The document discusses next generation distance learning programs. It notes that these programs focus on social, interactive learning guided by faculty that treats online learning as holistically as residential programs. Next generation distance learning integrates on-campus, online, and ministry learning and emphasizes personal and spiritual formation. It also discusses the role of librarians in curating resources, advising on technology, and leading change to support innovative distance learning models.

1. Next Generation in Distance Learning Dr. Meri MacLeod Western Theological Seminary Holland Michigan, USA

2. Next Generation – 4th First about Learning – social, interactive, faculty guided, holistic Learning that matches standards of residential outcomes, can in some programs exceed residential outcomes Learning is not reduced for the priority of access or priority of a new technology

3. Technology is transparent The most successful technology is not only subordinate to learning but is invisible Effective technologies are transparent so faculty and students focus on learning

4. Next Generation Characterized by: educational excellence High value for interaction (student to student & faculty to students) Often is a blended format (f2f and online) Faculty develop and teach courses their own courses, not instructional designers

5. Next Generation for Theological Education On campus, online and in ministry learning are integrated into a whole program Personal, spiritual & pastoral formation are integrated Librarians are essential to program effectiveness

6. Blended Distance Learning Blending periods of on campus and online allows for the best of the face-to-face time of relationships and community with the deepening community and active student learning when online Blended learning captures the opportunity for experiential learning of being in ministry

7. Distance Learning and Librarians Encourage faculty to think about how to include the library in their course design Discover how courses match library resources, suggest what students might need

8. Librarians bring Experience with technology that many faculty may not have Wisdom regarding best use and criteria for selection Access to the end user - learners

9. Librarians bring Focus on service and support – one of the most essential requirements for success in distance learning programs Strong organization skills – essential for faculty when creating new courses

10. Librarians bring Capacity for change Distance learning requires change in how faculty and students engage learning

11. Librarians are Leaders – bring vision and energy for the place of appropriate technology Leaders – who will need to model partnership and creativity, actively bring resources to distance courses and students Leaders – with technology integration lessons for distance learning programs

12. Librarians will need to Create new ways for distance students to think about, remember and reach out to the library when there is no physical space to remind them Gather regular feedback from distance students on their patterns of use and experience

13. Criteria for technologies When choosing new technologies criteria to consider are: Ease of use Sustainability Adoption – faculty, students Product stability Support required, provided Other users feedback and history

14. Criteria for technologies Cycles of upgrades, % of down time Migration possibilities Indirect costs – staff time, added hardware or software Interaction applications as actual or potential components

15. Librarians are Pioneers Change agents – adapting, envisioning Pioneers who can become a Community of Practice (CoP) sharing, coaching, supporting and modeling partnerships

16. Tips for Success Know your audience Comfort with technology, what type? How much assistance will they need? Support the change well Students and faculty need success as they begin a challenging new shift to learn apart from traditional school patterns

17. Tips for Success Focus on Learning Distance learning should be committed to the same educational goals as the courses on a campus Start slowly Carefully select highly motivated students, build confidence with success

18. Tips for Success Carefully match technology with the learning goals Often collect feedback from everyone involved, make adjustments and assist as quickly as possible