Abstract:

Using Technology Effectively to Engage Students in Courses Delivered Via On-Line Venues will discuss methods that a seasoned educator has found effective in delivering content to students taking on-line courses.. ECampus is the vehicle used at Monmouth University in West Long Branch New Jersey USA to deliver on-line as well as hybrid courses. This utility has the capability for using discussion boards, chat rooms, video and a complete student assessment package as well as an ability to provide feedback efficiently. The utilities enable a personal relationship among studenst as well as the instructor. Students introduce themselves by uploading a personal video as well as a short biography. The instructor also uses video to introduce herself to her students. This tends to develop a community of learners in an on-line venue. Without these possibilities, on-line courses can become a venue where students only work independently and upload assignment without a classroom discussion. ECampus allows for collaboration through discussions and chat rooms. This provides a dynamic atmosphere where students as well as the instructor can develop a personal relationship.

Participants in this proposed session will have an opportunity to access on-line courses in which all of these utilities can be demonstrated if Internet access is available. This session will also be of value to those who are planning on delivering instruction via on-line venues and who have not yet done so. At Monmouth University, this method has opened the opportunity for taking courses and earning a degree to those who because of personal reasons cannot make it to campus and who find the on-line venue convenient and effective.

The instructor builds a sense of community by using weekly chat rooms, streaming video, and discussion boards. Some sessions are offered synchronously and some are offered asynchronously. This offers a variety of methods that students appreciate and profit from.

Keywords:

On-line course delivery, collaboration, sense of community.