What you need to know before you begin: How to implement virtual and remote labs in fall courses.
VIRTUAL TRAINING
Overview
Virtual labs and remote lab kits will become a reality for many faculty and instructors in the fall. Implementing these can be key to ensuring quality online education and retaining students. However, you may be new to online formats and searching for resources on how to begin. You may be asking:
- What types of remote or virtual labs are available?
- What are the pros and cons of each?
- What is the process for implementing each type of lab into my courses?
- What are some pitfalls to look out for?
- Should I create them myself or use a vendor?
- What are some tips for working with vendors?
Join us for a virtual training and dialogue on what you need to know before you begin, as well as tips and strategies for seamless implementation. Dr. Heather Taft from Colorado State University Global will use examples from the sciences to reveal the process of incorporating virtual labs, simulations, and lab kits into your courses. She will also offer individual consulting to those who have further questions and want to address the unique context of their own courses.
Though the considerations in this workshop apply to course planning across various disciplines, we will dive deep into considerations for science labs.
Who Should Attend
If you are looking to explore implementing virtual labs or lab kits in your courses, this training is for you. Faculty and instructors, as well as leaders in centers for teaching & learning, faculty affairs, and online education, will benefit the most from this training. Leaders who support faculty and instructors in implementing labs may also be interested in the content.
The Academic Impressions Online Learning Experience
Intentionally Designed
Online Learning
Our virtual trainings go far beyond just replicating PowerPoint presentations online: these experiences are intentionally designed to give you the kind of robust and dynamic learning experience you’ve come to expect from Academic Impressions. These trainings provide you with an active learning environment and an online space where you can explore ideas, get inspired by what your peers are doing, and understand the range of possibilities around a certain topic. You will leave these sessions with practical solutions that you can take back to your team or task force.
What you will get:
- A dynamic, interactive, and high-touch virtual learning experience designed to engage and set you up for growth
- Seamless online face-time, networking, group work, and Q&A opportunities from the comfort of your own workspace
- Practical takeaways and hands-on knowledge
- Guidance from vetted subject matter experts
- Unlimited access to all recorded online sessions
AGENDA
1:00 - 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time
1:00 – 2:00 p.m.
Learn what information you need to collect before you begin the process of incorporating virtual and remote labs into your courses:
- Gathering necessary information from your department chair
- Outlining your course and lab learning objectives
- What to know about your LMS
2:00 – 2:30 p.m.
Our faculty will dive deeper into the pros and cons and specific considerations for each type of lab option:
- Instructor-created labs
- Lab kits
- Virtual labs and simulations
2:30 – 3:15 p.m.
You will choose a course and lab type, divide into small groups, and practice the process of planning your labs using a detailed worksheet. At the end of our practice, we will gather as a group for a debrief and Q&A.
3:15 – 4:00 p.m.
We invite you to sign up for a brief individual consulting session with Dr. Heather Taft to answer any remaining questions and address the unique context of your own courses.
SPEAKER
Heather Taft, Ph.D.
Former Lead Faculty of Natural and Physical Sciences, Colorado State University Global Campus
She has been creating and teaching entirely online biology courses since 2015. As Lead Faculty she oversaw the creation, revision, and maintenance of biology, geology, physics, and chemistry courses, many of which incorporate laboratory components. She also helped oversee the design of courses in CSU Global's new pre-nursing program. Dr. Taft holds a Master's degree in Education focused on online science education, and a Graduate Certificate in E-learning and Online Teaching.