Category: Teaching Online

  • Three Examples of Interactive Syllabi (Designed with Open Educational Resources from a University Library)

    Three Examples of Interactive Syllabi (Designed with Open Educational Resources from a University Library)

    Last week, I had the opportunity to present at the Open Education Conference. It was virtual and the content was definitely interesting! 

    My session was held on Monday, October 18 • 3:45pm – 4:25pm and it was titled, “Designing an Interactive OER Syllabus as an Equitable Practice”. 

    During the session, I talked about my interactive OER syllabus and I had the opportunity to network with some amazing colleagues. One of the amazing faculty members from my institution attended as well – shout out to Dr. Trina Geye!

    I am passionate about open educational resources and I like fact that OERs can save students money. This is very important for our Texas college students. Open Educational Resources are equitable resources!

    Here are the notes from the presentation:

    I know some of you are wondering WHY I incorporate OERs instead of textbooks for my courses…. This is why…

    • Day-One Access/No-Cost (Equitable)
    • Easier for the Student
    • Mobile Access
    • Linkable to Canvas
    • Easier for the Professor (Updates/Changes)

    I always emphasize partnering with the library to find additional educational resources. Here are some starting points!

    • Podcast Links
    • Guides from Prior Semesters (Student Approved Work)
    • YouTube Videos
    • Database Article Links
    • E-Books
    • Lib Guides

    As you transition from semester-to-semester, I always recommend this checklist for “refreshing” your OER syllabus:

    • Check Your Links
    • Check for More Relevant Resources
    • Develop a Pre and Post Semester Checklist
    • Integrate Your OER Endeavors with Research

    In fact, here’s a copy of my OER syllabi:

    I also design a syllabus and Canvas tour for my students to help them become more familiar with the content.

    Students in my classes (both graduate and undergraduate students) REALLY enjoy the free resources and they are also “more up-to-date” than a traditional textbook.

    Have any questions about OERs? Contact me.

    ***

    Enjoy!

    Check out my book – Retaining College Students Using Technology: A Guidebook for Student Affairs and Academic Affairs Professionals.

    Remember to order copies for your team as well!

    Thanks for visiting! 


    Sincerely,


    Dr. Jennifer T. Edwards
    Professor of Communication

    Executive Director of the Texas Social Media Research Institute & Rural Communication Institute

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  • Dr. Jennifer T. Edwards: A Texas Professor Focused on Artificial Intelligence, Health, and Education: About Your Professor

    Dr. Jennifer T. Edwards: A Texas Professor Focused on Artificial Intelligence, Health, and Education: About Your Professor

    Over the summer, I always think about how the fall courses will be better. I always strive to make my courses at least 5% better than the courses the semester before. Course evaluations are important and I want to make sure the students have a great experience, but I also want to have a great experience teaching in the course as well.

    This means that I write down ideas as I read blog posts, listen to videos, and also as I listen to local/regional/and national news. So, I get EXCITED to introduce myself to a new group of students! 

    This year, I decided to pre-record TWO videos introducing myself to the students. Here’s the video (Part 2/2) that I plan to send the students in the fall semester. This videos is based on the questions that I requested from via an email survey in the summer.

    ***

    Check out my book – Retaining College Students Using Technology: A Guidebook for Student Affairs and Academic Affairs Professionals.

    Remember to order copies for your team as well!

    Thanks for visiting! 

    Sincerely,

    Dr. Jennifer T. Edwards
    Professor of Communication

    Executive Director of the Texas Social Media Research Institute & Rural Communication Institute

    Source link

  • Dr. Jennifer T. Edwards: A Texas Professor Focused on Artificial Intelligence, Health, and Education: About Your Professor

    Dr. Jennifer T. Edwards: A Texas Professor Focused on Artificial Intelligence, Health, and Education: About Your Professor

    Over the summer, I always think about how the fall courses will be better. I always strive to make my courses at least 5% better than the courses the semester before. Course evaluations are important and I want to make sure the students have a great experience, but I also want to have a great experience teaching in the course as well.

    This means that I write down ideas as I read blog posts, listen to videos, and also as I listen to local/regional/and national news. So, I get EXCITED to introduce myself to a new group of students! 

    This year, I decided to pre-record TWO videos introducing myself to the students. Here’s the video (Part 1/2) that I plan to send the students in the fall semester. This videos is based on the questions that I requested from via an email survey in the summer.

    ***

    Check out my book – Retaining College Students Using Technology: A Guidebook for Student Affairs and Academic Affairs Professionals.

    Remember to order copies for your team as well!

    Thanks for visiting! 

    Sincerely,

    Dr. Jennifer T. Edwards
    Professor of Communication

    Executive Director of the Texas Social Media Research Institute & Rural Communication Institute

    Source link