RRU and UNBC receive funding to design course for educators

RRU and the University of Northern British Columbia are collaborating on the design of a 12-week online pilot scheduled for launch in 2012.

The course will teach instructors at the post-secondary level how to use synchronous learning tools.

Synchronous learning tools include web-based conferencing, video-conferencing, live-blogging, chat tools, whiteboard sharing and online breakout rooms.

They are tools that are growing in importance because they allow instructors to interact and engage with students - and students to interact with each other - in real-time regardless of distances that might separate them.

"Right now, there are very few resources available for faculty members who want to learn how to use technologies that facilitate real-time, online learning," says Doug Hamilton, chair of faculty development in the Centre for Teaching and Educational Technologies at RRU.

Read the full story in the current issue of InRoads, RRU's online alumni magazine distributed 10 times annually to learners, staff, faculty, associate faculty and alumni.