College Reading and Learning Association Videoconference

Videoconference Brings College Reading and Learning Association Together for a Workshop on Web-Based Instruction

On April 18th, 1997, Pacific Bell's Education First collaborated with San Diego City College's Karen Lim to produce a day-long workshop on Web-based Instruction for the College Reading and Learning Association (CRLA). The workshop was a dynamic combination of interactive learning via multipoint videoconferencing and hands-on instruction at individual sites. San Diego State University, West Valley College and Los Angeles Harbor College were all on board for this successful event.

Education First Fellow Tom March kicked off the workshop with a presentation called The Web for Educators: Resources for Making the Most of the Web. He discussed educational resources on the Web and how to make the most of them, then wrapped up with a brief on-line demonstration. Tom also took questions from enthusiastic CRLA members at each site.

"It's not about the technology, it's about the people and the learning." - Tom March

Next came an informative and engaging panel discussion on the "Hows and Why's" of Online Instruction by experienced computer-using educators. Carol Pottorff of American River College, Rosemary Arca of Foothill College, Ann Roberts of Mission College, John Tagg of Palomar College, and Donn Ritchie and Bob Hoffman of San Diego State discussed meaningful applications of technology in higher education. A lively question and answer session concluded the videoconference section of the workshop.

"The biggest drawback to most web-based courses is the lack of active learning by students." - Don Ritchie

"A virtual environment helps students understand what you're expecting of them and how they can learn." - Bob Hoffman

In the afternoon, CRLA members at each of the participating sites attended hands-on workshops and used Filamentality to create their own Web learning activities.

Last revised June 4, 1997
By Kendra Sheldon,