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The Process of Learning Online: Teaching Emergency Management. Sylvia Twersky-Bumgardner, MPH Temple University Department of Public Health Center for Preparedness Research, Education and Practice (C-PREP) FEMA Higher-Ed Conference Summer 2010. Can everyone be an online learner?. Case study
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The Process of Learning Online: Teaching Emergency Management Sylvia Twersky-Bumgardner, MPH Temple University Department of Public Health Center for Preparedness Research, Education and Practice (C-PREP) FEMA Higher-Ed Conference Summer 2010
Can everyone be an online learner? • Case study • You can set students up to succeed by posting clear step by step written directions – don’t assume previous skills/knowledge • Voice e-mails and notes • Ask early if someone needs accommodation • Set up and keep expectations for response to e-mail questions • Introduction on how to use class • Allow the first week for learning discussion boards/voice boards…how your online class works • Each online class is set-up differently-don’t assume because someone has taken an online class before that they know how to succeed in your environment S. Twersky-Bumgardner
Creating a meeting of minds • First assignment is for student to send me a short bio that includes why they wanted to take this particular class; I also request (but not require) a photo. This is posted on the class site so students can “meet” each other. • Voice discussion boards (asynchronous) • Presenting final papers or case studies • Force responses/interaction through grade S. Twersky-Bumgardner
Student Faculty Interaction • Problem sets that involve readings about the same issue from two different perspectives • Encourages critical thinking and active earning • Post responses to discussion board where instructor can respond directly to each posting and assist in guided learning/development • Respond to voice discussion posts • This can get quickly overwhelming depending on number of students • Keep class sizes small with support of department • Rotate responses, making sure to address anyone who is having problem with theories/concepts/facts EVERY time S. Twersky-Bumgardner
Create a sense of knowing fellow students and faculty More organic discussion and individuals feel more comfortable brining in personal experiences Asynchronous discussion can add to developmental learning Student may feel uncomfortable recording voice Variable recording quality Requires equipment Awkwardness of asynchronous discussion Voices S. Twersky-Bumgardner
Lecture • I use lecture to give the foundation from which to learn from the assignments and readings • Power-points with voice over • In a classroom, I might have 25-30 slides for a 60 minute lecture • Online I tend to have 10-15 slides per week and with voice over it might take them 20-30 minutes to listen to the lecture • I always let them know upfront how long the lecture will take approx.. S. Twersky-Bumgardner
Getting them plugged into their local community • Assignments that necessitate research and interaction locally • Interview local emergency manger • Interview non-profit organization • Use real data for local hazard assessment • Analyze communication for student’s municipal and county EM agencies, workplaces, schools, etc… S. Twersky-Bumgardner
Can You Show A Movie in Class? • Some shows can be streamed online (yes legally) • Frontline • Let students know at the beginning of class that they will be required to watch a movie so they can rent it from blockbuster, the library, Netflix, etc… • There are services that your university can subscribe to (WHYY/College Anywhere; Films on Demand) • Remember “fair use” policy S. Twersky-Bumgardner
Advantages of Online Learning Or…How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb • Encourages Active Learning • Modifiable to Address Specific Needs • Allows non-traditional students greater access • Allows students flexibility for research and experiences • Extends your classroom worldwide S. Twersky-Bumgardner
Contact Information Sylvia Twersky-Bumgardner, MPH sylviatb@temple.edu Temple University Department of Public Health Center for Preparedness Research, Education and Practice (C-PREP) http://www.temple.edu/cprep/ http://www.temple.edu/chp/departments/publichealth/emc/ S. Twersky-Bumgardner