Education Commons^™

And Finally... Course Quality Or Instructional Quality, Michael Simonson

Faculty Articles

Excerpt

Quality has become a popular word in distance education literature. Quality this, and quality that, all demanding that distance education, online learning, or virtual schooling must “have” something called quality— most often course quality.

And Finally … Open Access, Michael Simonson

Faculty Articles

Excerpt

Open Access—the idea that scholarly literature should be free and easily available to read online to anyone with an interest. We distance educators naturally embrace the idea of having readily available content that can be used in courses in a format that is easy to use and access. According to the web location Opensource.com there are two different versions of open access—libre and gratis.

And Finally … Telepresence—New Or ?, Michael Simonson

Faculty Articles

Excerpt

Telepresence is most simply defined as the virtual presence of a speaker who is at a distance. More sophisticated definitions emphasize the use of technologies that allow a videoconference viewer to feel as if distant participants are present.

Timely Student Feedback, Ronan Oliver, Evelyn Casey, David O'Connor

Practitioner Research Projects

Students are not only interested in their grades but they are also interested in feedback (Mulliner & Tucker, 2017), as this is an important element of their learning cycle (Gibbons et al., 2018). Together with lecturers they agree that for this to be effective, it must be returned quickly so that it can be acted on within the context of their learning (Denton et al., 2008; Mulliner & Tucker, 2017). However, the delivery of timely and effective feedback can be a burden on lecturers, particularly if they are responsible for large classes and in the early stage of their career. …

Best Practice In Designing Groupwork For First Year Students, Judith Boyle, Rachel Halpin, Chao Ji Hyland

Practitioner Research Projects

The ability to work effectively as part of a group is an expected skill of any graduate, and is regarded as highly desirable criteria for employability (Mellor, 2012; Rutherford, 2015). Through collaborative work, students learn from each other while also developing their interpersonal skills. Many students who enter higher education (HE) do not realise the demands of their programmes, and their first year experience usually has a strong influence on their entire college life (Ginty, 2001). It is estimated that 20-30% of first year students do not progress to the second year of their programmes (NSCRC, 2014); this finding requires …

A Rubric Guide For New Academics, Pearlean Chadha, Louise Lynch, Barry Nevin, Edmund Nevin, Anushree Priyadarshini

Practitioner Research Projects

Early career academics entering Higher Education face many challenges. The demands of a new work environment – particularly a third-level institute – can lead to struggles for identity and purpose together with uncertainty of how to fit into a new role (Archer, 2008; Houston, Meyer, & Paewai, 2006). The importance of supporting new academics is identified by many authors including Adcroft and Taylor (2013) and Sadler (2012), and is a crucial issue where assessment of student performance is concerned. Assessment is a major driver of student learning, and scholars have extensively documented the importance of constructively aligning assessment types to …

A How-To Guide For Student Generated Video, Janet Gillanders, Kate O'Brien, Sean O'Leary, Ariane Perez-Gavilan, James Sheridan

Practitioner Research Projects

The type of assessment used by the instructor is a major consideration that must be taken into account when designing a third level course. The importance of assessment can be understood if one frames it not only as assessment of learning but also as assessment for learning. In this new framework, in addition to measuring students’ knowledge of the material, assessment can be thought of as a tool used for providing feedback, for defining academic standards, and for directing student learning (Harris, 2005). There is currently a movement calling for a shift away from traditional high-stakes assessment towards alternative assessment …

New Technologies And New Spaces: Grangegorman And Brightspace As Innovative Educational Environments, Gene Carolan, Cathal Curran, Alan Mccormack

Practitioner Research Projects

This project focused on the new learning spaces and technologies afforded by the TU Dublin migration to the Grangegorman Campus. In particular, the fundamental changes driven by the new physical spaces and educational technologies for TU Dublin staff and students moving forward into 2020 and beyond. A competitive tender process from several vendors resulted in the selection of ‘Brightspace’ as TU Dublin City Campus’s new dedicated virtual learning environment (VLE). In response to this, our newly chosen VLE – Brightspace – will be at the forefront of these fundamental changes. It is absolutely crucial in this initial experimentation phase to …

Mind The Gap: Integration Of International Students, Andrew Knox, Basil Lim, Amr Mahfouz, Maeve O'Connell, Matthew Sheehan

Practitioner Research Projects

The international mobilisation of tertiary students is increasing from 0.8 million in 1975 to 3.5 million worldwide by 2016 (OECD, 2018). This increasingly fluid student migration, supported with various European initiatives, the Erasmus exchange program (since 1987) and the Bologna Declaration (since 1999), have influenced the profile of students within the Irish higher education system. By 2016, international students comprised 5.1% of total tertiary students in Ireland (OECD, 2018). According to Irish and UK research, lecturers have an important role in facilitating integration (British Council, 2014; Irish Council for International Students, 2017). However, for most faculty, the term internationalisation of …

The Openness Of New Learning Spaces In Campus-Based Institutions, Claire Mcavinia, Jason Fitzsimmons, Jen Harvey, K.C. O'Rourke

Other resources

In this research presentation we present and explore open educational practices and resources in the context of learning spaces, broadly defined to include lecture theatres, classrooms, social areas, and online environments. Specifically, we examine the ways in which the use of space in campus-based institutions has been opened up through the evolution of learning theories and technologies (Brown & Long, 2006), and how the design and use of physical learning spaces has been remediated through the evolving use of blended and online learning in campus-based programmes.

We have undertaken collaborative research comprising a literature review and desk study of existing …

Sustainability Literacy In French Literature And Film: From Solitary Reveries To Treks Across Deserts, Annette Sampon-Nicolas

French Faculty Scholarship

This essay explores the imperative to embrace a new model of education that will engage students in learning about the interconnectedness of our multi species world, sustainability, and global solidarity -- the belief "that unity of humankind can be established on the basis of some basic or core human values" (Korab-Karpowicz 305). Foreign language courses -- in particular advanced-level offerings that address literacy, critical thinking, and cultural comparisons -- are ideal settings for educating for sustainability literacy. Such literacy is essential to our collective twenty-first-century global identity, but it requires transformative educational practices. As we design foreign language courses, we …

Academic Librarians As Informed Learning Developers, Rachel Fundator, Clarence Maybee

IMPACT Publications

Abstract from book

Implications – Drawing upon their expertise in how learners use information, academic librarians can use the findings to concentrate their consultative efforts to effectively partner with teachers to transform student learning experiences in higher education.

• partnering with teachers to develop informed learning experiences by leveraging the expertise of the teacher and the librarian;

• applying an informed learning pedagogic approach, and drawing from and sharing information literacy scholarship illuminating how information is used in the learning process;

• creating informed learning experiences that are responsive to institutional and disciplinary perspectives; and

• encouraging teachers to reflect on their intentions for …

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Asynchronous Video And The Development Of Instructor Social Presence And Student Engagement, Kayla Collins, Shannon Groff, Cindy Mathena, Lori Kupczynski

Education Collection

Enrollment in online learning continues to grow in the higher education sector, along with persistent goals dedicated to achieving better student outcomes and lowering attrition rates. Improved student engagement has been shown to possibly reduce attrition rates through a greater sense of connectedness and decreased feelings of isolation among online learners. Instructor social presence may be the most important factor in building the relationships that foster learning and retention. Through communication, the instructor conveys the necessary immediacy behaviors required to cultivate these interpersonal relationships. With improved technology that allows for enhanced communication in online classrooms, the use of asynchronous video …

Annual Activity Report Center For Advancing Faculty Excellence: The Inaugural Year Ay 2017-2018, Missouri University Of Science And Technology

CAFE Annual Activity Reports

No abstract provided.

Universal Design For Learning Guidelines V2.2, Cast Inc.

Engaging Teaching Today Conference

This chart provides the guidelines from CAST, Inc. regarding principles for Universal Design.

Learning By Design (Flyer), Eric J. Moore

Engaging Teaching Today Conference

Introduction to the Engaging Teaching Today Conference guest speaker, Taylor alumnus Eric J. Moore, PhD ('06).

Board 51: An Initial Step Towards Measuring First-Generation College Students’ Personal Agency: A Scale Validation, Dina Verdín, Allison Godwin

School of Engineering Education Graduate Student Series

This research paper describes the development of a scale to measure how first-generation college students use engineering as a tool for making a difference in their community and world or personal agency. Personal agency is a capability that every individual holds; it is described by Bandura as an individual’s beliefs about their capabilities to exercise control over events that affect their lives through purposeful and reflective actions. Agentic actions allow students to explore, maneuver and impact their environment for the achievement of a goal or set of goals. This study identifies how cognitive processes of forethought, intention, reactivity, and reflection …

Crossing Borders In Business And Economics Classrooms: Implementing Telecollaboration To Advance Diversity And 21st Century Skills, Marta Fondo, Schiro Withanachchi

Publications and Research

The emerging changes in global societies challenge businesses as teams work across borders. Consequently, higher education promotes student interaction from diverse cultural backgrounds using technological tools without restricting time, cost, motivation or mobility. In this regard, telecollaboration engages students in a learning process that develops 21st century skills with peers from diverse language, socio-cultural, and educational backgrounds. This article presents a telecollaboration project designed and implemented by Queens College, City University of New York, and Universitat Oberta de Catalunya, an online university in Barcelona, in which 196 Economics and Business undergraduate students from the United States and Mexico enhanced intercultural …

What Is Humanistic Stem And Why Do We Need It?, Debra T. Bourdeau, Beverly L. Wood

Publications

Getting students who are planning on technical careers to value their general education courses, particularly in the humanities, is not an easy task. The experiences of two professors from disciplines that cross the so-called divide between STEM and Humanities motivate not only a series of courses blending the two to the advantage of their own students but also a virtual pedagogical community to support efforts taking place elsewhere.

Pedagogy Or Pedagogues In The First Year Critical Thinking Classroom: Helping Students Connect The Global To The Local By Creating A Sense Of Community, Place And Purpose, Alison R. Holmes

University Reports

No abstract provided.

A Case Study Comparing Student Experiences And Success In An Undergraduate Mathematics Course Offered Through Online, Blended, And Face-To-Face Instruction, Virginia L. Thompson, Yonghong L. Mcdowell

Publications and Research

A research study was conducted at an undergraduate college, comparing student experiences and successes in a mathematics course offered fully online, blended and face-to-face. In online courses, students enjoy the flexibility of learning at their own pace, not having to travel to school, as well as having consistent access to courses through a web browser. However, such conveniences do not automatically produce positive results. Some students lack the discipline, enthusiasm and sometimes feel socially isolated from their peers when learning online. Despite these challenges, online courses continue to be developed in response to the demand for online learning opportunities. However, …

How Learning Happens & What It Means For Effective Teaching, Molly Jameson

Teaching, Learning & Assessment

Faculty can be passionate about educating their students, but may not have been trained in how learning actually happens. In this workshop, we will discuss 1) research-based techniques for how students learn, and 2) how to implement those techniques in your classroom. These techniques can increase student motivation and learning; therefore, there is great value in learning about and applying these techniques. During the workshop, participants will have the opportunity to modify their own class unit/lesson, assignment, or activity to incorporate the research-based techniques for how students learn. Please bring a class unit/lesson, assignment, or activity you would like to …

Teaching With Technology: Using A Virtual Learning Community And Peer Mentoring To Create An Interdisciplinary Intervention, Rebecca Mazumdar, Nadia Benakli, Pamela Brown

Publications and Research

This paper describes the development and implementation of engaging and supportive experiences to promote student engagement, persistence and success at a commuter, open enrollment, public, minority serving institution. Project components included faculty development at the SENCER Summer Institute (SSI) 2016, attended by a team comprised of an academic administrator, full-time faculty from English and math, and part-time faculty in chemistry; creation of a virtual learning community of freshmen enrolled in chemistry, English, and math linked by the specific theme of the environmental impacts of deicing roads with salt and the overarching theme of the impacts of human activities on the …

A Word From The Writing Team (January 2019), Jennifer Wilson, Ms, Els, Pam Walter, Mfa

A Word From the Writing Team (Newsletter)

This issue includes:

• Grammarly Tips
• Expanded NVivo Access
• Upcoming Workshops

University Of Nebraska- Lincoln: Fact Book 2018-2019

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Administration: Papers, Publications, and Presentations

Table of Contents

Front Cover......................................................................................... 1

Introduction .......................................................................................... 2

Table of Contents ................................................................................. 3

Mission

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Mission ........................................................... 6

The Missions of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln ........................................ 6

Teaching........................................................................................................... 7

Research..................................................................................................... 7

Service............................................................................................................ 8

Institutional and Professional Accreditations ...................................................... 9

Student Credit Hours (SCH)

Total SCH: Fall Semester Since 1979 ............................................................... 13

Total SCH: Spring Semester Since 1993 ....................................................... 14

SCH by College and Course Level, Fall and Spring Semesters, 5 Year Trend..... 15

SCH by College and Course Level, Fall Semester, 5 Year Trend ................ 16

SCH by College and Course Level, Spring Semester, 5 Year Trend …

Asynchronous Electronic Feedback For Faculty Peer Review: Formative Feedback That Makes A Difference, Chad Rohrbacher

Publications

This case study at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University - Daytona Beach campus (ERAU-DB) describes the process of facilitating a faculty peer observation model that uses asynchronous electronic feedback through the Teaching Partners program offered by the Center for Teaching and Learning Excellence (CTLE). This practical, hybrid model of peer observation builds on practices found in current models and uses digital recording and web-based software to encourage faculty feedback that will positively impact their pedagogical practice. The results of this study suggest to truly cultivate a dialogue between faculty and/or education developer in the process, the goals should be clearly stated, the …

Stem And Sustainability: Creating Aviation Professional Change Agents, P. Clark, Doreen Mcgunagle, L. Zizka

Publications

With the evolution of the workforce and the growing needs of the aviation industry, a clear need for concrete sustainability initiatives and actions have emerged. Sustainability in this sense becomes a matter of survival. For this reason, in this chapter, we will attempt to close three gaps in current sustainability studies: Theory vs practice, intention vs behavior, and education vs workplace.

Our purpose is to develop a ‘simple’ strategy for integrating all three pillars of sustainability into STEM HE programs that create authentic engagement and real buy-in from the students that are then replicated in the workplace. Based on the …

In Support Of Scholarly Teaching, Emily K. Faulconer

Publications

Whether you are a college science teacher who has embraced education as a second discipline or you are teaching science teachers, the SoTL (scholarship of teaching and learning) and DBER (discipline-based educational research) publications are key resources to support your scholarly teaching, providing actionable ideas for your classroom.