This INspire session will focus on a mixed methodologies research project conducted in 2017-18 around the effectiveness of the Online Course Development Program (OCDP) professional development (PD) model in an effort to answer the research question "What is an effective, efficient model to support faculty in order to build institutional capacity for online course development?" The specific objectives of the proposed research project were to:
- Gain deeper insights on the relevance of work-integrated and group-based learning to support faculty needs for online course development; - Quantify impacts of the OCDP in its current state to identify strengths and areas for program improvement; and - Define a program model that is cost-effective without eroding the quality of the program.
The OCDP model enables the Instructional Design team to work collaboratively with groups of faculty in both face-to-face and online sessions. In doing so, faculty are able to explore effective online teaching practice, curriculum design and pedagogy, as well as best practices for technology integration, including video creation, screen-casting, and leveraging the Learning Management System (LMS). Faculty are given the opportunity to participate in hands-on activities and are provided with the time and support required to successfully design and complete an online course. Faculty who participate in the program also have the opportunity to work one-on-one or in small groups with a faculty mentor who offers continued support during and after the conclusion of the program.
This PD model also supports the creation of personal learning networks and communities of practice. Several studies have determined that conditions for improving teaching and learning are strengthened when teachers collectively question ineffective teaching routines, examine new concepts of teaching and learning, discuss means to acknowledge and respond to difference and conflict, and engage actively in supporting professional growth.
In addition to collaborative discussion and time for give and get sharing, iPads will be available to provide participants with the opportunity to explore the structure of the OCDP along with course content and activities.
Amy Goruk is has worked as an Instructional Designer with Georgian’s CTL since 2010. She specializes in online, GC Flex, hybrid and remote design and development.
