May 5, 1999
University of Kansas and area university faculty who want to test the waters in teaching online can dive into a hands-on conference, "Creating Effective Online Instruction," May 26 and 27 in KU's Budig Hall.
Four courses recognized as the best in a 1998 contest conducted by the Paul Allen Virtual Education Foundation will be featured in the two-day conference, presented by KU's Online Academy and the Division of Continuing Education.
The Internet is so new and the growth in the uses of the Internet so rapid that many faculty are looking for ideas for designing and teaching their courses on line, said Ed Meyen, director of KU's Online Academy and professor of special education.
"This is an opportunity for college faculty to share experiences, hear presentations and get some hands-on experience in the lab. We will be working with developing courses online, not just putting a syllabus or resources online," Meyen said.
Reduced rates are available for KU faculty. KU faculty and graduate students who wish to audit one or more general sessions may do so without charge if they make reservations by May 19. To make reservations, call Brian Procter in continuing education at (785) 864-4790.
Meyen and Mark Merickel, assistant professor at Oregon State University, will present their online courses focused on teacher preparation. Merickel uses orienteering as a metaphor in his course.
Meyen's course features illustrated audio-streaming lectures.
Three Oregon State University designers of a differential calculus course, titled CalculusQuest, will offer tips on teaching mathematics online. The course uses a mountain-climbing metaphor to challenge students connected not by a rope, but by the Internet.
Two California State University language teachers will demonstrate teaching foreign language online using a whodunit "Murder on the Internet." The course teaches intermediate French and Spanish by engaging students connected by the Web in solving a mystery.
More information is available at the continuing education Web site: http://www.kumc.edu/kuce/app/online.
Story by Mary Jane Dunlap, University Relations, (785) 864-8853