Today Pearson announced a series of webinars that it is hosting in celebration of National Distance Learning Week (NDLW), November 7-11, 2016. The webinars will explore a variety of distance learning topics including emerging distance learning trends, strategies and best practices to engage online students, and new tools designed to enhance the online teaching and learning experience.
NDLW is hosted by the United States Distance Learning Association (USDLA) each year to showcase the growth of distance learning and celebrate the accomplishments achieved by K-12, higher education, and corporate online learning leaders.
Pearson’s 2016 NDLW webinar series includes:
The Art of Virtual Storytelling
Monday, November 7, 10-11 a.m. EST
Presenter: Kate Nugent, director, product and training, The Ariel Group
Participants will learn how to integrate a story into virtual lectures, webinars, 1:1 student coaching sessions and other virtual communications. They will be introduced to powerful storytelling techniques that engage and influence audiences of every size. Storytelling “lights up” every part of the human brain, and the ability to paint a picture for students increases the chances that the learning will stick.
Trends in Alternative Credentialing: Benchmarks, Badges, and Noncredit Programming
Monday, November 7, 1-2 p.m. EST
Presenters: Kyle Peck, co-director, Center for Online Innovation, and professor, Penn State University; Jim Fong, director, Center for Research and Marketing Strategy, UPCEA; and Peter Janzow, senior director, business and market development, Pearson Acclaim
Micro-credentials, nano-credentials, badges…staying current on emerging trends in education is a challenge. It is also the life-force of preparing students for an ever-shifting professional landscape. In this session, participants will learn about the driving factors behind the emergence of alternative credentials, how higher education institutions are responding, and hear insights about what’s next.
Don’t Overlook Your Help Desk! How Golden Gate University Supports the Demands Their Unique Online Student Population
Tuesday, November 8, 1-2 p.m. EST
Presenters: Doug Geier, director, eLearning and instructional design, Golden Gate University; and Paulo Dias, managing director, technical services, Pearson
In this session, participants will learn how Golden Gate University utilizes help desk services to meet the demands of a unique online student population of adult learners – many of whom work full-time, requiring on demand support, ensuring students get a positive technical support experience for their online programs. The 24/7 help desk support allows the school to offer enhanced technical support, allowing students and faculty to access services outside of regular business hours, 24/7, 365 days a year.
Snapchat 101: Engaging Students Online
Tuesday, November 8, 1-2 p.m. EST
Presenter: Wendy Tietz, Ph.D., professor, accounting, Kent State University
Snapchat is currently the number one social media platform used by 16 to 24 year olds and is rapidly gaining users aged 35 years and older. Participants will learn the basics of Snapchat, including how to set up an account, how to communicate with other users, and Snapchat lingo and features (e.g. geofilters, swiping, face lenses) as well as discuss at least four ways that Snapchat can be used to engage students in class using real-life examples.
Harnessing the Power of Mobile Devices with Learning Catalytics™
Wednesday, November 9, 10-11 a.m. EST
Presenter: Terry Austin, professor, Temple College
Austin will describe how encouraging the use of Learning Catalytics on mobile devices can revolutionize student participation as well as team-based learning in the classroom.
Ask Me Anything: Online Students Tell All
Wednesday, November 9, 1-2 p.m. EST
Presenters: Joaquin Van Thienen, Florida International University, Broward Community College;
Alexandria Pipitone, Florida International University; Amanda Condon, Arkansas Tech University, University of Arkansas Community College- Hope; Andrea Shaw, director of student programs and partnerships, Pearson; and Gillian Seely, director of content strategy, Pearson
Over 5.8 million students are taking at least one distance education course. This session will feature three students currently enrolled in 100 percent online courses, and they will discuss their experiences to help institutions better engage and motivate learners. Participants will also gain insight into recent research on student attitudes toward digital course materials.
The Advantages of Using REVEL to Promote Success in Varied Classroom Settings and Environments
Thursday, November 10, 10-11 a.m. EST
Presenter: Beth King, professor, Columbus Technical College
Instructor Beth King will discuss how she implemented REVEL and adjusted instruction to improve performance and engagement in her online and face-to-face Introduction to Music courses at Columbus Technical College.
For more information or to register for the webinars, visit this website.
Participate in the national conversation by following #NDLW on Twitter.
About Pearson
Pearson is the world’s learning company, with expertise in educational courseware and assessment, and a range of teaching and learning services powered by technology. Our mission is to help people make progress through access to better learning. We believe that learning opens up opportunities, creating fulfilling careers and better lives. For more, visit http://www.Pearsoned.com.
About USDLA
The United States Distance Learning Association is a non-profit association formed in 1987 and is located in Boston, Massachusetts. USDLA promotes the development and application of distance learning for education and training and serves the needs of the distance learning community by providing advocacy, information, networking and opportunity. Distance learning and training constituencies served include pre-k-12 education, higher and continuing education, home schooling as well as business, corporate, military, government and telehealth markets. The USDLA trademarked logo is the recognized worldwide symbol of dedicated professionals committed to the distance learning industry.
[Source:-PR Web]
