As part of a 2015-16 Presidents Innovation Fund grant to support the development of online directed learning activities (eDLAs), a professional development workshop was held on May 10, 2016 in 4301. Participating faculty were encouraged to bring their syllabi and other course materials to target specific areas that prove challenging for students, and the focus was on identifying the knowledge, skills and attitudes needed for students to be successful.
The morning session focused on defining the nature and scope of DLAs and how they can be used to extend and support specific learning outcomes outside of the classroom. The afternoon session included an active learning exercise that provided participants the opportunity to explore the Canvas learning management system and see examples of how similar content can be provided online. Additionally, faculty were encouraged to follow up with Learning Center staff to develop new DLAs that were conceptualized at this workshop.
A mix of faculty and staff participated; Kristina Brower (ECE), Cheryl Ajirotutu (GLPS), Belinda Chan (PRIE), Chris Gibson (English), Bianca Rowden-Quince (CTTL) and Learning Center staff Chanel Daniels, Hong Guo, Christina Trujillo and David Reed.
Key outcomes from this workshop include:
- The development of a template for online DLAs in the Canvas learning management system that will be used as a blueprint for future DLA content
- A pilot project for this summer in four sections of online English 100 courses that will provide online DLAs for students enrolled in those courses via the WebAccess learning management system
- New online DLA content ideas, such as Growth/Fixed Mindset and Math Problem-Solving
Lene Whitley-Putz facilitated the day’s sessions. Lene holds a PhD in Rhetoric and Communication from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and teaches both communication studies and writing, and serves as faculty with the @One Project. She leads a variety of professional development trainings for community college faculty and staff focused on using technology to enhance student learning and success, and she has been involved in the development of the Online Education Initiative that is providing a framework for the development of online courses, resources for online students, and technology resources for community college faculty and staff.
For more information about Directed Learning Activities and Skyline College Learning Center programs and services, please refer to the Learning Center website. DLA-specific information can be found under the Resources tab.
Article by David Reed
