24th Annual TCC | Online Conference | April 16-18, 2019

Sustainable Learning, Accessible Technologies, & Diverse Contexts

tcconline2019

Learning through Virtual Reality and 360-Degree Video on YouTube: Possibilities and Pitfalls

Session Description
In 2015, YouTube announced support for virtual reality (VR) and 360-degree video. This made it easier for almost anyone to try out the VR experience through easy-to-use and affordable technologies. Users can now interact with 360-degree videos using a computer mouse or mobile device to explore an omnidirectional view instead of the constrained view of traditional video. The addition of a VR headset adds depth to the video making the experience feel more immersive. The question is, what are the possibilities and pitfalls for this newer form of YouTube video in education? Excitement has started to build as the genre has been explored to create a sense of immersion or presence, to promote new or alternative perspectives, to create virtual tours, or to engage the viewer in an immersive storytelling experience. At the same time, some people experience problems with motion sickness, discomfort, or disorientation when using 360-degree video in VR mode. Issues of accessibility are also a concern for some users who depend on captions or audio descriptions to access video content. It is an exciting new form of YouTube video with pros and cons to consider.

The goals for this session are to discuss:

  • Emerging trends in the research literature for 360-degree video as it pertains to educational use.
  • Benefits and disadvantages of 360-degree video with or without VR enhancements.
  • Popular types of 360-degree videos and their potential value in education.
  • Challenges to consider when using 360-degree VR video as part of the learning experience.
Presenter(s)
Chareen Snelson
Chareen Snelson, Boise State University, Boise, Idaho, USA
Dr. Snelson is an Associate Professor and Associate Chair in the Department of Educational Technology at Boise State University. She has designed and taught online graduate-level courses for more than a decade and currently serves as program coordinator for an online master’s degree program and three online graduate certificate programs. Her scholarly activity centers on YouTube, online video, technology integration, qualitative social media research, and online education.
Session Type
20-Minute Session
Audience
All Audiences

A recording of this presentation is available.
Click the button to the right to access the session archive.

Access/download any related materials/handouts
from this session by clicking the button on the right.

New Degrees of Opportunity at Open College: Addressing the Needs of Today’s Learners

Session Description
Today’s learners need flexible, cost-efficient ways to increase knowledge, enhance skills, or complete a college degree. The rising cost of college tuition coupled with the demands of work/life balance challenge many individuals seeking advanced education. As such, higher education administrators need to identify new approaches to learning and higher education that address these barriers. This presentation addresses the following question: “How do institutions of higher education address the needs of flexible, cost-efficient education for today’s adult learners?” Topics include: An overview of Open College at Purdue University Global, open degree programs, and PLA (Prior Learning Assessment) course efforts.
Presenter(s)
Carolyn Stevenson
Carolyn Stevenson, School of General Education, Purdue University Global, Chicago, USA
Elizabeth Daniels
Elizabeth Daniels, School of General Education, Purdue University Global, Michigan, USA
Kerrie Houchens
Kerrie Houchens, School of General Education, Purdue University Global, Florida, USA
Session Type
20-Minute Session
Audience
All Audiences

A recording of this presentation is available.
Click the button to the right to access the session archive.

Access/download any related materials/handouts
from this session by clicking the button on the right.

Creating a sense of community outside the classroom for online college students

Session Description
Online college students often struggle with issues related to isolation based on the inherent nature of online courses. There is extensive research on strategies to help create engagement within the online classroom to help students feel more connected. However, there is limited research on what can be done by faculty, in addition to the academic activity in the online classroom, to help their students feel connected and enhance the learning experience. Research indicates that education outside the online classroom and creating engagement opportunities beyond the classroom are essential to ensure growth for online students throughout their college career (Chapman, 2016).
The goal of this presentation will be to discuss and elicit participant interaction based on the following questions:

  1. What is the importance of creating a sense of community for online students outside of the classroom?
  2. What methods can be used to create this sense of community?
  3. What social media outlets are best suited for engaging online students outside of the classroom and what are the implications?

As part of this discussion, the authors will share some specific options for connection opportunities that faculty could incorporate, such as Facebook groups and an accountability partner program. In addition to faculty-initiated programs, they will discuss other strategies which could be part of a University-wide program including group study sessions, alumni mentoring programs, and internal avenues for networking and group discussions. As Full-Time Faculty at one of the largest distance education universities in the United States, the authors have researched this topic as part of an action research project connected to implementing opportunities for students to connect and engage outside of the online classroom.

Presenter(s)
Tracy Crawford
Tracy Crawford, University of Phoenix, Carlsbad, CA, USA
Tracy Crawford earned a Bachelor of Arts in Business at Illinois Wesleyan University in 1996. She also has a Master’s degree in Education – Curriculum & Instruction/Adult Education Distance Learning and completed a Post-Baccalaureate Teacher Education Program, where she earned her Elementary teaching certificate and English as a Second Language endorsement. Tracy taught at the Elementary level for several years before transitioning into higher education and has now been in the field of Higher Education for 15 years. Currently, Tracy is a full-time faculty member at University of Phoenix in the College of General Studies teaching a foundational skills for college success course and critical thinking for Associates and Bachelors students. Tracy also facilitates faculty trainings for the University of Phoenix.
Jennifer Romano
Jennifer Romano, University of Phoenix, Daphne, AL, USA
Jennifer Romano is a graduate of Auburn University, receiving her Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts in Mass Communication. Upon graduating she became an adjunct professor at The University of South Alabama in Mobile, Alabama, followed by a full time instructor at Faulkner State Community College (now Coastal Community College) in Gulf Shores, Alabama. She taught communication and public speaking courses at both colleges. Then in 2007 Jennifer became a full time faculty member at Huntingdon College in Montgomery, Alabama, followed by Herzing University in Birmingham, Alabama; she was an instructor of mass communication, public speaking and humanities course. In 2013 Jennifer became a full time faculty member at University of Phoenix, where she is currently working as a full time instructor of General Studies and Humanities (critical thinking) courses. She has over 15 years of experience with online instruction and LOVES being an instructor at University of Phoenix!
Lauren Critchley
Lauren Critchley, University of Phoenix, Bonaire, GA, USA
Lauren Critchley earned her Bachelor of Arts in English at Brigham Young University in 1994 and her Master of Arts in English at University of North Florida (UNF) in 1997. While completing graduate school at UNF, Lauren taught developmental reading and writing at Florida Gateway College in Lake City, Florida. After graduating from UNF, Lauren accepted a full-time faculty position at the University of West Georgia. Lauren has since taught writing, speech, reading, and literature courses at Richland Community College in Illinois, Roane State Community College in Tennessee, and Brigham Young University in Idaho. In 2013, Lauren accepted a full-time teaching position with University of Phoenix where she currently teaches introductory writing courses along with college skills and critical thinking courses. Lauren has over 20 years of experience teaching in higher education with 8 of those years in online education.
Session Type
20-Minute Session
Audience
All Audiences

A recording of this presentation is available.
Click the button to the right to access the session archive.

Ready to access this session?
If you are here at the scheduled time of this event, you may…

Access/download any related materials/handouts
from this session by clicking the button on the right.

Discovering the Zen Leader Within

Session Description
This presentation sets the goals for us to discover the leader in us through the simple and practical principles taught in Zen Buddhism. The Zen leader follows the principles below. Through conversation and exercises we will discover these principles, how they affect our lives, and how we can practice them mindfully each and every day to help us become the leader we desire to be.

The participants will discover how the Six Paramitas enhance their development as great leaders: Generosity, morality, patience, diligence, meditation, and wisdom.

Presenter(s)
Kathleen Shokai Bishop
Kathleen Shokai Bishop, Purdue University Global, online program, USA
I graduated many years ago with a degree in English Literature and since there were not many jobs in that field I went to work in the local hospital and went back to school to earn a Masters Degree in Health Administration. After years working in various areas of health administration I got hired by Purdue/Kaplan to teach medical transcription. Thus for the past 14 years I’ve been teaching in this area. Two years ago I wrote the curriculum for Palm Beach State College for three courses in medical transcription/scribe certifications. I am currently teaching that at PBSC.
Session Type
20-Minute Session
Audience
All Audiences

A recording of this presentation is available.
Click the button to the right to access the session archive.

Access/download any related materials/handouts
from this session by clicking the button on the right.

Integrating The Tenets of Conscious Capitalism Into the Virtual Classroom and the Boardroom

Session Description
In an increasingly interconnected world, business leaders need to examine expansion opportunities from both a business cultural match as well as a societal cultural match. Understanding the differences and similarities of business and government, as organizational entities with the added complexity of differing cultures is a valuable lesson for both students, (who are the basis for the talent pool needed by successful corporations), and business leaders who are trying to lead conscious capitalist companies.

If we can view the Conscious Capitalism model through the lens of government, which regulates business models in most countries, it will provide new levels of understanding which can help determine how and if the business leader wants to move forward with this relationship. Increased understanding of how the tenets of Conscious Capitalism can be applied more broadly when seeking out strategic partners or merger opportunities can aid in growth strategy success.

The core of this interactive presentation will be based on an assignment that has been developed for the Purdue University Global (PUG) MBA program capstone course but is applicable to all levels of business. PUG students are adult learners, many of whom do business internationally, may have positions of managerial responsibility and may be in the military oftentimes in leadership roles. This classroom project is meant to encourage out of the box thinking in working with different cultures and is useful both in the classroom as well as the boardroom. The course integrates the Conscious Capitalism model using a business simulation, entitled Conscious Capitalism, a collaborative effort between the Conscious Capitalism, Inc., and the makers of Marketplace simulations.

Presenter(s)
Ilene Ringler
Ilene Ringler, Purdue University Global, Chicago, USA
Dr. Ilene Ringler has over thirty years of business experience in both internal and external consulting roles supporting leading edge organizations such as Bose, Fidelity Investments, Oracle, and Envoy Airlines. As full-time MBA faculty at Purdue University Global, she works with leaders worldwide to help them achieve their growth goals.

Dr. Ilene and her strategic partners work with leaders to apply the power of leadership values for maximum organizational growth and effectiveness opportunities. Leader values are the bedrock of the business’ future. Differentiating the business through values clarification is one way to provide a foundation for targeted and focused growth. Ilene Ringler Associates values-based process for organization effectiveness will result in:

  • Vertical and horizontal alignment of vision, mission, strategic plan and culture,
  • Cost effective and efficient practices for talent recruitment, high potential identification, and employee retention strategies,
  • Focused performance management processes,
  • Organization specific training and development plans,
  • Targeted rewards and recognition programs, and,
  • Successful strategic partnership relationships.
Session Type
45-Minute Interactive Session
Audience
All Audiences

A recording of this presentation is available.
Click the button to the right to access the session archive.

Access/download any related materials/handouts
from this session by clicking the button on the right.