Resources

This issue of New Directions for Teaching and Learning presents the theory and practice of creating effective courses in the emerging field of online teaching. Drawing from their practical experience in faculty development, instructional design, and online instruction, the authors present an overview of the pedagogical and logistical issues associated with this rapidly expanding area of distance education. They explore the transition for both teacher and student from traditional professor-centered methods of education to the student-centered learning experience necessary in the online environment. They offer practical guidelines on structuring the online course, utilizing resources from the World Wide Web, and using other electronic tools and technology to enhance classroom efficiency. Chapters also address challenges unique to the online classroom community including successful communication strategies, performance evaluation, academic integrity, and accessibility for disabled students. With insightful information on what it takes to produce substantive learning among students in the online classroom, this issue is designed to familiarize educators with the tools and techniques they will need to realize the potential of this new approach to teaching and learning. (From the Publisher)

Discusses the quality of individual student assessments in higher education courses and their composite effect on course grades. Reviews the literature on making classroom assessments and their impact on the science of student assessment. Such activity requires instructional skill, interest, and a disposition toward clarity and fairness. Brookhart discusses such critical issues and suggests resources for further study. (From the Publisher)

This issue analyzes the strengths and weaknesses of current approaches to evaluating teaching and recommends practical strategies for both improving current evaluation methods and developing new ones. The contributors provide an overview of new techniques such as peer evaluations, portfolios, and student ratings of instructors and technologies that can help instructors become more effective and help institutions demonstrate that effectiveness. (From the Publisher)

The Virtual University provides up-to-date practical advice on a technology-based delivery system that can offer solutions to many of the problems of increasing demand for, and changing expectations about, higher education. This book discusses the increased accessibility to the Internet, the development of new educational possibilities and how these have led to a variety of resources being used for learning. In clear and accessible terms the authors show how to use web sites, software, and the other resources necessary to design and deliver complete and effective virtual courses. Chapters include valuable information on how to access digital archives and databases, virtual museums, and electronic journals. The book concludes with an eye to the future of education, and the authors highlight a number of the upcoming issues and debates that all educators will need to be aware of as education enters the next century. (From the Publisher)

For anyone preparing to teach online, The Online Teaching Guide is a one-of-a-kind resource for developing and implementing a successful online course. From the basics of online teaching to techniques, tools, and methods for effective online communication, The Online Teaching Guide addresses the breadth of conceptual and practical issues related to the online classroom. In each chapter, The Online Teaching Guide's contributing authors -- faculty members at the University of Phoenix Online Campus -- offer a wealth of useful strategies to sharpen your instructional skills. Each author focuses on the interpersonal aspect of online teaching and learning, providing a deep understanding of various instructional methods and techniques. Learn how to keep a classroom interpersonal, how to communicate effectively with students, how to facilitate groups and discussions, and how to give and get feedback in the online class, helping to overcome the challenges that confront all online instructors. By increasing understanding of how to use technology as a dynamic teaching tool, readers will achieve success in the online classroom, enhancing their teaching experience, and students' learning experience, in the fast-changing world of online communication. This book is intended as a practical introduction for instructors, beginning or otherwise, who want useful ideas and techniques that will help them teach more effectively in the online classroom. (From the Publisher)

People without technical knowledge need a basic guide that sheds light on best practices for Web-based training. People with technical knowledge need a savvy, practical primer on instructional design for Web-based training. This is the Web-based training book that everyone has waited for! (From the Publisher)

Powerful information and instructional technologies have created the virtual campus for students and teachers everywhere. More than ever, there is a call for technology to provide expanded opportunities for learners. This report offers recommendations for the integration of technology into teaching, learning, and research. (From the Publisher)

The Full-Time Faculty Handbook is a guide to the life of a college professor. Editors Virginia Bianco-Mathis and Neal Chalofsky examine the major components of a life in the academy-teaching, advising, publishing, research and service. Practical, comprehensive, and engaging, this handy guide appeals to a broad audience across all academic disciplines-from new professors to tenured faculty. Themes that are introduced and woven throughout the book include: + The basics of academic life + Key strategies for success + Political realities vs. the "ideal" + Managing your career-creating your own schedule, roadmap, and network + Assessing where you are and what needs to be done + Finding, fueling, and maintaining your passion The authors also address the latest trends in the field that are affecting time-honored teaching traditions, such as distance learning, outcome assessment, continuous learning, and the evolving roles and responsibilities of full-time faculty. (From the Publisher)

Using detailed examples, checklists and exercises, the authors show how to develop, use and grade classroom examinations. They provide a thorough, step-by-step discussion of general testing and grading issues, including: deciding on the content of an exam; assessing difficulty levels; writing different kinds of test items; scoring different test items; evaluating different subject areas; helping students review for an exam; and developing grading methods and strategies. (From the Publisher)