LTAs To Make Student Learning Visible in Web-Based Classes: CATs

A TLT Group On-Line Workshop Co-Sponsored by POD Network

Tuesdays, December 4, 11, and 18, 2007 12, at 3;00- 4:00 pm EDT

Leaders: Barbara Millis, University of  Nevada Reno;
Doug Eder, University of North Florida, and
Ray Purdom, University of North Carolina, Greensboro

A student's furrowed brow, the hesitatingly raised hand, one student leaning over to whisper into the ear of someone in the next row --- these potentially useful signals are absent in most forms of distance education.  Faculty members who teach primarily via the Web often miss face-to-face (F2F) communication and feedback. Nevertheless, proxies for these behaviors are available in the form of Low Threshold Application (LTAs) techniques, which are surprisingly sophisticated in design and yet easy to prepare and use. These assessment methods, which are also appropriate for face-to-face situations, make student learning visible even with distant learners. This three-part series of on-line sessions will engage participants in learning and designing assessment LTAs for immediate use.

This workshop is based in part on two important books;  How People Learn: Brain, Mind, Experience and School, edited by J.D. Bransford, A.L. Brown, and R.R. Cocking, and Classroom Assessment Techniques: A Handbook for College Teachers, Second Edition by Thomas A. Angelo and Patricia Cross. Use of the principles found in these volumes can improve teaching and learning at all levels, K-20. 

All of the TLT Group’s online offerings include use of “low threshold” tools, examination of controversial issues, options for participants with a range of experience, and suggestions for assessment as you integrate what you’ve learned into your repertoire. 
For information about how TLT events are different from most others, click HERE 
For information about this and other TLT Group workshop, click HERE. 

Participants for this workshop should sign-in 15 minutes early for tech instructions and to meet others in the group; they also have the option of remaining online for a half-hour follow-up discussion immediately after the workshop. (Check to see if this is true for this workshop).

The price of registration for the workshop includes all three sessions, access to all resources, and access to the discussion forum.  Click HERE to register for this three-part workshop.   

If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to contact Lisa Star or Sally Gilbert.