New Blog for SLATE - Midwest Blackboard User’s Group
One of what I consider to be the “perks” of my job is that I get to meet once a month with some great people who also are involved in supporting learning and technology in education. This great group of people from across the Midwest comprise SLATE, the Midwest Blackboard User’s Group.
SLATE, the Midwest Blackboard Users Group, was created from the concept that all institutions that are deploying and/or currently using Web-based components to enhance their teaching and learning activities, have the same questions, the same challenges, and the need for the same solutions. By drawing together the expertise of the people involved in the entire academic experience and those designing, supporting, and using these applications; faculty, support staff, systems administrators, instructional designers, librarians, and students - a broader and more accessable and dynamic support system could be established. Our current membership comes from K-12, Higher Education, and the Corporate sector.
I’m happy to report that in addition to the SLATE website and discussion community, there is now a SLATE blog over at http://slategroup.blogspot.com.
While the blog is very much still a work in progress, it certainly will be a great mode for continued communication and networking efforts concerning various aspects of educational technology implementation, support, and best practices.
Instructional Design for Online Learning (IDOL) Ph.D. Program - Capella University
Capella University has recently developed a microsite for Instructional Design for Online Learning (IDOL) learners that includes a host of information and resource items, including: curriculum, community, resources, professional associations, & careers.
Here’s a little more information about Capella’s IDOL program:
The focus of the Instructional Design for Online Learning (IDOL) program is the design of effective instruction. It requires a balance of instructional design, psychology of learning, and technology. The program focus is not on how to teach online, but how to design instructional experiences that are interesting and engaging, and will enable learners to accomplish specific learning objectives.
The MS program in IDOL emphasizes the practical skills necessary for being an instructional designer. The PhD program in IDOL emphasizes research, theory, and leadership skills.
To learn more about the IDOL PhD program at Capella University, click here or visit the IDOL program microsite for yourself at https://www.capella.edu/idol/index.aspx.
Illinois Association for Educational Communications and Technology (IAECT)
The Illinois Association for Educational Communications and Technology is dedicated to the improvement of teaching and learning through the effective use of media, technology, and telecommunications.
IAECT acts to provide a venue for professional development and a voice for its membership. It is a place to find the best practices in instructional technology.
International Society for Presence Research (ISPR)
The International Society for Presence Research (ISPR) supports academic research related to the concept of (tele)presence, commonly referred to as a sense of ‘being there’ in a virtual environment and more broadly defined as an illusion of nonmediation in which users of any technology overlook or misconstrue the technology’s role in their experience.
Canadian Association for Distance Education (CADE)
CADE (the Canadian Association for Distance Education) is a national organization of professionals committed to excellence in the provision of distance education in Canada.
http://www.cade-aced.ca/