Tag Archives: E-Learning

Effectively Integrating Instructor-Generated Learning Materials in a Distance Education Environment

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Session Description
In an online classroom environment, learning materials are often publisher-generated and instructor visibility can be perceived as low by students. A strong instructor presence is important because it improves student affective learning, cognition, and motivation (Baker, 2010). This presentation will discuss how online faculty can integrate instructor-generated materials, strengthening their presence while increasing student engagement and understanding.

A study conducted by Jennifer S. Hegeman found that integrating instructor-generated learning aids “not only placed a greater emphasis on conceptual understanding, but also positioned the course instructor prominently in the role of content provider, enhancing the course instructor’s teaching presence in the online environment” (Hegeman, 2015, p. 84 ). Therefore, best practices will be identified, such as chunking information, providing assignment support, providing an opportunity for students to ask questions, and being a part of the dialogue throughout the course. The use of tools such as Blackboard Collaborate, Screencastify, Flipgrid, Perusall, and podcasting will also be addressed.

Presenter(s)
Marsha Morgenstern
Marsha Morgenstern, University of Phoenix, AZ

  • M.A. Adult Education and Training, University of Phoenix
  • M.A. Business Communication, Jones International University
  • 11+ years experience in higher education
  • Associate Faculty, University of Phoenix, Pittsburgh Technical College
  • Communication and Marketing Administrator, Women In Bio
Jennifer Waldo
Jennifer Waldo, Pittsburgh Technical College, PA

  • DBA (ABD) Grand Canyon University
  • MEd. Innovative Instruction, Seton Hill University
  • MBA University of Pittsburgh
  • B. A. Westminster College
  • 25+ years within industry and higher education
  • Faculty member Pittsburgh Technical College
Marisa Haney
Marisa Haney, Pittsburgh Technical College, PA

  • M.S. Business Education, Robert Morris University
  • B.S. Business Management with a concentration in Tourism Management
  • 12+ years experience in higher education
  • Hospitality/Business Instructor, Pittsburgh Technical College
Session Type
45-Minute Interactive Session
Audience
All Audiences

A recording of this presentation is available.
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Strategies for helping first-year online students with stress management

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Session Description
Research shows that stress is an issue for many college students; with the addition of online or distance learning factors such as unfamiliar technology and isolation issues inherent to online courses, this stress can be magnified and can lead to poor academic performance and other negative effects (Cohen, 2019). One contributing factor is that most first-year online students are not provided with stress management techniques as part of their courses.
The goal of this presentation is to discuss and elicit participant interaction based on the following questions:

  1. What instructional practices can be used to help first-year online college students with stress management?
  2. How does the online course set-up contribute to first-year student stress and what can faculty members do to mitigate this given Learning Management System (LMS) constraints?
  3. What additional resources both inside and outside of the online classroom can help first-year students with stress management?

In discussing these questions, the authors will provide research and personal experience-based information in the areas of instructional practices, classroom set-up and resources for helping online college students with stress management and success in college overall. As full-time faculty teaching at one of the largest distance education universities in the United States, the authors have researched this topic as part of a project related to helping first-year online students overcome feelings of stress and isolation.

Presenter(s)
Tracy Crawford
Tracy Crawford, University of Phoenix, CA
Tracy Crawford, MAEd, is a full-time faculty member teaching entry point and foundational courses for the College of General Studies with University of Phoenix where she has been working as a staff member for the past 15 years. She earned a Master’s degree in Education – Curriculum & Instruction/Adult Education Distance Learning and completed a Post-Baccalaureate Teacher Education Program for her Elementary teaching certificate. Tracy has been involved in education not only as a teacher and administrator, but also as a volunteer with United Way as a volunteer Reading Buddy, Head Start, Art Masterpiece and she has served as a Faculty Supervisor for student teachers. Tracy is a Certified Advanced Facilitator, has served as a Faculty Trainer, and facilitated both faculty and student workshops at University of Phoenix. Tracy’s true passion is helping students learn and grow!
Jennifer Romano
Jennifer Romano, University of Phoenix, CA
Jennifer Romano is a graduate of Auburn University, receiving her Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts in Mass Communication. While attending graduate school at Auburn, Jennifer was an instructor of Public Speaking. Upon graduating she became an adjunct professor at The University of South Alabama in Mobile, Alabama, followed by a full time instructor at Faulkner State Community College (now Coastal Community College) in Gulf Shores, Alabama. She taught communication and public speaking courses at both colleges. Then in 2007 Jennifer became a full time faculty member at Huntingdon College in Montgomery, Alabama, followed by Herzing University in Birmingham, Alabama; she was an instructor of mass communication, public speaking and humanities course. In 2013 Jennifer became a full time faculty member at University of Phoenix, where she is currently working as a full time instructor of General Studies and Humanities courses. She has over 15 years of experience with online instruction and LOVES being an instructor at University of Phoenix!
Session Type
20-Minute Session
Audience
All Audiences

A recording of this presentation is available.
Click the button to the right to access the session archive.

The Effectiveness of E-Learning in Preparing Potential Volunteers

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Session Description
Volunteers are the backbone of the Hanauma Bay Education Program (HBEP) by helping to educate thousands of visitors everyday at Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve. In order to prepare new volunteer recruits for the tasks and responsibilities of the position, they must go through an application process and attend a rigorous in-person training program. Applicants often go through the process and later decide it’s not a good fit for them because of their inability to commit to the requirements of the job. This can be inefficient and time consuming for both the applicant and the HBEP staff. Therefore, an online instructional orientation was created to better inform volunteer recruits before they commit to participating in a lengthy training program.

The HBEP New Volunteer Orientation website presented information to acquaint potential volunteers with the responsibilities and situations they will likely encounter. A constructivist learning design allowed participants to make sense of the information and become drivers of their learning experience. To evaluate the impact of the website, an action research study was conducted using 10 participants. After consuming text and visual content, participants responded to actual volunteer scenarios via brief video recordings of themselves using Flipgrid. Participants completed pre- and post-tutorial surveys that measured prior knowledge of the volunteer position and content retention. Overall, survey results and feedback show that participants had a better understanding of volunteer expectations and felt confident about volunteering after completing the orientation. This study examined the challenges many volunteer organizations face during the recruitment and training process. Additionally, it supports the effectiveness of e-learning in improving the efficiency of preparing potential volunteers.

Website URL: https://mamizuka728.wixsite.com/hbepnewvolunteers

Presenter(s)
Morgan Mamizuka
Morgan Mamizuka, University of Hawaii at Manoa, HI
Morgan Mamizuka is the Volunteer Coordinator for the Hawaii Sea Grant Hanauma Bay Education Program (HBEP) in Honolulu, Hawaii and a graduate student in the Learning Design and Technology program at UH Manoa (LTEC). After receiving her B.S. in Agricultural Business from UH Hilo she began an internship with the HBEP. Working alongside HBEP staff and volunteers to educate visitors on the marine life and stewardship of Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve, she developed a passion for marine conservation and serving others. Since then she has led the HBEP’s Volunteer Program for 12 years. Her role as a Volunteer Coordinator is to recruit, train, and manage more than 100 volunteer docents who engage with the 800,000 park patrons each year. Morgan is excited to utilize the knowledge and skills gained through the LTEC program to enhance and elevate programs, activities, and educational resources offered by the HBEP.
Session Type
LTEC Session
Audience
All Audiences

A recording of this presentation is available.
Click the button to the right to access the session archive.