In collaboration with the Engaging Classrooms QEP and PACE, SHSU Online is excited to announce the creation of a new Blackboard Organization (Org) dedicated to showcasing Active Learning teaching techniques for online courses. This innovative project, spearheaded by Benjamin Mitchell-Yellin, Patrick Smith, Kristie Zientek, and Alfonso Almeida, aims to provide instructors with practical strategies to integrate Active Learning elements into their online teaching.
The Blackboard Org, designed to complement Benjamin Mitchell-Yellin’s existing Active Learning workshops, features more than 16 different Active Learning activities that can be seamlessly incorporated into online courses. These examples demonstrate how instructors can engage students, promote critical thinking, and foster a dynamic learning environment in the virtual classroom.
By leveraging the power of Active Learning, instructors can transform their online courses into interactive and collaborative spaces where students actively participate in the learning process. The strategies showcased in the Org range from discussion-based activities to problem-solving exercises, catering to various teaching styles and subject areas.
Benjamin Mitchell-Yellin, Director of Academic Initiatives & Strategy and coordinator of the QEP Active Learning workshops, expressed his enthusiasm for the project, stating, "This is an exciting expansion of the professional development we offer for online teaching and a step towards better serving all instructors, and hence all students, at SHSU. It's also a step towards building connections between PACE and SHSU Online so we can partner together to continue to expand on SHSU's legacy of excellence in teaching and learning."
The Org will serve as a valuable resource for SHSU instructors who participate in the slate of workshops offered through the Engaging Classrooms QEP. The goal is for participants to have access to the Org, where they can explore the Active Learning examples, adapt them to their specific courses, and receive guidance on implementation.
SHSU Online remains committed to supporting instructors in delivering high-quality online education. The creation of this Blackboard Org represents a significant step forward in providing instructors with the tools and resources they need to succeed in the online teaching environment. This is also an early step in what promises to be a fruitful collaboration between SHSU Online and other student success-focused initiatives on campus.
Stay tuned for more updates on this exciting project and future initiatives aimed at enhancing online learning at SHSU. If you have any questions or would like to learn more about integrating Active Learning strategies into your online courses, please reach out to IDSupport@shsu.edu.