Moving to Online: Making the Transition from Traditional Instruction and Communication Strategies

Today′s Digital Generation appears to come fully plugged in and ready to interact with the amazing flow of information on the World Wide Web. When it comes to utilizing all that the Web offers, educators, trainers, and administrators often say they are running to catch up to their students. Brewer, DeJonge, and Stout present a framework and specific techniques to help prepare instructors for teaching online at any level―middle school, high school, college, or the workplace.

The authors provide general guidelines, conceptual analysis, and practical tips about instructional practice online. Whether used by neophyte or experienced Web users, this book offers a big-picture approach and the orientation and perspective needed for teachers, trainers, and instructors to make the transition to Web-based instruction.

Highlights of this book include:

• Historical perspective of online learning
• Transitioning from traditional classroom to online instruction
• Content delivery methods: lecture, demonstration, and panel
• Interaction methods: group discussion and questioning
• Application methods: role-playing, case study, and simulation

Helpful planning and evaluation sheets are included at the end of each chapter to assist the classroom practitioner in using the techniques included in this book. This is an essential resource guide for any teacher, instructor, or administrator who is concerned about riding the breaking wave of online instruction.

Ernest W. Brewer is Professor and Principal Investigator/Director in the Department of Human Resource Development and Department Head of Child and Family Studies at The University of Tennessee, Knoxville (UTK). He is currently servinig as the Principal Investigator/Project Director of six federally funded grants.