9/29/2006

Learning Dialogue: Limits on Online Teaching Load?

There is growing interest and discussion regarding whether there should be limits on the number of online classes being taught by full time faculty members. I understand the Statewide Academic Senate is exploring this matter. Our Distance Learning Committee is beginning to look at this, as well. I will also be bringing the matter to the UFO CEER group for discussion soon. It's a topic that needs dialogue.

Here are some thoughts to prime the dialogue pump

There are a number of different ways to look at this. The District is responsible for making assignments when it comes to courses to be taught. However, a course taught in a online format should be the same course content as that offered in the traditional setting. One could argue that teaching online is a method or means of instruction, which would fall within the context of academic freedom. In other words, would be ever limit the number of courses taught using the group work method versus the lecture method? On the other hand, the accreditation commission does require substantive change proposals when more than 50% a program is going to be delivered online. Also Title V has special requirements for online classes.

To add to the mix, "What about hybrid classes?" And what is a hybrid class anyway?? Technology is requiring us to move into some unfamiliar territory (what else is new!?).

There is definitely dialogue needed here. Since it is related to workload, the UFO needs to be involved. But it is also an academic matter. The Faculty Senate, the Deans, the Curriculum Committee, the Distance Learning Committee, the academic community in general should have an active and open discussion. In fact, I encourage as much dialogue about this as possible.

Please use the “Comment” function of this posting to weigh in on the topic.

Thanks, jim

9/10/2006

Learning Dialgoue: The Lecture Method

Clearly Ohlone faculty are engaged in ongoing exploration of new teaching and learning strategies. Much of the focus is on active and collaborative learning and this is good. But what about the age-old "lecture method?" Let's have a dialogue about this and see what we are thinking about the once (or still?) dominant teaching approach in higher education.

9/06/2006

Faculty Senate Meeting, 09-06-06

Collaborative Initiatives, 2006-07

During the coming year, I will seeking engagement with the Faculty Senate, the Curriculum Committee, and the faculty in general to work on a series of academic initiatives. The following is a current summary of the initiatives. More details will be forthcoming as dialogue with both groups continues.

Faculty Senate and Curriculum Committee:
Review and Respond to WASC Accreditation Standard II
Update Educational Master Plan
Use of Collaboration Tools: “More Engagement – Fewer Meetings”

Faculty Senate:
Update Academic Regulations
NCHST Development
Basic Skills Coordination Team
Learning College Development
Faculty Positions
Professional Development – Flex

Curriculum Committee:
Explore Non-Credit Instruction Options
Restructure Athletics/PE
Develop Service Learning Courses
Cooperative Education Review
Program Review

Jim Wright
Vice President, Instruction and Student Services