Innovative Techniques for Teaching a Hands-On Lab Course Over the Internet
Dec. 15, 2009 - 2:00pm-3:00pm Eastern Time
Presenter: Jennifer A. Herzog, Assistant Professor of Biology, Herkimer County Community College

A stumbling block for offering entire degree programs online is the requirement that students complete at least one lab science course to graduate. In response, Jennifer Herzog developed an online general biology course for non-science majors taught with an accompanying hands-on laboratory component. This course is completely asynchronous, and open to traditional and non-traditional students. She devised several methods for conveying the on-campus learning environment over the Internet. For the course's lecture section, she uses movies, novels, TV shows and interactive Web sites to reinforce concepts and principles, while students analyze current biological issues by threaded discussions. Students purchase a Lab Paq lab kit and manual from a company called Hands-On Labs so that they can perform hands-on experiments at home. Course assessment is built directly into the modules: students can use online office hours, question and “talk to the professor” areas to provide instant feedback on activities, examinations and Herzog's teaching methods. Students provide more in-depth responses through a culminating activity in a questionnaire format.

Registrants: Click on the key icon on the left to access the presentation materials for this webinar. ITC members can log in using your username, otherwise just log in as a "guest." Scroll to the bottom of the page, enter the enrollment key you received from us via e-mail after you registered, and click "enroll me in this workshop." If you would like to register for this webinar, fill out our online registration form. If you have any questions, need assistance, or would like more information, please e-mail Danielle Perry or call 202-293-3132.