1	Experiments in Distance Learning Panel Discussion by The Educational Technology Committee and the Teaching Resource Committee Saint Michael’s College
2	Rationale for online (pure distance) delivery ORIGINAL PURPOSE/TARGET AUDIENCE To deliver a teacher training course in Computer-Assisted Language Learning (CALL) to SMC graduate students at partner institutions/satellite campuses during the academic year (Hellenic American Union in Athens, … in Krakow, Poland) reduce travel and accommodations cost for students allow participants to remain in their country and pursue a career allow participants to earn credits toward a master’s degree at SMC
3	Rationale for online (pure distance) delivery (cont’d) NEW/ADDITIONAL TARGET AUDIENCE Public school teachers/staff around the state of Vermont and in neighboring states (New York); distance too great to travel MATESL students who live/work abroad (Switzerland, South Pacific, Canada, Greece, Poland) Alumni of SMC (undergrad or grad) Reason: continue professional obligations while at the same time improving credentials either for re-certification or for job advancement
4	Goals and expectations for delivering the course online to provide an online teacher training experience through online CALL that parallels the experience that the students have in the face-to-face course My premise: Whatever I and the students do/did in the face-to-face course, should also happen in the online course. I have to find ways to make this possible. to find ways to create the same kind of effective, involved, enthusiastic learning community that existed in my face-to-face classes To model the course goal—effectively incorporating technology into the classroom—by providing hands-on, task- and project-based experiences, that follow a constructivist, inquiry-based approach Construction of learning and teaching principles by the group rather than receiving information through lectures The teacher as facilitator, not the “sage of the stage” Autonomous Learners taking responsibility for their own learning
5	The results of four years of online delivery vis-a-vis my goals and expectations How were the goals accomplished? Design: Simple course architecture in eCollege--easy to navigate Consistent course/page design and layout Clear instructions/policies/guidelines/deadlines; frequent repetition (reminders) Tools: computer-mediated communication to establish an effective learning community Assignment of moderators to lead the weekly threaded discussion forums about readings and hands-on tasks/projects 5 required class chats + frequent group/individual chats (text/voice/web cam), E-mail exchanges: class/group/private A teacher-constructed web page with the picture and brief bio of each course participant
6	The results of four years of online delivery vis-a-vis my goals and expectations (cont’d) How were the goals accomplished? Teaching method: Using constructivist, inquiry and project-based learning principles that encourage collaboration and interaction Hands-on tasks and projects (weekly, short-term, and semester-long): Experimentation with applications, Internet tools, and links Constructing teaching tools that make use of what they learned (a class/school newsletter in Word, a PowerPoint slide show that is a lesson plan for a WebQuest, a FrontPage-based WebQuest lesson, web-based rubrics for assessment of student projects, ) Sharing with the class what they learned about each task (threaded discussion) Group tasks that require the use of online collaboration tools for communication and file sharing, as well as peer reviewing Weekly summaries/reactions to Readings Hands-on links Class members’ questions and comments Class members’ short- and long-term projects (peer reviews)
7	Outcomes A more learner-centered and higher quality experience than the face-to-face course Student comments: “Tremendous learning experience: exposure to a wealth of resources & media” Carefully thought-out/substantive/stimulating interaction Everybody participates ALL THE TIME. High quality of output—projects and discussions Continual exploration to find ways to incorporate newly learned tools/methods/aspects Accomplishment of course goals
8	What evidence/yardsticks do I have to validate this outcome? Unsolicited student quotes (from current threaded discussions): Can you believe we're already 6 weeks in? It's been great learning from everyone thus far. I am as enthusiastic as you are. Our voice conference this weekend was something I really enjoyed. It's amazing how computers can bring together people and students from all around the world. How exciting to speak to someone in Greece, and not have to pay long distance, AND to be collaborating on a project together. It was wonderful! Once again, the learning in this course is just endless for me!
9	Challenges Scheduling real-time chats across 2-3 time zones Varying levels of comfort with technology: steep learning curve Round-the-clock access to e-mail & the Internet Balancing class work & full-time jobs: keeping up with the weekly assignments & interaction Technological problems: different e-mail applications/Word editions, e-mail/servers down, constantly changing URLs of important course links, changes on the electronic listserv /bulletin board Personal problems Effects of distance: delay in response time; no visual contact
10	The Paradigm Shift