Students chose how to learn in online course

Dr. Peter Gorder, Associate Professor and Dr. Julie Albertson, Senior Instructor created an online version of the undergraduate Thermodynamics course (MAE 2301) that used a variety of learning environments, recognizing students with varying backgrounds and learning styles may succeed better with a choice of instructional avenues. Modules contain a variety of learning options real time synchronous conferencing of problems, demonstrating applications, interactive laboratory demonstrations, and threaded discussions on practical applications. Integral to the pedagogical approach proposed is the continuous feedback provided to the student through various assessment tools that will be embedded throughout the modules. Self-assessment help each student evaluate their own readiness to move on within a module and/or to seek some additional foundational education through the Background modules. Each student is required to evaluate the projects submitted by their peers. Finally, the students assessed in their attainment of the educational objectives of each module prior to acknowledging the student’s completion of the module.

The learning styles, expectations, and needs of online students (Mupinga, D., Nora, R., Yaw D.). College Teaching; Winter 2006, Vol. 54 Issue 1, p185-189, 5p. Persistent Link: http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=tfh&AN=19754741&site=ehost-live.