EDU8114 Online Pedagogy in Practice

Contents

• Staffing
• Rationale
• Synopsis
• Objectives
• Topics
• Texts
• Reference materials
• Student workload
• Assessment details
• Important assessment information
• Assessment notes
• Other requirements
• Production date
• PDF version

STAFFING

RATIONALE

Research and experiences tells us that teaching and learning in an online environment differs from teaching and learning in 'traditional' educational environments. Internet technology has created opportunities for interactive and collaborative learning that represents alternatives to traditional, autonomous approaches to learning. In addition the use of blended learning where web based technologies are infused into face-to-face learning is becoming popular in a range of educational contexts. Online learning provides a flexible approach for the learner, however for the educator the challenge is to focus on extending the theories and principles related to emerging online pedagogies.

SYNOPSIS

While this course focuses on pedagogical approaches to online learning, the main objective is to connect learners with each other so that collaboratively they may explore, investigate, formulate and challenge ideas about online pedagogy in relation to pedagogical frameworks that can be applied to particular educational settings. The design of the course has been strongly influenced by Garrison, Anderson and Archer's (2000) Community of Inquiry. The skill and ability of the online facilitator is important to the success or otherwise of online and some blended learning environments, both in terms of management and facilitation of discussion. Learners will look at what makes for successful facilitation of online environments and explore strategies for engaging learners through the electronic medium. Learners will engage with current theories suitable for online learning and teaching in order to make the links between theory and practice. Learners and facilitators will work collaboratively to consider, explore, trial, and adapt online pedagogical principles in practice.

OBJECTIVES

The course objectives define the student learning outcomes for a course. the assessment itme)s) that may be used to assess student achievement of an objective are shown in parenthesis. On completion of this course students will be able to:

1.

conduct an analysis of current literature and practice to reveal differences between strategies and practices for effective online learning and teaching and learning and teaching in other contexts (Assignment 1 and 2)

2.

demonstrate skills in facilitating and managing online learning (Assignment 2)

3.

prepare and present an inquiry into how online pedagogy can improve outcomes for learners (Assignment 2

4.

demonstrate competence in and appropriate use of language and literacy, including spelling, grammar, punctuation and bibliographic referencing. (All assignments)

TOPICS

TEXT and MATERIALS required to be PURCHASED or accessed

ALL textbooks and materials are available for purchase from USQ BOOKSHOP (unless otherwise stated). Orders may be placed via secure internet, free fax 1800642453, phone 07 46312742 (within Australia), or mail. Overseas students should fax +61 7 46311743, or phone +61 7 46312742. For costs, further details, and internet ordering, use the 'Textbook Search' facility at http://bookshop.usq.edu.au click 'Semester', then enter your 'Course Code' (no spaces).

(There is no prescribed text for this course.)

REFERENCE MATERIALS

Reference materials are materials that, if accessed by students, may improve their knowledge and understanding of the material in the course and enrich their learning experience.

(Whether you are on, or off campus, the USQ Library is an excellent source of information http://www.usq.edu.au/library. The gateway to education resources is here ... http://www.usq.edu.au/library/help/facultyguides/education/default.htm)

Collison, G., Elbaun, B., Haavind. S. & Tinker, R. 2000, Facilitating online learning: Effective strategies for moderators., Atwood. Madison, WI.

Conrad, R. & Donaldson, J. 2004, Engaging the Online Learner: Activities and resources for creative instruction., Jossey-Bass. San Francisco, CA.

Dabbagh, N. & Bannan-Ritland, B. 2005, Online Learning: concepts, strateties and application., Pearson. Columbus, OH.

Salmon, G. 2006, e-tivities: The key to active online learning., RoutledgeFalmer. New York.

Salmon, G. 2007, e-moderating: The key to teachering and learning online, RoutledgeFalmer, London.

STUDENT WORKLOAD REQUIREMENTS

ASSESSMENT DETAILS

IMPORTANT ASSESSMENT INFORMATION

1. Attendance requirements:
   There are no attendance requirements for this course. However, it is the students' responsibility to participate appropriately in all activities including discussion fora scheduled for them, and to study all material provided to them or required to be accessed by them to maximise their chance of meeting the objectives of the course and to be informed of course-related activities and administration. This course contains a discussion forum where students' participation is formally assessed and successful participation in that discussion group is required to complete the requirements to be awarded a passing grade in the course.
2. Requirements for students to complete each assessment item satisfactorily:
   To satisfactorily complete an individual assessment item a student must achieve at least 50% of the marks.
3. Penalties for late submission of required work:
   If students submit assignments after the due date without (prior) approval of the examiner then a penalty of 5% of the total marks gained by the student for the assignment may apply for each working day late up to ten working days at which time a mark of zero may be recorded. No assignments will be accepted after model answers have been posted.
4. Requirements for student to be awarded a passing grade in the course:
   To be assured of receiving a passing grade a student must achieve at least 50% of the total weighted marks available for the course.
5. Method used to combine assessment results to attain final grade:
   The final grades for students will be assigned on the basis of the aggregate of the weighted marks obtained for each of the summative assessment items in the course.
6. Examination information:
   There is no examination in this course.
7. Examination period when Deferred/Supplementary examinations will be held:
   As there are no examinations in this course, there will be no deferred or supplementary examinations.
8. University Regulations:
   Students should read USQ Regulations 5.1 Definitions, 5.6. Assessment, and 5.10 Academic Misconduct for further information and to avoid actions which might contravene University Regulations. These regulations can be found at the URL http://www.usq.edu.au/corporateservices/calendar/part5.htm.

ASSESSMENT NOTES

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

1. Students will require access to e-mail and Internet access for this course.
2. Students enrolling in WEB courses MUST have ongoing convenient and reliable access to the Internet in order to access course materials and participate in activities that will affect assessment. The levels of equipment required may change from time to time, with the most recent specification listed at http://www.usq.edu.au/currentstudents/computingstandards/default.htm. You can check whether your computer system meets these requirements from USQAssist (http://usqassist.usq.edu.au/).

This version produced 17 May 2011.