Guess what? Spring is only 5 weeks away! That means it’s time to submit your proposal to join the Spring ’21 Blended Faculty Learning Community. This learning community is co-sponsored by Academic Technology and the Center for Teaching and Learning.Twenty teaching faculty from 9 different Oregon State University colleges have enjoyed the camaraderie of participating in the Fall and Winter blended learning communities during this academic year. As with previous cohorts, group members in the Spring learning community will explore and develop solutions for personal
teaching challenges through effective use of educational technology. These challenges may be in any Corvallis or Cascades campus course format that combines synchronous meetings (think classroom or Zoom) and asynchronous learning activity (think Canvas or other online tools).
What do current participants say about the learning community? Penny Diebel, associate professor of applied economics, comments, “It is not often I have dedicated time to reflect and have deep conversations with others about my teaching methods. I have appreciated that this Faculty Learning Community has made me make time.”
Austin Hawks, senior instructor in the Eastern Oregon Agriculture and Natural Resource Program, notes, “The Blended FLC has been an extraordinary group to be a part of. The support, ideas and enthusiasm have helped me think about options in being the great teacher I want to be. This opportunity is for all, regardless of their rank, experience, years teaching, etc.”
The facilitators also cite positives about the learning community. Lyn Riverstone, Student Response System Manager in Academic Technology, states, “It’s inspiring to see all the innovative approaches faculty are taking to apply instructional technology to improve student learning!”
Demian Hommel, co-facilitator and senior instructor of geography, notes, “It’s rewarding to see teaching faculty make progress on challenges in their classes. Co-facilitating this learning community has been the highlight of my year professionally.”
Instructors and tenured/tenure-track faculty who teach credit-based Corvallis and Cascades campus courses are eligible to apply. See the Call for Proposals–it’s a quick and easy proposal process–and apply by March 8. Professional development funding is provided.
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