Online learning does not need to be considered less impactful than traditional, face-to-face learning. The best online experiences are those that are motivating, flexible, realistic, supportive, collaborative, and replicate in-person activity.
Individuals working in online environments often feel disconnected from the community, and adult learners desire connection and community a great deal.
As interactive and real-time experiences continue to evolve online, instructors and trainers are able to create environments that allow students to be both self-directed and group-oriented.
In this talk, hear and see what adult online learners have to say about many of the common tools instructors and designers use to engage them in community-building and engaging experiences, as well as how to develop communities of practice in online environments.
Presenter Bio: Farah L. Vallera PhD.
Farah L. Vallera teaches instructional technology and instructional design as a Professor of Practice in Lehigh University's Teaching, Learning, and Technology graduate degree program and is a practicing instructional design consultant in higher education.
She received a Ph.D. from Lehigh University in Teaching, Learning, and Technology, where her focus was on using innovative educational technology in the design and dissemination of a STEM-integrated agricultural literacy curriculum for elementary students.
Her current teaching and research focuses on using innovative technology, instructional design principles, and multiple modalities and learning environments to engage and connect adult learners.
Additionally, she develops multicultural competence and diversity awareness course and training materials and enjoys practicing urban agriculture and volunteering as an agricultural educator for diverse audiences.
