0300 Introduction to Online Learning
0300 Introduction to Online Learning
Format: Internet/World Wide Web seminar
Instructor: Christine Olgren
CEUs: 2.0
This seminar is conducted via the Internet/World Wide Web to provide hands-on experience with the medium and to introduce the major elements involved in using the Internet/Web for distance learning. Through weekly activities, online discussion, readings, and Web resources, the seminar explores characteristics of the online environment that affect teaching and learning. The seminar also provides an introduction to instructional design components for developing Internet/Web courses and for supporting active learning in self-paced and collaborative modes, including elements of course organization and interaction.
Learn . . .
- key features of an online learning environment.
- strengths and limitations of online learning.
- types of applications.
- instructional design components for course development.
- dimensions of interaction.
- roles of the online instructor and learner.
- learner support issues.
Equipment and Software Required
- either a PC with Windows or a Macintosh computer
- modem (56 kbps or faster) or broadband access
- Internet and World Wide Web access
- Web browser (Netscape 6.0 or Internet Explorer 5.0 or better)
Estimated Time Commitment
Approximately five to ten hours per week for hands-on activities and e-mail discussion via WebCT conferencing tools. Weekly participation in discussion is required to earn Continuing Education Units (CEUs) for course completion.
Asynchronous Format
The course uses an asynchronous format for participation in weekly online discussion forums and case studies. You can send and read e-mail messages at any time, although early in the week and then later in the week is required for group cohesion.
About the Instructor
Christine Olgren is Director of the Distance Education Certificate Program and is responsible for program management, curriculum planning, instructional development, evaluation, and marketing. She also serves as an instructor and student advisor. Chris has worked in the field of distance education since 1977. As well as program management, her experience includes instructional design, technology assessment, training, learner support services and instruction via audio, video, and the Internet. She has taught online since 1995 and has developed courses for both collaborative and self-paced learning. She holds a Ph.D. in adult education from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, with an emphasis in adult learning and cognitive psychology. Her research interests focus on interactive instructional strategies and the cognitive-metacognitive-affective dimensions of learning with technology. She recently completed a three-year grant project on developing and evaluating learning objects for online instruction.