Advanced Online Teaching Techniques (AOTT)

This course is open to anyone who teaches online or has completed OTB1 and OTB2. AOTT is a 5-week course that allows the participant to examine/research an online teaching technique in more depth. The topic selected should be one that you would like to use to improve an online course by researching the current effective/best practices in online teaching for this area. Here are some areas to consider: accessibility, assessments, community building, content interaction, discussions, engagement, feedback, grading, group work, inclusion, lectures, motivation, time management, etc.

Each participant will produce a final presentation that includes the problem statement, learning objectives, annotated bibliography, abstract, solution to problem. A recording of the presentation and a pdf will be archived and shared with Rowan Faculty. 

2023 participants (links to work coming soon):

Whitney Cox, Philosophy & World Religions

“Universal Design in Online Courses for Tired People Who also Can’t Change Much”

Mala Jayatilleke, Biological and Biomedical Sciences

“Inclusion: Helping Students Succeed”

Stephanie Kidd, Professional Staff SOM

“Myths about Time Management”

Frank Penick, Educational Leadership

“Creating Authentically Engaging Lectures”

Karyn Tappe, Psychology,

“Instructor Communication in Online Courses”

Ashley York, Geography, Planning and Sustainability

"Finding a Balance: Lending a Helping Hand vs Hand-holding for Problem-solving Skill Development in GIS”

2022 participants and links to their work:

Tiruayer Battle, Professional Staff, School of Osteopathic Medicine, Summer 2022

Improving Time Management for Online Learners - recording and pdf

Problem: Online asynchronous education gives students control over their learning
experience and allows for flexibility of study schedules for non-traditional students; however, this places a greater responsibility on the student. In order to successfully participate in an online program, students must be well organized, self-motivated, and possess time management skills in order to keep up with the pace of the course. What time management tips will help students do better on online courses?

Richmond Carlton, Psychology, College of Science & Mathematics, Summer 2022 

Incorporating Information Literacy into Online Courses - recording and pdf

Problem: In recent years, the way that information is shared online has changed dramatically as more and more online users have become creators, rather than simply consumers, of information. This has led to a rapid increase in false and/or misleading information available online thorough social media, AI-driven algorithms on search engines, and a seemingly overwhelming amount of information available on the internet. College students are keenly aware of these challenges, but many college courses do not discuss or acknowledge this modern digital landscape in formal assignments, or focus only on older methods of verifying information in assignments.

Shweta Gupta, International Center Rowan University, Summer 2022

Community Building In Online Classroom - recording, Jamboard, infographic, and pdf

Problem: Online learning may be an isolating experience, and is especially counter-productive in a foreign language learning course. This research aims to discover strategies and tools for Community Building, with the goal to inspire motivation and promote inclusion among students. A positive and caring class community promotes respect for diversity and raises the level of academic achievement when students are motivated to learn with the teacher and each other.

Amanda Haruch, Writing Arts, Edelman College of Communication & Creative Arts, Summer 2022

Rethinking the Discussion Board - recording and Canva

Problem: Despite discussion boards being important to establishing community in an online classroom, many students do not find discussion boards rewarding, and many students either complete them right before they are due, or fail to complete them at all.