11056

11056

General Session - Conference Presentation Only (no formal paper)

Experience as the Foundation for Authentic Learning Online
Holly McCracken, Capella University, Minneapolis, MN, USA, holly.mccracken@capella.edu Kathy L. Guthrie, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, USA, kguthrie@fsu.edu

Creating virtual classrooms in which diverse, geographically dispersed students feel welcomed to discuss topics related to experiential learning is a study in the value of connectedness, collaboration, and participatory action. Through a combination of technologies, pedagogies, and on-site experiences virtual cultures develop that encourage the formation of demanding, yet stimulating learning environments in which communications and interactions have the potential to be intellectually transformative. This general session includes a review of best practices currently used to create positive online learning environments including practical strategies educators can implement in order to facilitate such experiences with students studying within blended (or hybrid) learning environments.

The workshop will illustrate the capacity for intentionally constructed instructional experiences that combine online coursework with community-based placements to enable personal, academic and professional growth resulting in skills that support lifelong learning. The ensuing discussion will provide educators with pedagogical alternatives to facilitate change in teaching practice by introducing strategies related to experiential education as instructed through the use of technologies. Associated instructional approaches will include developing authentic teaching to promote transformative learning, encouraging learning autonomy through structured reflection and critical inquiry, facilitating dialogue through continuous collaboration, exploring diversity and multiculturalism, and, integrating learning situated in experience through the use of multiple media. Such approaches occur within the curricular framework of applied internships, service-learning, leadership, and continuing and workforce education; additionally, a process for prior learning assessment enables students with extensive professional experiences to substantiate them through a web-based system that leads to the generation of academic credit.

All Audiences experiential learning, online learning, blended and hybrid learning