Online Learning News - March 24, 2021

How to Ensure Success in Online Learning Programs

Wednesday, March 31, 2021
11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. (ET)

Register Now!

As we move toward a post-COVID world, institutions must be prepared for the new normal — even though we can’t define that new normal quite yet. What’s certain is that the institutions that wait too long will suffer in the long run, both in terms of enrolments and the quality of education they provide.

As one of the pioneers of flexible and online learning, Dr. Darcy Hardy’s webinar explores:

• What we’ve learned about online learning during the pandemic — and whether the target audience changed as a result
• The key topics that should be on every institution’s agenda
• How to ensure the quality of online programs is elevated in the new normal
• How faculty development should be delivered post-COVID, and why it’s important to rethink what institutions are doing now
• How to ensure the entire online program is accessible and able to meet the support needs of all students

Our Host:

Dr. Darcy Hardy
Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs
Blackboard Inc.

MOOCs, Micro-Credentials and Student Support

A University of Leeds (England) Innovation

Explore two models that integrate MOOCs into micro-credentials at the University of Leeds in England — one for undergraduates and the other for graduate learners. Discover a Pathways to Success induction model that supports students starting their online postgraduate degree programs, with skills in community building, navigating campus services and using online tools.

Dr. Megan Kime, Head of Digital Student Education, Digital Education Service, University of Leeds, is the main architect of the innovation.

Spots Still Available!

How to Design a Course for Maximum Student Engagement: Seven Innovative Approaches

Thursday, March 25, 2021
11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. (ET)

Register Now!

What approach should we take to course design? What factors should we consider to engage students in active learning? What are the alternatives to using “this week’s topic” and a standard text?

This webinar will suggest seven specific approaches for course design that will be highly engaging for students.

These seven approaches are:

1. Backward design
2. Inquiry-based
3. Case-based
4. Decoding the discipline
5. Active learning or activity-based
6. Gamified
7. Project-based

Our Host:

Dr. Steven Mintz
Professor of History, University of Texas at Austin

Searchable Directory of 65+ Open Universities Worldwide

More than 65 open universities around the world provide open and equal access to education, without requiring students to have formal education or credentials to be admitted. These institutions have a common commitment to open access to quality learning and student success.

Use the directory to search location, contact information, delivery modes, enrolment and more!

Search the Directory

Five Things Colleges and Universities Did Right
in their Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic

1. Supported faculty development
2. Focused on the immediate needs of students
3. Rethought examinations and assessment
4. Strengthened collaboration and co-operation
5. Asked for assistance

Read the full story

Read Dr. Tony Bates’ Blog Post

In this blog post, Dr. Bates addresses if it is necessary to avoid large in-person lecture classes in the fall and looks at what the options are.

Read Contact North I Contact Nord Research Associate Dr. Tony Bates’ blog post: 

Teaching large lecture classes online in the fall?

Must-Read Book on Online Learning

Using Virtual Worlds in Educational Settings: 
Making Learning Real

by Lisa Jaka (2020)

This short, readable and accessible book is a collection of practical, evidence-based ideas that illustrate how immersive virtual worlds can be integrated successfully in higher education and school settings. Leveraging a variety of technologies, the book features student and teacher reflections on the experience and analyzes the implications for pedagogy and the design of engaged learning. Based on a significant body of Australian practice, the book shows how learner engagement through virtual worlds can make a real difference to learning outcomes.

Browse all Must-Read Books

Most Popular Resources on teachonline.ca

1. A New Pedagogy Is Emerging... and Online Learning Is a Key Contributing Factor
2. Contact North | Contact Nord Webinars
3. 2017 Top Ten Books on Online Learning 
4. Training and Resources
5. Ten Facts You Need to Know About Micro-Credentials