Reduced Seat-Time with On-Line Learning: A Winning Combination!"

Nancy Miller, MS, LPC

Assistant Professor of Human Services

Metropolitan State University

Saint Paul, Minnesota

Teaching to the Max!

Incorporating online learning, collaborations and choices in seat-time to enhance student-centered teaching and learning

Session Agenda

Sunday, August 10th 11:45-12:15 Hennepin Room

• 11:45-11:50– Introductions and Mr. Wright

• 11:50-12:05 PowerPoint– Set the tone with humor– Accessibility Option #1 - D2L and reduced seat-time– Accessibility Option #2 – Attendance and reduced seat-time

• 12:10-12:15– Benefits of reduced seat-time

Set the Tone – Use Humor!

“Teachers must be creative because of the critical role they play in creating an environment conducive to optimal student learning. Humor is often identified as a teaching technique for developing a positive learning environment… Humor is a catalyst for classroom ‘magic’…”

College Student Journal,  Sept, 1999  by Neelam Kher,  Susan Molstad,  Roberta Donahue

Center for Teaching and Learning: Metropolitan State University

• “Curriculum should include alternatives to make it accessible and appropriate for individuals with different backgrounds, learning styles, abilities, and disabilities in widely varied learning contexts.”

Accessibility Option #1

• Online Learning to enhance options and accessibility

D2L & Reduced Seat-Time

• D2L* in conjunction with in-person reduced seat-time class

• D2L for all quizzes, assignments, Q & A, announcements, news and mentoring

• D2L to increase future options for students• D2L to teach computer skills in a relaxed

environment• *Desire-to-Learn online software

Demonstration

• Social Casework Reduced Seat-Time class

Technical Assistance for D2L

Include technical assistance contacts!Example:

• For D2L assistance at Metropolitan State University:• online.learning@metrostate.edu• 651-793-1392• D2L Support Services:• Located on your D2L homepage• http://d2l.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/d2l.cfg/php/enduser/

std_alp.php

Considering using online learning?

Ten reasons NOT to use online learning:

http://asstudents.unco.edu/students/AE-Extra/2005/6/Jones.html

Accessibility Option #2

Reduced Seat-Time Attendance Policy

“My Experiment”

Developing Attendance Policies

• Use a consultant:

Attendance Policy Examples

• Required classes to attend: eight full classes. • Attendance will be taken by the instructor at the beginning of the

class. You will be required to sign out at the end of the class.  If you leave for any significant time during the class outside of the assigned breaks (more than 15 minutes) it will not be considered a full class for you. 

• You have YOUR CHOICE of which eight classes to attend.  Save your time away from class for weather emergencies or personal

events.  • It is strongly encouraged, for your learning

experience, to come to all classes.

Benefits of Reduced Seat-Time

• Empowerment through choice• Encourages commitment• Facilitates time-management• Avoids excuses• Respects schedules

Attendance Options as Choices

• Make everything clear from the start• Promote choice and flexibility• Encourage discussions and collaborations• Use class mentors• Share experience in discussion postings• Address procrastination through study plans and

individual goals

Help Desk Assistance

YouTube Medieval Help Desk

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pQHX-SjgQvQ

Q & A

Questions?