Book Review: The Online Teaching Survival Guide: Simple and Practical Pedagogical Tips
The Online Teaching Survival Guide by Boettcher and Conrad (2010), presents theory-based techniques for teaching online and/or blended courses. The book reviews research in cognitive processing and learning outcomes. Boettcher and Conrad provide a framework of instructional strategies for designing or modifying a course for the online environment. Included are recommended technologies to integrate with …
Read MoreOnline alternatives to cancelling class
As an Elon faculty member, we know that inclement weather, illness, or travel can sometimes prevent you from being on campus. When this occurs, consider using online alternatives instead of cancelling class. Here are a few technology tips to consider: Use Moodle as a central location to update course information, lead and facilitate discussions, and post …
Read MoreNeed to Cancel Class? Try These 4 Online Alternatives Instead!
Whether you have a planned absence on the calendar, or inclement weather suddenly threatens to cancel your lecture, there are several ways to hold an effective class digitally. Read on to learn about online tools that can help keep your class on track when holding class isn’t possible. 1. Utilize Moodle’s impressive array of features. Todd Lee, …
Read More5 Awesome Moodle Features You Didn’t Know Existed
After the Moodle renovation this winter, the interface has more features than ever, geared to make your online classroom interactive and convenient. Want to learn how to get the most out of Moodle? You’re in the right place – here are five hidden features you may not have known Moodle offers. 1. Use Moodle’s user-friendly editing tools …
Read More5 Moodle tips to start the semester
It’s time to get your Moodle courses ready! Here are five helpful (and short) tutorials for building your Moodle course at the start of the semester.
Read MoreOpen book assessments may reduce academic dishonesty
Preventing academic dishonesty in online and blended environments is a challenging obstacle. An open-book assessment with challenging questions that refer directly to course content may be an effective technique in reducing academic dishonesty. You can administer this type of assessment on the whiteboard, with a Word document, inside your Learning Management System’s test bank, or through …
Read MoreMoodle Calendar: Helpful tool for online courses
The Moodle calendar is one of my favorite features, and especially helpful for Elon students partaking in the summer online program. If you use the standard Moodle assignments and add a due date to the course activity, Moodle automatically propagates that information to the course calendar block as an event! The calendar automatically keeps track of and …
Read MoreWiki ideas for math, science, history and literature courses
A wiki is a collection of collaboratively authored web documents that has many class uses. Here are some suggestions to use wikis in your Math, Science, History and Literature classes. Math Calculus or statistics space for difficult problems so students can collaborate to find solutions and see different approaches to the same tasks. Applied concepts where …
Read MoreEncourage class-wide participation with Moodle Forums
A Moodle forum is an asynchronous communication activity used to discuss various course topics. There are several types of forums and different purposes for each. Choosing the right forum Standard Forum is best suited for large discussions monitored by the instructor, or for social forums facilitated by students. A standard forum may have numerous threads and require …
Read MoreDiscussion: experience your students by the words they express
Discussion boards can encourage conversation outside the classroom walls. Here are some tips to use this tool across disciplines. Post pictures, videos, and/or audio of students to build community in the LMS Set rules and standards for good netiquette before the first post, or have the students develop these guidelines Ask questions focused on knowledge, …
Read MoreElements of successful journaling
Journals are a means self analysis and reflection. Journaling requires students to synthesize materials, compose their thoughts, and write their opinions about specific topics. This allows instructors to build relationships with students individually. Key elements There are several key elements identified in the research for successful journaling: Identify what a journal is to you, and the …
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