A neophyte's venture into computerland teaching: An online GOB course

CHED 439

Catherine E. MacGowan, macgowca@mail.armstrong.edu, Department of Chemistry & Physics, Armstrong Atlantic State University, Savannah, GA 31419
E-science learning is the 21st century discourse for disseminating knowledge and promoting student learning and comprehension. Whether or not you are a fan of online science courses, E-science learning over the past decade has become a fixture at most post-secondary institution. A quick survey of the literature results in a multitude of studies and ideas extolling the virtues and sometimes weakness of the virtual learning experiences of students. But, what about the instructor's learning experiences, especially those individuals who find they are to teach an online chemistry course and who are not computer virtuosos? This presentation describes the leaning curve of one such instructor who was asked to teach a one-semester GOB (General, Organic, & Biochemistry) course on line along with its on-campus (traditional) version. Discussion will center on the development and delivery of course content, as well as the insights and lessons learned by this instructor.