This section provides sources that will offer links to different materials, articles, organizations or associations, and starting points to research the new trends in distance education. These resources will help faculty and administrators learn of diverse perspectives in e-learning and strategies to implement novel teachinglearning activities.
- Assessment
Assessment is increasingly critical to the success and continuation of educational programs. Many programs are currently engaged in student assessment as part of accreditation, academic program review, and/or simply out of an interest in improving their program. Assessment of Learning are assessment strategies that are designed to confirm what students know. It demonstrates whether curriculum goals or goals of the program are met.
- Classroom Technologies
Using innovative technologies in the classroom engage students in communicating with others, they are in an active role rather than the passive role of recipient of information transmitted by a teacher, textbook, or broadcast. In a classroom setting, it is difficult to assess if students have a fair understanding of the concepts covered. Thus, the use of technologies in the classroom can be useful. The following links provide a starting point for a faculty member seeking more insight on research, examples and tools that he/she can use in a face-to-face setting or to enhance a classroom experience.
- Defining Distance Education
Distance education is perceived as an increasingly effective method of instruction, educational researchers have examined the purposes and situations for which distance education is best suited. Some resources are provided to give you a starting point to clarify your doubts.
- Distance Education Organizations & Associations
There are many distance learning associations and organizations at the state level, the U.S. level, and around the world. This area provides a sample of some of the most active groups.
- Distance Learning Technologies
A list of technologies and certificate programs that enhance the distance learning experience and your skills in a virtual scenario.
- Glossaries
Sources defining concepts, theories, and strategies related with teaching and technology in traditional and online scenarios.
- Instructional Strategies for Online Courses
A list of resources to help faculty in his endeavor to teach online courses.
- Learning Communities
A list of groups of people who share common educational goals.
- Online Journals
Provides a list of online journals covers areas of using technology in teaching, strategies used to integrate technology and assessment in determining outcomes in students learning, retention strategies using innovative technologies, and how administrators can provide leadership, among a few. Most Journals are free, but may require a registration to access.
- Traditional Courses
Sites that can be used to enhance the face-to-face classroom experience with online resources.
- Web 2.0 Tools
Online tools and resources have made it easier for educators to instruct students, and for students to collaborate with those instructors and with other students and parents. These “Web 2.0″ teaching tools aren’t magical, but they may seem to defy definition at times since they save time, help you to stay organized, and often take up little space on a computer. Some of these applications are Web-based, which means that they can be accessed from any computer.