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| Wednesday, 20 July 2005: 2:30 PM-3:15 PM | |||
| Yerba Buena Salon 06 (San Francisco Marriott) | |||
| D-6: Implementation to Mainstream: Changing Requirements for Faculty Development and Support | |||
| Detailed Description: | Since Deakin University implemented WebCT Vista in 2003, use of e-learning has grown and the use of tools and approaches is much more varied. Consequently, faculty development and support requirements have changed and grown. This session will present how we determined and responded to these changing needs and discuss the actions taken to redevelop the training and support programs and resources. | ||
| Presentation Format: | Showcase | ||
| Topic: | Empowering educators: Professional development models and methods | ||
| Target Audience: | Academic Technology Directors, Course Designers, E-learning Managers, Faculty and Other Instructors, Senior Administrators | ||
| Appropriate Audience Level: | Beginning or new users of WebCT, Experienced WebCT users | ||
| Abstract Text: | Deakin University, Australia, is a large multi-campus institution with a strong history in distance education. In 2003, Deakin was one of the first universities to implement WebCT Vista, as its enterprise-wide online teaching and learning management system, with a requirement that all undergraduate units would have an online presence in 2004. To facilitate this large-scale rollout, a series of workshops was developed providing basic introductory training to approximately 1600 faculty and casual teaching staff. As faculty become more comfortable with Vista (and associated online teaching and learning tools), they are starting to explore the online options available to support their teaching and learning, both to solve problems that they have encountered and to redevelop their teaching practice. The use of tools and approaches is becoming much more varied. Feedback from staff and students has been compiled using online and face-to-face surveys. Outcomes of these indicate that the models of staff development appropriate to implementation are no longer suitable. Staff are now demanding workshops more focussed on teaching (e.g. around approaches to assessment; managing and moderating discussions), often 1-1 or in small groups based around course development or discipline areas. As staff explore options they are keen to see examples of practice (either online or in face-to-face forums). The feedback has also been useful in assessing user satisfaction with the system, and providing feedback to the University and to WebCT. It has been important to close the feedback loop, through feedback, feature request and upgrade processes, to engage staff in the overall growth of online teaching and learning at Deakin. This presentation will explore the changing demands, the staff development, support and communication strategies that can meet the expressed needs, and provide examples of workshops, forums and resources that have been useful at Deakin. | ||
| Session Leader: | Ian Smissen Deakin University | ||
| Co-presenters: | Alice King Teaching and Learning Support Unit Rosemary Borland Deakin University | ||
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