While most
of my blogging is related to the HP Technology for Teaching philanthropy
initiative, I thought I’d take a moment to share an article that describes my
experience as an online instructor. If you’re thinking about converting a
face-to-face course or workshop into an ONLINE course, I gladly share my
experience with you.
In my “spare”
time (not related to my work at HP), I teach an online science course designed
for elementary teachers. It’s a masters-level conceptual physics class on the
Science of Sound, offered through Montana State University (www.scienceteacher.org). I have previously
taught the same content in the form of face-to-face workshops offered through
an NSF-sponsored “local systemic change initiative” grant that funded teacher
professional development in the Silicon Valley (California). Converting these workshops into
an online (asynchronous) instructor-led 6-week course has been a fascinating
experience. The content was identical, but I had to entirely redesign the learning
experience. What was more surprising was the difference in discourse – in some
ways, the discussions were BETTER than when I taught the same material
face-to-face.
If you’re
interested, check out the May issue of ISTE’s “Learning
and Leading with Technology” magazine. My article, “Online
Learning that Works”, is a free PDF download until September.
Let me know
what you think! I am particularly interested in hearing from anyone else who
has had a similar experience of converting a face-to-face course into an online
course. I look forward to your comments…
Jim Vanides, B.S.M.E, M.Ed.
Program Manager - Worldwide Higher Education Philanthropy
Hewlett-Packard
For information about the HP Technology for Teaching philanthropy initiative in higher education, visit www.hp.com/go/hpteach-hied
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