Archive for the 'teaching concerns' category

Teacher training for postsecondary faculty

Apr 02 2010 Published by under teaching concerns

Tony Bates wrote a blog article, ““What do teachers need to know about teaching with technology?” Although referencing technology, he presents a framework for faculty education in teaching and learning, taking them beyond their subject matter expertise. Tony doesn’t assume this will ever happen. However, the framework presented is a good guide for anyone wishing to engage in some self study of the field to enhance teaching knowledge and abilities. Of course, now we are talking about informal learning. The question to ask is how we encourage those lacking in the area to participate on an informal, or formal, basis? Also, which technologies would best support such informal training and education to create and maintain engagement? There are going to be some differences between new faculty and those already in the system.

I was there as a new, term contract instructor in a traditional classroom. I recall being overwhelmed by everything else I needed to prepare, so I’m not sure that was the best time to introduce more. We did start with an instructional skills workshop that helped, and my concurrent studies in the Master of Distance Education program provided benefit as I developed as an instructor and later taught online. We did also have ongoing faculty development opportunities, including a session with Tony Bates back on April 29, 2004 (signed book on shelf beside me).

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Fail to embrace e-learning

May 23 2009 Published by under teaching concerns

A press release from IMC (UK) Learning Ltd. is titled, “University professors failing to embrace the full potential of e-learning.” They refer to their study and highlight a primary point. “Although three quarters (74%) of universities have virtual learning environments (VLE) to support teaching and learning, only 14% of lecturers publish their recorded lectures on them.” Other findings are also identified.

I would like to learn more about this study. What are the reasons for not publishing the lectures? Is it a job security issue where recorded lectures could then be accessed without need for the lecturer? Perhaps the question relates to copyright of the recorded sessions and the lecturer having to give up such rights. Are there other concerns with the lectures being made available, either to students or to the world? Is it a question of technology training needs?

I supported what I referred to as “lectures on demand” in my thesis for the Master of Distance Education (2002), “Participants’ Perceptions of the Effectiveness of a Competency-Based Apprenticeship Program” (pp. 124-127). This was a self-paced environment in which lectures were being given while some students were behind that point and others were ahead. With recorded lectures accessible when needed, the instructor role would still be required. The instructors’ time could be spent responding to specific concerns in a tutorial role. I wonder what other research has been conducted in this area!

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