design. The examples under Conceptual Learning provide excellent simulations \& applets but little about conceptual learning strategies such concept maps or mathematical thinking. The category of Asynchronous Communication under technologies does not appear to include widely used course management systems.
Potential Effectiveness as a Teaching Tool
Rating:
Strengths:
This site has excellent potential as a teaching tool because it is comprehensively covers media selection and delivery for online instruction.
Concerns:
This resource focuses on on-line instruction outside of course management systems. As the use of course management systems is so pervasive, I think the absence of discussion of this technology somewhat dates and limits this resource's potential effectiveness.
Ease of Use for Both Students and Faculty
Rating:
Strengths:
Depth and clarity of material, checklists and case studies, interviews and examples make good use of any learning style for faculty learners. The site is well organized,
meets objectives stated in each module, is easily accessible from a variety of entry points (index, different modules, etc.), and user friendly.
Concerns:
12 of the links to examples non-functioning. Since there are numerous references to these examples, these need to be repaired in order to make this resource usable.
Creative Commons:
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