Online teaching is the subject of a two-day conference sponsored by UALR’s Academy for Teaching and Learning Excellence (ATLE) Tuesday and Wednesday, April 5 and 6.

Dr. Philip A. Schmidt, Associate Provost of online-only Western Governors University will speak from 1 p.m. to 2:15 Tuesday, April 5, at the Donald W. Reynolds College of Business auditorium. He will discuss:

• Preparing people to work in clinical areas, such as teacher education and nursing, using a predominantly online curriculum
• The role of assessments in online pedagogy
• Encouraging collaboration among students using online pedagogy
• Making online programs work for universities

Schmidt earned a Ph. D. degree in mathematics and education from Syracuse University. He has had substantial experience in a variety of sponsor-funded projects in mathematics education. His administrative experience includes work as dean of a school of education as well as an associate provost. In these positions, he was responsible for retention studies, the development of new online degree programs, and technology training for prospective and in-service teachers.

His research background includes work with mathematically precocious children, problem-solving, and problem-posing, collaborative pedagogies, post-secondary developmental mathematics education, and competency-based post-secondary pedagogy. In addition, he is the author of a number of mathematics texts.

Dr. Clif Mims, coordinator of the University of Memphis Instructional Design and Technology Program, will speak from 1 to 2:15 p.m. Wednesday, April 6, in Ledbetter Hall Room A.

He will discuss:

• Why some technology initiatives have failed in the past
• Three things to know about the future
• Challenges to the “rewiring” of education

Prior to earning a Ph.D., Mims was an elementary and middle school teacher and coach. He received his doctorate in instructional technology from the University of Georgia. In addition to his role at the University of Memphis, Mims is an author, speaker and educational consultant specializing in the integration of technology with teaching and learning.

In addition to the two keynote speakers, the ATLE conference will offer morning and afternoon workshops and discussions.

ATLE is a UALR faculty organization interested in staging a rich conversation, across disciplinary lines, about pedagogical philosophy, teaching strategies, and the promotion of student learning.

Tuesday Agenda:

10-11 a.m.: How to Create an Exciting Online Experience | DSC-D

1-2:15 p.m.: Keynote Address by Philip A. Schmidt | Reynold’s College of Business Auditorium

2:30-3:30 p.m.: Encouraging Collaboration Among Students Using Online Pedagogy | DSC-D

Wednesday Agenda:

10-11 a.m. Designing and Developing Content for Online Interaction DSC-G

1-2:15 p.m. Keynote Address by Clif Mims | DSC Ledbetter Hall A

2:30-3:30 p.m.: Current Trends & Future Directions of Educational Technology | DSC-D