Three Examples of Interactive Syllabi (Designed with Open Educational Resources from a University Library)

Last week, I had the opportunity to present at the Open Education Conference. It was virtual and the content was definitely interesting! 

My session was held on Monday, October 18 • 3:45pm - 4:25pm and it was titled, "Designing an Interactive OER Syllabus as an Equitable Practice". 

During the session, I talked about my interactive OER syllabus and I had the opportunity to network with some amazing colleagues. One of the amazing faculty members from my institution attended as well - shout out to Dr. Trina Geye!

I am passionate about open educational resources and I like fact that OERs can save students money. This is very important for our Texas college students. Open Educational Resources are equitable resources!

Here are the notes from the presentation:

I know some of you are wondering WHY I incorporate OERs instead of textbooks for my courses.... This is why...

• Day-One Access/No-Cost (Equitable)
• Easier for the Student
• Mobile Access
• Linkable to Canvas
• Easier for the Professor (Updates/Changes)

I always emphasize partnering with the library to find additional educational resources. Here are some starting points!

• Podcast Links
• Guides from Prior Semesters (Student Approved Work)
• YouTube Videos
• Database Article Links
• E-Books
• Lib Guides

As you transition from semester-to-semester, I always recommend this checklist for "refreshing" your OER syllabus:

• Check Your Links
• Check for More Relevant Resources
• Develop a Pre and Post Semester Checklist
• Integrate Your OER Endeavors with Research

In fact, here's a copy of my OER syllabi:

Fundamentals of Human Communication (COMM 1311) - Open Educational Resources Syllabus

Intercultural Communication (COMM 3332) - Open Educational Resources Syllabus

Organizational Communication (COMM 4304) - Open Educational Resources Syllabus

I also design a syllabus and Canvas tour for my students to help them become more familiar with the content.

Students in my classes (both graduate and undergraduate students) REALLY enjoy the free resources and they are also "more up-to-date" than a traditional textbook.

Have any questions about OERs? Contact me.

***

Enjoy!

Check out my book - Retaining College Students Using Technology: A Guidebook for Student Affairs and Academic Affairs Professionals.

Remember to order copies for your team as well!

Interested in a specific student success topic or do you need a speaker for an upcoming conference? Contact me via direct message on Twitter or join our Student Success and Retention Institute - Learning Community on Facebook!

Thanks for visiting! 

Sincerely,

Dr. Jennifer T. Edwards
Professor of Communication

Executive Director of the Texas Social Media Research Institute & Rural Communication Institute

My Social Media Channels!
Remember to Follow Me on Twitter! @drjtedwards
I Always Post Higher Education Videos on YouTube
Find Me on Instagram
Engage with Me on Facebook!
Watch My Videos on Twitter Live - http://www.periscope.com/drjtedwards/
Email Me! I am PR Friendly! - jennifertedwards@gmail.com

Teaching Computer-Mediated Communication Online - Course Navigation Video

This semester, I am teaching Computer-Mediated Communication (COMM 5312) for the Communication Studies department! I am VERY excited about teaching this course! 

Here's the course description and learning outcomes:

Course Description: (3 Credits) - This graduate course provides a historical and futuristic perspective on the creation of the internet and computer-mediated communication. Students in the course will examine and critique scholarly research articles focused on a variety of computer-mediated communication contexts (i.e. - blogs, social networking websites, video chat, etc.) 

Book 1 - Costa, E., Miller, D., Haynes, N., McDonald, T., Nicolescu, R., Sinanan, J., Spyer, J., Venkatraman, S., & Wang, X. (2016, February, 29). How The World Changed Social Media, London: UCL Press. (Free E-Book!!!!!) 

At the conclusion of the course, the student will be able to...

At the conclusion of the course, the student will be able to...

A. Knowledge Outcomes

- describe the history of computer-mediated communication 

- describe a social and technical understanding of computer-mediated communication and its social and technical effects in different contexts of use

skill in summarizing and synthesizing concepts from published scholarship

B. Skill Outcomes

- demonstrate familiarity with different modes of computer-mediated communication

- project the future and potential impacts of computer-mediated communication

- apply theories and concepts from the course to computer-mediated communication case studies and in informal consulting situations.

Each week has a different learning outcome and a different reading for the week (Open Education Resources and Library Article links of course!

Each semester, I also make a course navigation video. here it is!

Interested in a specific student success topic or do you need a speaker for an upcoming conference? Contact me via direct message on Twitter or join our Student Success Communication and Technology Institute on Facebook!

Thanks for visiting! 

Sincerely,

Dr. Jennifer T. Edwards
Higher Education Speaker and Researcher

My Social Media Channels!
Remember to Follow Me on Twitter! @drjtedwards
I Always Post Higher Education Videos on YouTube
Find Me on Instagram
Engage with Me on Facebook!
Watch My Videos on Twitter Live - http://www.periscope.com/drjtedwards/
Email Me! I am PR Friendly! - jennifertedwards@gmail.com
My Research Interests: Customer Service and Social Media, Higher Education Retention, and Millennials at Work

Teaching Organizational Communication Online - Course Navigation Video

This semester, I am teaching Organizational Communication (COMM 4304) for the Communication Studies department! I am VERY excited about teaching this course! 

Here's the course description and learning outcomes:

Course Description: (3 Credits) - Course Description: (3 Credits) - An advanced study of communication as it takes place in business and industrial settings. Special attention will be given to managerial communication, communicator style, channels and networks, and organizational communication consulting.

At the conclusion of the course, the student will be able to...

A. Knowledge Outcomes

- understand the importance of networks with organizations. (Wk 11)

- understand how organizational culture is developed. (Wk 4)

- how small groups work within an organization. (Wk 12)

- understand how communication problems are diagnosed and solved within organizations. (Wk 10)

- know how communication styles impact organizational communication. (Wk 8)

B. Skill Outcomes

- a communication audit of an organization. (Wk 10)

- trace communication through a network. (Wk 8)

- construct work teams within an organization. (Wk 12)

Each week has a different learning outcome and a different reading for the week (Open Education Resources and Library Article links of course!

Each semester, I also make a course navigation video. here it is!

Interested in a specific student success topic or do you need a speaker for an upcoming conference? Contact me via direct message on Twitter or join our Student Success Communication and Technology Institute on Facebook!

Thanks for visiting! 

Sincerely,

Dr. Jennifer T. Edwards
Higher Education Speaker and Researcher

My Social Media Channels!
Remember to Follow Me on Twitter! @drjtedwards
I Always Post Higher Education Videos on YouTube
Find Me on Instagram
Engage with Me on Facebook!
Watch My Videos on Twitter Live - http://www.periscope.com/drjtedwards/
Email Me! I am PR Friendly! - jennifertedwards@gmail.com
My Research Interests: Customer Service and Social Media, Higher Education Retention, and Millennials at Work

Teaching Intercultural Communication Online - Course Navigation Video

This semester, I am teaching Intercultural Communication (COMM 3332) for the Communication Studies department! I am VERY excited about teaching this course! 

Here's the course description and learning outcomes:

Course Description: (3 Credits) -  A study of intercultural communication theories and  how they shape interpersonal, small group, and public interactions. Students will observe, participate, and analyze intercultural interactions on campus and in the community.

At the conclusion of the course, the student will be able to...

A. Knowledge Outcomes

Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:

 Students will understand the similarities and differences of cultural and societal groups living in the United States.

 Students will recognize cultural similarities and differences in verbal and nonverbal communication.

 Students will understand the similarities and differences between their culture and other cultures.

Students will understand how culture shapes and is reflected in communication between males and females.

B. Skill Outcomes

Students will demonstrate knowledge of intercultural communication competence through participating in intercultural research and observation.

Students will demonstrate knowledge of intercultural communication competence through participating in an intercultural interview. 

Students will recognize and understand the role of communication in intercultural adaptation and acculturation.

Students will recognize the differences between race, ethnicity, and nationality.

Each week has a different learning outcome and a different reading for the week (Open Education Resources and Library Article links of course!

Each semester, I also make a course navigation video. here it is!

Interested in a specific student success topic or do you need a speaker for an upcoming conference? Contact me via direct message on Twitter or join our Student Success Communication and Technology Institute on Facebook!

Thanks for visiting! 

Sincerely,

Dr. Jennifer T. Edwards
Higher Education Speaker and Researcher

My Social Media Channels!
Remember to Follow Me on Twitter! @drjtedwards
I Always Post Higher Education Videos on YouTube
Find Me on Instagram
Engage with Me on Facebook!
Watch My Videos on Twitter Live - http://www.periscope.com/drjtedwards/
Email Me! I am PR Friendly! - jennifertedwards@gmail.com
My Research Interests: Customer Service and Social Media, Higher Education Retention, and Millennials at Work