"Over the past two years Distance Education has become a significant part of my teaching style. After taking the Quality Matters training and developing two online courses, I was able to see how many resources Distance Education had to offer. In the last year, I have recorded lectures for my 2000 level courses using Capture Space Lite. Capture Space Lite makes creating and posting the videos to D2L simple and convenient. Capture Space Lite is especially useful when we experience inclement weather days and are off school for extended time periods. My classes are able to stay on track with the schedule with about an hour of work on my end from home. In addition, I have used lecture videos to create a more robust learning environment in online, hybrid and flipped classes. The students appreciate the lecture from my perspective and are able to go back and watch the videos multiple times as needed.
This Spring, Distance Education was approved to purchase Wacom Tablets that have created even greater value for my students in regards to in-class and homework problems. The Wacom Tablet connects to a computer and allows the instructor to write on the tablet while Capture Space Lite is recording. In accounting, we have many concepts that are best taught through examples and the Wacom Tablet allows me to reach my hybrid and online learners on a deeper level. The engagement on a deeper level enhances their ability to apply the concepts and to perform the calculations needed with step-by-step direction
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Further, Distance Education partners with an online proctoring service for online
instructors use, where I am able to schedule my exams and students are held to a high level of integrity when completing exams. I find great value in an online learner being able to complete tests just as if they were in the classroom. The last resource I am looking forward to using is Zoom, as it has the ability to create a virtual class discussion where I will be able to do a live lecture, answer questions and hold office hours.
The Distance Education tools have enhanced the way I plan and structure a class and has allowed me to transition to a flipped classroom. Students experience the lecture and material before they come to class and are able to have a comprehensive discussion about the more difficult parts of the material. The discussion quality has improved and I am seeing more "aha moments" sooner. I look forward to learning more about the future tools that Distance Education adopts and I encourage anyone who is looking to refresh their teaching style to give the wonderful people in Distance Education a call."
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