Resources
Video games have become both big business and a technological focal point for new forms of learning. Today games are not just played; players engage in game design, write fan fiction, and organize themselves into collaborative learning communities. In these communities players acquire 21st century skills in technology, but, in the best of these communities, they hone these technical skills and strengthen emotional and social intelligence. The authors argue that women gamers—too often ignored as gamers—are in many respects leading the way in this trend towards design, cultural production, new learning communities, and the combination of technical proficiency with emotional and social intelligence. We draw on case studies about women who “play” the Sims, the best selling game in history, to argue a new general theory of learning for the 21st Century. (From the Publisher)
This useful resource describes best practices for designing online programs and courses. Translating research on the learning characteristics of adult university students and their experiences with online learning into practical guidelines, the authors address topics such as: program and course planning, design and delivery; multicultural and gender issues; program evaluation; student evaluation of online teaching, and institutional and program accreditation. The text includes resources such as online course materials and assessment tasks that are culturally responsive and implement the strategies presented in the book. (From the Publisher)
Journal issue. Full text is available online.
Journal issue. Full text is available online.
University Teaching and Student Learning draws on a wide range of research findings to provide an up-to-date guide to the main principles of teaching and the devlopment of students' understanding. (From the Publisher)
Developing Portfolios in Education: A Guide to Reflection, Inquiry, and Assessment, Second Edition takes preservice and inservice teachers through the process of developing a professional portfolio. It is designed to teach readers how traditional and electronic portfolios are defined, organized, and evaluated. The text also helps teachers to use their portfolios as an action research tool for reflection and professional development. New features to the second edition include: • A new chapter that links portfolio development to action research • Step-by-step descriptions of the portfolio process as it relates specifically to teachers • Additional and updated material on electronic portfolios • Discussion questions in each chapter (From the Publisher)
Around the world, higher education services are challenged by increased numbers and diversity of students, tougher demands for professional accountability, increasing calls for educational relevance and thinning resources. Learning and Teaching in Higher Education: The Reflective Professional addresses key issues in the practice and theory of teaching and learning in the sector. The authors draw upon theory, practice and current research to provide a new way of thinking about the many aspects of learning and teaching in higher education, enabling the reader to critically reflect upon their teaching. (From the Publisher)
Wisdom and sermons from William Placher throughout his lifetime.
College professors are expected to perform a large number of tasks for which they receive little or no training. For instance, where in graduate school do you learn how to teach most effectively in a large auditorium, and what do you do differently in those classes from when you are teaching in a more intimate setting, with a few upper-level students around a seminar table or in a tutorial? How do you secure a contract for a book that you would like to publish? How do you go about applying for external funding to support your research? How do you write a particularly effective syllabus or exam? How do you create the sort of curriculum vitae that is most likely to earn you tenure, promotion, another position, or an administrative appointment? How do you chair a committee? How do you deal with a student who is disrupting one of your classes? Why should you engage in fundraising, recruiting new students, or maintaining close ties with alumni? Why should you develop a "strategic plan" for your career, improving your teaching and enhancing your research? Why is service only a small part of genuine academic citizenship? The Essential College Professor is about the "how" and "why" of being a faculty member in higher education today. Based on the author's series of highly successful faculty development workshops, each chapter deals concisely with the most important information college professors need at their fingertips when confronted by a particular challenge or faced with an exciting opportunity. Written both as a comprehensive guide to an academic career and as a ready reference to be consulted when needed, The Essential College Professoremphasizes proven solutions over untested theories and stresses what faculty members need to know now in order to be successful in their careers. (From the Publisher)