| Conference Registration Edit Registration WebCT Homepage | |
|
|
|
| Thursday, 21 July 2005: 10:00 AM-10:45 AM | |||
| Pacific H (San Francisco Marriott) | |||
| F-9: Loaves and Fishes: Meeting Many Needs With Few Resources | |||
| Detailed Description: | WebCT has been Massey University’s online learning management system since 1998. Since then, the approach used for the implementation of e-learning has evolved to reflect the changing needs of staff. In 2004, best practice and technical training in the use of WebCT were blended together to enable staff to develop and support Web-enabled courses. The blending of pedagogical issues with technical elements provides the most effective and efficient means of providing professional development in e-learning. | ||
| Presentation Format: | Showcase | ||
| Topic: | Empowering educators: Professional development models and methods | ||
| Target Audience: | Course Designers, E-learning Managers, Faculty and Other Instructors, K-12 Educational Staff | ||
| Appropriate Audience Level: | Beginning or new users of WebCT, Experienced WebCT users | ||
| Abstract Text: | WebCT has been Massey University's online learning management system since 1998. Since then the approach used for the implementation of e-learning has evolved to reflect the changing needs of staff. Training was initially focussed solely on the technical aspects of using WebCT. As the number of staff using WebCT grew and the initial wave of ‘button pushers' moved on there was a need for training to include pedagogy and best practice. In 2004 best practice and technical training in the use of WebCT were blended together to enable staff to develop and support Web-enabled courses. The Online Learning and Teaching Programme consisted of both online and face-to-face training sessions covering all aspects of e-learning (communication, assessment, web design, course administration, study material). The training programme concentrated on active engagement of learners in the training and learning process. To gain credit staff were required to produce pieces of formative assessment. However, the technical training was still only available in a computer lab. In response to feedback from staff the training for 2005 is now completely online with optional face-to-face technical workshops. All sessions are facilitator-led with one session also available at all times but without the presence of a facilitator. Eventually all sessions will also be available 24/7 but without the presence of a facilitator. Our approach to professional development aims to be flexible but still inclusive. However, there will never be enough loaves and fishes and some compromises will have to be made. In conclusion, we have found that blending of pedagogical issues with technical elements is the most effective and efficient means of providing staff professional development in e-learning at Massey University. | ||
| Session Leader: | Darelle M. Thomson Massey University | ||
See more of The 7th Annual WebCT User Conference