Simulation of learning environments as faculty development pedagogy

1. Simulation of learning environmentsas faculty development pedagogy Eva Fernández & Michelle Fraboni Center for Teaching & Learning Faculty, Linguistics & Communication Disorders Faculty, Elementary & Early Childhood Education

2. eLearning initiatives • Teaching Online, ePortfolios • Technology improves teaching and learning: • Teacher’s attention is on creating environments that enhance learning • These environments tend to be student-centered • Students’ attention is on learning itself • Learning experience is extended beyond classroom: more time on task, more reflective learning, deeper retention of content (Cf. traditional content-focused learning environments)

3. Training faculty for eTeaching • Attitudinal readiness for using technology • Sloan-C surveys: faculty perceive some aspects of e-instruction as inferior to face-to-face instruction • Online teaching readiness: fluency with technology and familiarity with ePedagogies • ECAR surveys: students perceive instructors as inadequate users of technology

4. Workshop offerings Hybrid bootcamps: • deployed: summer 2010 + winter 2011;planned: summer 2011 + winter 2012 • 17 + 20 faculty already in “hybrid faculty” cohort • have interest from 10 people waiting for training ePortfolio training: • spring 2011 sequence; planning fall 2011 sequence • 20 faculty participating Calls for participants have systematically generated more interest than we have had seats!

5. Workshop designs Extend learning experience beyond the confines of the face-to-face workshop • Hybrid bootcamps: • Presentation required on Friday • ePortfolio training • Homework review face-to-face

6. Stories from the field

7. Stories from the field • Impromptu discussion board: • in about 12 hours, > 180 posts by ~20 participants • deep discussions, wide coverage: 37 topics Given how much work we did online this week, when we do this "hybrid simulation" workshop again, what should the face-to-face and online balance be? Do way less online Do way more online

8. Stories from the field • Faculty away on conferences or sabbatical wanting to participate from afar • Experiments in synchronous remote collaboration tools, like Adobe Connect and Tegrity • Still a work in progress!

9. Effects? • Anecdotally, better impact: • better retention • more camaraderie • More diverse ways for us to support faculty • More convenient for participants … and trainers!

10. eva.fernandez@qc.cuny.edumichelle.fraboni@qc.cuny.eduhttp://www.qc.cuny.edu/ctl Thank you!