ERIC Number: EJ1016174
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2013
Pages: 11
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0318-9090
EISSN: N/A
Incorporating Topics That Aren't Distance-Friendly into an Online Program: One Development Team's Experience
Schaefer, Valentin; Doner, Sue; Pivnick, Janet
Canadian Journal of University Continuing Education, v39 n2 Fall 2013
The Native Species and Natural Processes certificate at the University of Victoria is an advanced-level online program of four courses to introduce students to state-of-the-art topics in the field of ecological restoration. The program posed some unique challenges for course developers. The development team needed to find ways to create online courses that support a practical approach for topics that normally require tangible hands-on work. The solutions to these challenges required a creative problem-solving approach to accommodate the unique elements of the development process and the delivery of each course. The solutions employed included: (1) creation of a "connection to place" by use of extensive visuals in slide shows; (2) use of problem-based learning to develop critical thinking skills; (3) engagement of students via case studies to bridge the different languages inherent in different ecosystems; (4) conducting of virtual site visits to design real-world restoration projects; (5) inclusion of "fireside chat" audio to reinforce the idea of multiple perspectives and uncertainty; (6) establishment of a community of practice to engage students in collaborative learning; (7) creation of assignments that involve scaffolding projects and peer review; (8) allowance for students to customize projects to accommodate their geography and different realities; and (9) development of a design charrette to practice collaborative decision making and design. (Contains 4 figures.)
Descriptors: Foreign Countries, Distance Education, Critical Thinking, Problem Solving, Multimedia Materials, Case Studies, Virtual Classrooms, Communities of Practice, Interpersonal Communication, Assignments, Scaffolding (Teaching Technique), Field Experience Programs, Cooperation, Cooperative Learning, Electronic Learning, College Students, Professional Development
Canadian Association for University Continuing Education. c/o CAUCE Secretariat at Centre for Continuing and Distance Education, 475 Williams Building, 221 Cumberland Avenue North, Saskatoon, SK S7N 1M3, Canada. Tel: 306-966-5582; Fax: 306-966-5590; e-mail: cauce.secretariat@usask.ca; Web site: http://ejournals.library.ualberta.ca/index.php/cjuce-rcepu
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Descriptive
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Canada (Victoria)
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A