Both Sides Now: In Person and on the Web; Slow Learning Communities for Fast Times
On October 1, we had gathered to what we thought would be a lecture, but Barbara had managed to pull the rug from under us, and made us question our own perceptions of what a lecture or classroom setting would look like.
Current and Evolving Accessibility Practices
Online learning environments hold great promise for expanding access to education for students with time and geographic challenges. Providing a supportive learning environment involves considering the needs of a wide range of learners and instructors, including those with physical and cognitive disabilities or technical limitations.
Instructors Share Their Teaching Experience at the Distance Education Course Showcase
On September 30, 2008, the Office of Learning Technology hosted a Distance Education Course Showcase, which celebrated distance education at UBC. The Course Showcase was put on as part of Celebrate Learning Week, and sought to highlight some of the challenges and rewards of teaching and learning in a digital learning environment.
Visualize Learning: Exploring Discussion Forums in WebCT Vista
The Social Network Analysis Tool gives instructors a visual representation of the discussion forum activity within WebCT Vista. For the instructor, this tool is valuable because he or she can draw conclusions about whether the intended pedagogy is reflected in the online discussion.
Bridging the Distance for Far Away Students
“Bridging the Distance,” promises students that education is possible regardless of where you are or what your schedule is. As we move more and more into the digital age, a lot of students are becoming more comfortable with online communication. A digital classroom is no longer foreign.
What They Saw at Town Hall 2008 – Two UBC Students Share Their Experiences
At Town Hall in June, four staff members from the Office of Learning Technology got together to talk about using new technologies in the classroom. In a presentation entitled “Emerging Technologies that Enhance Learning and Teaching”, four tools were highlighted.
Making Wikipedia Work in the Classroom
The common perception is that Wikipedia makes professors shudder; it is supposedly not a credible source, and its use in education is limited. While there is a need to be cautious when using any type of technology, some instructors are out to change Wikipedia’s negative image.
How Distance Education Has Helped an Arts Student Finish Her Degree
Kathryn Blair, a fourth year Arts Co-op student in the Bachelor of Fine Arts program, has really benefited from the flexibility that distance education affords her. “I’m a pretty busy person, so any flexibility I can work into my schedule is great.”
Student Thrives in Dental Hygiene Degree Completion Program
I have been an “on-line” student at UBC for almost two years now and I can honestly say that it has been an amazing experience on many levels. When I learned of an opportunity to participate in the Dental Hygiene Degree Completion program for a Bachelor of Science degree while still being able to maintain my work schedule, I jumped at the chance.
Lifelong Learning featuring Margaret Gall
One of the main objectives of Distance Education is to promote life long learning; the idea that even when we graduate and move into the world, learning should be something we continually pursue. Distance education student Margaret Gall embodies lifelong learning to the fullest. At 87 years old, she is currently taking French Literature online through the Distance Education at UBC.