Format: Internet/World Wide Web seminar
Instructor: Louise Fowler
CEUs: 2.0
Date: June 2-27, 2008
Fee: $390
Through readings, group interactions, and individual investigation, this four-week seminar examines interaction
processes and techniques for effective group learning in Internet/Web courses. Participants will learn to
identify and evaluate the components, processes, and outcomes of online group learning. Included are
explorations of learner and instructor responsibilities, group facilitation techniques, and interactive
teaching methods that engage learners in discussion, debate, case studies, projects, and other collaborative
activities.
Learn . . .
- the nature of online learning interaction.
- the components of the group process.
- online group learning strategies and activities.
- the online group facilitator's role.
- evaluation in online group learning.
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 online activities, small group case studies, and e-mail discussion via
Learn@UW (Desire2Learn) conferencing tools. Weekly participation in discussion is required for course completion and to earn Continuing Education Units (CEUs).
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 logging in several times during the week is required for group cohesion and completion of groupwork.
Recommended Pre-requisite
0300 Introduction to Online Learning
About the Instructor
Louise Fowler is Senior Outreach/Distance Education Specialist with the University of Wisconsin-Madison's School of Education and Office of Education Outreach. Her responsibilities include advising students enrolled in the
Distance Education Certificate Program, along with teaching, course development, and learner support
services. Louise joined the Certificate program in Summer 1997 after a three year hiatus from distance
education. From 1984 to 1994 she worked in distance learning at the University of Alaska Anchorage
(UAA) wearing a variety of hats, beginning with Broadcast Technician and live Teleclass Producer,
moving to Instructional Television Coordinator for two years, and finishing as Distance Education Services
Department Director for six years. Her responsibilities included distance course selection and academic
implementation, marketing, budget management, and systems administration for satellite, cablecast, and
other audio and video services. She credits the success of UAA's distance learning ventures to the vision
of the administrators who guided its development and growth; the commitment of the staff who met
student and faculty support needs; and to a dedicated faculty who embraced the mission and were
energized by the challenges. Louise holds a Master of Arts degree from Alaska Pacific University, with an
emphasis in instructional design and computer-based instruction.
To Enroll
To enroll in this course on either a certificate or a non-certificate basis, submit the Online Enrollment Form
