Table of Contents
Acknowledgments ix
Preface xi
Chapter 1 The Virtual Classroom: A Dynamic Learning Environment 1
Overview 1
Social Constructivist Theory and the Online Learning Environment 2
Re-imagining Classroom Roles: Today's Online Learners 3
Your Role as Online Instructor 5
Summary 7
Chapter 2 Establishing Your Web Presence: The Learning Management System and Course Webpages 9
Overview 9
Learning Management Systems 10
Turning Your Traditional Course Into an Online Course 10
Managing and Monitoring Your Students 13
Enrollment 13
Messaging Students 13
Forum Setup Options 13
Real-Time Chat Features 14
The Quiz Module 14
Student Assessment 17
Establishing a Web Presence: Creating Course Webpages 18
Summary 20
Chapter 3 Web 2.0: A World Wide Web of Options 21
Overview 21
Web 2.0: Mainstream 23
Social Networking: Facebook 23
Google Docs 26
Additional Mainstream Options 27
Blogs 27
YouTube 27
Streaming Audio and Video 28
Ustream 28
Skype 30
Summary 30
Links to Mainstream Websites 31
Chapter 4 Choosing Your Course Format and Features 33
Overview 33
Approaches to Displaying Course Information 34
Display Options 35
Using Simple Text to Create a Syllabus and Schedule 35
Uploading Documents 37
Using Forums to Display Course Content 37
Dissemination Via Email 37
Links to Course Websites Outside the Learning Management System 38
The Virtual Classroom: Choosing Your Course Features and Learning Tools 39
The Asynchronous Classroom: Forums, Essays, and Quizzes 41
Discussion Forums 41
Forum Assessment 44
Essays, Peer Review, and Assessment 45
Quizzes and Exams 46
Synchronicity: The Real-Time Virtual Classroom 46
Moderating a Chat Session 48
Small-Group Chat Rooms 50
Adding Variety: Mixing Chat and Forums 51
Troubleshooting Technology 52
Summary 53
Chapter 5 Planning Future Semesters 55
Student Assessment Forum Questions 57
End-of-Semester Checklist 58
Appendix I Sample Asynchronous Course Syllabus and Schedule 59
Appendix II Sample Synchronous Course Syllabus and Schedule 71
Appendix III Internet Etiquette Guidelines 87
Index 89
About the Authors 91
