The Learning Lab experience is supported by both asynchronous and synchronous components. Each Learning Lab sequence includes a set of resources, an asynchronous discussion, and an interactive live session, all of which culminate in the development of a project or application to apply learning to local and specific contexts in support of the learning objectives.
Schedule
Pre-Lab
The first two days of this Learning Lab will give you an opportunity to introduce yourself and meet your facilitators and colleagues. You will also gain access to specific resources on the foundation of the Community of Inquiry (COI) model.
Session 1 | Learning Lab Launch
August 9, 2021, 3:00–4:00 p.m. ET
This is a live session to learn about the details of the Learning Lab, the Canvas site, and expectations for the microcredential. There will also be additional time to get to know your fellow lab partners and facilitators!
Session 2 | Sequence 1: Humanizing the Learning Experience
August 11, 2021, 3:00–4:15 p.m. ET
What does it mean to be human in a technological setting? How can you develop your authentic self in an online classroom? In this first sequence, we will be focusing on the theory and practice of teaching presence. You’ll have the opportunity to create your own welcome video for your online students and meet in the live session to take a deeper dive into the intersection of teaching and social presence.
Session 3 | Sequence 2: Instructional Strategies to Support Connection and Community
August 18, 2021, 3:00–4:15 p.m. ET
Social and cognitive learning occurs through real-world experiences. What types of instructional strategies are you using to support your course design, your online curriculum goals, and the classroom community? In this session, you’ll have the chance to evaluate your current instructional strategies and look for ways to enhance the online experiences of your learners.
Session 4 | Application and Closure: The Missing Link: Emotional Presence
August 25, 2021, 3:00–4:15 p.m. ET
The Learning Lab will conclude with a discussion about the ways a lack of online social interaction and emotional support can inhibit learning and cognition. We will also take some time to share the application or project activity (described below) and review and process the learning from the lab.
Lab Application Project
To earn your microcredential, choose from one of the application projects below. Select an activity that is most meaningful for your professional learning, context, and goals. Share about your project, and engage with your colleagues on theirs.
- Research and Respond: Take a deeper dive into the Community of Inquiry and develop a mini-literature review. Describe how your findings will support your practices around humanizing the online classroom.
- Plan and Create: Create or enhance a learning activity that increases cognitive presence in a course you teach. Touch upon how teaching, social, and emotional presence will be integrated to support cognitive presence.
- Share Your Learning: Create a plan for a professional development learning experience based on what you learned in this lab.
Earn the Microcredential
Each registered participant will complete various activities that apply concepts and strategies introduced in the Lab that support the learning objectives. You’ll receive feedback and constructive critique from the facilitator(s) on how to improve and shape your work. Those who successfully complete required activities will receive an EDUCAUSE digital microcredential recognizing their accomplishment.
