In this plain-language, compact (6x9") handbook for teachers, Swenson and Taylor (English, California State U.-Northridge) explain how to design and teach an online course, even if you've never created a web page or participated in an online forum. Their online teaching philosophy is rooted in social constructivist theory. The book explains how online learning management systems work and describes educational applications currently available on the Internet. The authors give personal examples and guidance for creating and maintaining a virtual learning environment, and offer suggestions and checklists for planning future semesters. The book also includes a section on incorporating streaming audio and video as well as popular features from sites such as Facebook, Google Docs, Blogger, Upstream, and YouTube. Appendices offer sample course syllabi and schedules. The book is illustrated with b&w screenshots. Annotation ©2012 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)
Online Teaching in the Digital Age by Pat Swenson and Nancy Taylor provides educators with the essential knowledge needed to successfully develop and teach an online course. Throughout this practical hands-on guide, the authors offer 15 years of personal online teaching experience in language accessible to both the novice and advanced online educator. Developed through theory and practice, the text shows educators how to take the materials used in a traditional classroom and transfer them to a new virtual environment.
A manual for instructors whose classroom resides online