2016 Annual Conference

This study examined faculty skills and practices with regard to online instruction best practices at an American university. Using a qualitative case study, 11 participants were interviewed. Six themes emerged. Theses themes formed a policy paper to guide faculty and professional development needs.

Administrators and faculty whose duties include online course responsibilities in addition to faculty related concerns. Faculty and instructors whose teaching responsibilities include online instruction could find this useful. All experienced and new faculty could benefit as this provides a refresher and introduction to online instruction skills and knowledge.

The transition from traditional classroom to online teaching environment produces inherent challenges for instructors on how best to proceed with a different instructional environment. Knowledge of instructional practices and pedagogical ideologies such as curriculum delivery and content require modification. Due to these factors, educators need support and professional development while transitioning from the traditional to the online environment. Moreover they need to identify their current understanding as judged against accepted best practices. This session will explore such an event and be used as the foundation for discussion helping session participants to initiate this discussion in their educational institution.

This session will begin with an interactive presentation regarding the research study and the findings. Participant’s will provided their ideas on online instruction. A flip chart will be used to capture participant’s responses. This will spring board into the presentation of the research study illustrating the six findings that can guide and inform online instruction. Following the presentation, a facilitated open discussion will ensue providing the participant the opportunity to focus on their organizations.