Online course creators meet and share experiences | Cornell Chronicle

"Creating online courses isn’t something you can just jump into, but those who have done it are making an important contribution to the university’s mission. That was the theme of the third annual meeting of the Cornell Online Learning Community (COLC) March 7, where educators gathered to share their experiences in offering Cornell courses in “Any study, to any person, anytime, anywhere” – the organization’s unofficial motto." reports Bill Steele, Electronic Communications Editor.

From left, Daisy Fan, senior lecturer in computer science; Brad Bell, associate professor human resource studies; Rajesh Bhaskaran, senior lecturer in mechanical and aerospace engineering; Debra Perosio, lectuer in food industry management; and Wendi Hawkins '96, a executive master's degree student and employee, discuss online learning March 7.
Photo: Patrick Shanahan/Cornell Marketing Group

COLC began with discussions among the Academic Technologies division of Cornell Information Technologies; eCornell, the university’s for-profit online learning subsidiary; the ILR School; the School of Hotel Administration; and the School of Continuing Education and Summer Sessions. Other college units have joined. The group held its first meeting in 2015, created the Cornell Online website to inform the public about the univrsity’s  online courses in 2016 and in 2017 launched a Facebook page.

Keynote speaker Julia Thom-Levy, associate professor of physics and provost’s fellow for pedagogical innovation, cited evidence that students learn better if they are engaged in discussion or other active participation in class, rather than just sitting and absorbing information. If they can watch lectures online or do self-paced study they can be prepared to participate in the classroom. Research by the provost’s office shows that students agree, she said.

Some courses for residential students are now “blended,” combining online material with classroom work. “Cornell’s experience providing MOOCs has positioned us to better support online and blended learning,” Thom-Levy added.
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Source: Cornell Chronicle