Ep 27 - Online Learning in a Global Society

This week’s episode is an online learning extravaganza! This year marks the 10th anniversary of the Master of Educational Technology (MET) program, so we have to mark the special occasion. Jenny’s back, Dave gives some 10-year statistics for the MET program (did you know that basically everybody on the planet has at least asked about taking the program at some point? Is that too much hyperbole?), and Jenny gives some great information about the Faculty of Education Walkabout fitness challenge that starts at the end of the month.

In addition to all of that, we have two great interviews for you.

First, Dave speaks with Yael Tagerud (Linnaeus University in Sweden) and Leah Macfadyen (UBC Faculty of Arts),  who are designing an elective course called “Culture and Communication in Virtual Learning Environments” for the MET program.

Leah and Yael each express their own experiences in multicultural settings through their personal and educational backgrounds.

Leah provides a glimpse into her research and practice around ways in which culturally diverse students interact with online learning environments, and Yael shares how she has become a pioneer in delivering online learning.

The two describe their friendship and academic collaborations, and what they’ve both brought to this new online course about culture, communication and web-based learning in a global society.

Next on the show, Dave reconnects with Tony Bates, a founder of the Master in Educational Technology (MET) program, and a respected advocate for online learning in Canada. Their discussion provides a retrospective look at the MET program’s origins and evolution through its ten years of existence. Tony offers insight into the process of developing online and international academic programs, and considers the growth of online learning over the next several years.

All of this and not a zombie reference to be heard. But the year is still young.

We’d love your feedback on anything. Period. Who knows? Maybe it will even get read on the air. Email us at [e-mail]

Just a note that the views expressed in the podcast are those of the hosts, and not necessarily the views of either EPLT or the Faculty of Education at UBC.

Down the Hall – Episode 27  (50:39) – January 20, 2012

Segments:

00:11 – Introduction

07:17 - Interview 1 - Culture & Communication in Virtual Learning Environments

Interview with Yael Tagerud & Leah Macfadyen

24:59 - Interview 2 – MET and the Future of Online Learning

Interview with Tony Bates

46:44 – What’s Happening in EPLT

To access all of the links mentioned in the podcast, please go to our blog page.

Credits:

Our theme  music: “The Pharaos Theme” by The Pharaos through a Creative Commons license

Bumper music:

Selection 1: “Another World” by Butterfly Tea

Selection 2: “Spanish Samba 2″ by Oursvince

Selection 3: “Coconut Speculation” by Briovere Buffentis

All selections thanks to Creative Commons licensing.

Next episode will be posted on February 3, 2012