Pedagogy
In order to be a successful hybrid facilitator of learning, one must also be versed in the pedagogy of campus-based and online education. The demand for online faculty members continues to rise since learning can, and often does take place very effectively through the appropriate use of technology as institutions attempt to deliver superior value. Faculty members should become online students first and learn the pedagogy of online education in order to create a healthy learning environment. Understanding its practical application, successes, challenges, and best practices can be of great assistance as a starting place. Education using blended pedagogies and online technology has achieved a special market by offering quality programs convenient to students regardless of geography. It is through the efforts of competent faculty members that online and hybrid formats of education can offer great value to students
Stacie,
I agree...we have done this too where I work. My goal is that faculty become "general practitioners" with the ability to teach on ground, online, and hybrid. Those lines are becoming less clear.
Dr. Ruth Reynard
It is for this very reason, Dr. Reynard, that my institution/place of employment recently implemented a mandatory course for all faculty members. We call it EDU101. There, instructors are put through a rigorous 5-week schedule, that includes topics such as pedagogy and andragogy. It is amazingly insightful and educational. I believe more online institutions should mandate it for their faculty.
Stacie
Sabrina,
Good points - faculty who do not learn the tools and the process of online teaching simply miss out on the potential for richer and more engaging learning environments.
Dr. Ruth Reynard
