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Alabama Center for Research on OnLine Learning (acROLL) _________________________________________________________ The University of Alabama |
Providing education, research, and technology expertise for the
21st Century
The
University of Alabama
College of Education
302 Graves Hall, Tuscaloosa, Alabama 35487
Online Learning
Jump to:
National Center for Research on Online Learning (NCOLR)
Alabama Center for Research on On-Line Learning (ROLL)
Graduate Course Work and Assistantships Available at the University of Alabama
National
Center for Research on Online Learning (NCOLR)
The
University of Alabama, University of Idaho, NOVA/NASA University Network,
and First Step Research, with funding from the United States Department
of Education in the FIPSE Learning Anytime Anywhere Partnerships Program,
have joined in a consortium to construct, study and disseminate guidelines
for the development and evaluation of online learning environments. The NCOLR consortium encourages the best teaching, learning, and technology practices
as identified by research to enhance and deliver instruction. Educators,
scientists, engineers and computer programmers are participating in this
consortium to develop research-based strategies to more effective teaching
and learning through online pedagogy and design.
The goals of the lead institutions
in the NCOLR National Center, the University of Idaho and the University
of Alabama are to:
1)
Develop a research model effective for use in online interactive learning
environments.
2)
Design exemplary online instructional modules demonstrating effective learning.
3)
Disseminate nationally through a network of universities effective research
and development strategies for online learning.
The
intended audience of NCOLR activities includes:
1) traditional college students in undergraduate and graduate courses through web assisted and web-designed course
2) non-traditional
college students and professionals returning to school seeking a new career,
continuing development and advanced degrees 3) others
who do not have access to traditional higher education opportunities (disabled,
rural).
Alabama
Center for Research on On-Line Learning (acROLL) As
a member of ILE the Alabama Center of Research on On-Line Learning will
participate in the development, evaluation and dissemination of the research
model and exemplary online learning modules for a national audience. ROLL
involves faculty, students, and consultants from the University of Alabama
College of Education and the College of Engineering. Collaboration consists
of sharing educational, research and technical expertise and facilities
in both colleges. A
summary of tasks in the completing the overall goals include reviewing
previous research on online learning identifying
“best practices” in pedagogy in online learning designing
a model research strategy for conducting research on online learning
conducting
research and evaluation of online learning modules and courses in education,
engineering, mathematics, and science
Milestones
for completion of the goal are:
Phase
I: Develop and disseminate in conference presentations and publications
a review of the research literature of the best practices used in online
learning. Following the review a rubric will be constructed to be used
in evaluating the online strategies and design used for learning in existing
online courses and modules.
Phase
2: Develop and disseminate in conference presentations and publications
a review of the research literature of the research practices and instrumentation
used in online learning. Following the review, research model guidelines
will be developed to be used in evaluating the impact of online strategies
and design for learning.
Phase
3: Development of short online web learning modules for use
in higher educationcourses. These
modules are designed to be used on undergraduate and graduate courses in
education, engineering and science.
Phase
4 Application of the ROLL research model to determine the impact
of the best practices involved in online learning modules and courses.
Phase
5:Disseminate best online course development practices and the
online research model in summer professional development workshops and
conduct a national test of the impact of online interactive learning environments
on student outcomes. Develop and disseminate assessment instruments and
research reports in conference presentations and publications.
Graduate
Course Work and Assistantships Available at the University of Alabama
The
University of Alabama offers a selection of courses in curriculum and instruction
leading to graduate degrees at elementary, secondary and post-secondary
levels that involve the use of technology in facilitating learning. Graduate
students also have a range of professional education opportunities to fund
their education. Assistantships and part time positions are available in
teaching, supervision, curriculum development and research.
The
Alabama
Center for Research on On-Line Learning offers opportunities for undergraduate
and graduate students to get involved with a variety of online projects.
The Center began activities in spring 2000 and is involved with projects
in schools, colleges, governmental agencies, and business. The Center consists
of university faculty and graduate students with extensive experience in
teaching, development, evaluation and/or research. A sample of projects
is listed below.
Interactive
Learning Environments (ILE): U.S. Department of Education,
FIPSE Program – investigate best practices, create research models, and
develop exemplary models of online learning in science, engineering and
education.
Earth
System Science (ESS):National
Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) – evaluate and improve online
science course materials developed for elementary and middle school inservice
teachers.
NASA
Opportunities for Visionary Academics (NOVA): National
Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) - science, mathematics and
technology faculty staff development and research on teaching conducted
with over 200 universities and colleges.
The
Alabama Center for Research on On-Line Learning responds to requests from
organizations for research, professional development, planning, and development
work related to all aspects of interactive learning environments.
For
more information
Contact us at our web site, by telephone (205) 348-7010, fax (205) 348-9863, or by e-mail at dsunal@bamaed.ua.edu. Our mail address is, Alabama Center for Research on On-Line Learning, 302 Graves Hall, The University of Alabama, Box 870232, Tuscaloosa, AL, 35487-0232.
Visit our Home Page at http://www.bamaed.ua.edu/sciteach/acROLL