Forums
Forum 1—Thursday, August 6, 2009
Using research on blended and distance education to shape the future of all education and training
Sponsored by the University of Wisconsin Colleges and UW-Extension Chancellor’s Office
In the process of validating blended and distance education courses and training programs, researchers have gleaned important findings regarding efficiency and effectiveness that may be applied to all education and training, including face-to-face. Schools, campuses, and corporations struggle with increasing time and decreasing success in completion of diplomas, degrees, and skills for the work force. What does research from blended and distance education tell us about ways all education and training may be modified for greater quality and cost-effectiveness? What advice can these researchers give to school, campus, and training administrators still operating with obsolete pedagogical approaches? Attend this forum for a lively discussion regarding these questions as well as your questions.
Part I.
What does research from blended and distance education tell us about ways all education and training may be modified for increased quality and cost-effectiveness?
Lead Panelist:
Judith Boettcher, Founder and Consultant, DesigningforLearning.com
Panelists:
Michael Simonson, Program Professor, Instructional Technology and Distance Education, Nova Southeastern University
Farhad (Fred) Saba, Professor, Educational Technology, San Diego State University and Founder, Distance-Educator.com
Part II.
What advice can these researchers give to school, campus, and training administrators still operating with ineffective pedagogical approaches?
Lead Panelist:
Janet Poley, President/CEO, American Distance Education Consortium (ADEC)
Panelists:
Anthony Picciano, Professor, Hunter College and CUNY Graduate Center
Cathy Cavanaugh, Professor, Educational Technology, University of Florida
William Ferree, Professor, College of Distance Education, Naval War College
Forum 2—Friday, August 7, 2009
Mobile learning: Are we there yet?
Sponsored by the University of Wisconsin-System’s Office of Learning and Information Technology
Mobile learning is on its way to anywhere, from anywhere. We are a mobile society, one that many societies are quickly adopting. Not only are learners from many countries being educated by instructors or trainers from far away, but learners who live in the same town with their instructors or work in the same company are learning while on a business flight, serving overseas in the military, walking across a traditional campus, or spending time with their children.
Mobile learning requires mobile instruction, instruction that can be delivered to hand-held devices. The devices have become more advanced (e.g., iPhones, Blackberries, mini-laptops, etc.). Has development of instruction/training kept up? Are we there yet? The invited panel will address these questions as well as your questions.
Lead Panelist:
Judy Brown, Education Technology Consultant and Founder, mLearnopedia.com
Panelists:
Richard Culatta, Instructional Program Manager, CIA University
Gary Marrer, Faculty, Business and Information Technology Department, Glendale Community College
Forum 3—Friday, August 7, 2009
Focusing on the learner's perspective: Emerging distance education models
Sponsored by the University of Wisconsin-Madison Provost’s Office
This forum focuses on the learner and learning. Panelists will present/discuss the emerging models to prepare us to design and study learning now and into the future. These models include: constructivism, community of inquiry, authentic activities and learning, social presence, scaffolding, metacognition, collaboration, and more. Join the panelists as they explore ways that these models may meet the needs of and prove to be more effective for 21st century learners. This session will address your questions about preparing for future learners and new methods of learning.
Lead Panelist:
Rosemary Lehman, Senior Outreach/Distance Education Specialist, Instructional Communications Systems, University of Wisconsin-Extension
Panelists:
D. Randy Garrison, Director of Teaching & Learning Centre and Professor, Faculty of Education, University of Calgary
Tom Reeves, Professor, Educational Psychology & Instructional Technology
Caroline Howard, Independent Educator and Consultant, HC Consulting
Closing Panel—Friday, August 7, 2009
Lessons from history and the continuing mission of distance education: Who is still at the back door?
Sponsored by the University of Wisconsin-Madison Division of Continuing Studies
As Charles Wedemeyer wrote in his 1981 book, Learning at the Back Door, "Back door learners are a largely unacknowledged source of the vitality, energy, creativity, and survivability of human existence on this Earth." Back door learners are those lacking the resources (e.g., time, money, proximity) to participate in traditional learning. Who are these learners in today's world? Citizens of underdeveloped countries, rural and remote residents, the unemployed, the underemployed, and others fit this category. How can distance education continue to meet the needs of these learners using non-traditional means? The invited panel will address these questions as well as your questions.
Lead Panelist:
Chère Gibson, Professor Emerita, University of Wisconsin-Madison
Panelists:
Michael Moore, Professor of Education, Pennsylvania State University
Gera Burton, Associate Director, Center for distance and Independent Study, University of Missouri
Darcy Walsh Hardy, Assistant Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs and Executive Director, University of Texas Telecampus
Curt Bonk, Professor, Indiana University
