Submitted by Thoward on 25 January 2012 - 4:34pm
2012-02-01 13:00
2012-02-01 14:00
Canada/Eastern

Dear CNIE Member,

We invite you to the next presentation in our winter series of free online CIDER sessions. This session features a presentation and discussion with Dr. Steve Weiland from Michigan State University.

Title: A Case for the Self-Paced Online Course

At a time when the conventions of online teaching and learning favour student interaction in a variety of synchronous and asynchronous design features, what could sound more out-of-step than the self-paced course organized around autonomy and the isolated student? But claims for the value of online "learning communities" can be overstated, and the preferences of adult students overlooked. The self-paced course in which students work on their own to complete a sequence of activities (like reading texts, viewing and listening to digital media, exploring websites, and completing writing assignments) may actually satisfy the needs of adult learners as much (or more) than online courses reflecting one version or another of social constructivism in design. This presentation explores historical, theoretical, and practical dimensions of the self-paced course and concludes with evidence for success in using the format in a fully online MA program.

When: Wednesday, 1 February 2012 - 1:00 P.M. to 2:00 P.M. Eastern Time (Canada)
*Local times for CIDER sessions are provided on our website:
http://cider.athabascau.ca/CIDERSessions

Where: Online through Adobe Connect at:
https://connect.athabascau.ca/cider/

Pre-configuration:
Please note that it is extremely important to get your system set up prior to the event. Make sure your Mac or PC is equipped with a microphone and speakers, so that you can use the audio functionality built into the conferencing software. The Adobe Connect platform may require an update to your Flash Player; allow time for this update by joining the session 15 minutes prior to the scheduled presentation.

*********************

CIDER sessions are brought to you by the Centre for Distance Education, Athabasca University: Canada's Open University and leader in professional online education.