Office of Academic Technology :: Spring Arbor University

SAUonline Pedagogical Model

SAUonline courses are intentionally developed to foster community by employing four avenues of interaction. In each online course you will find that within the structure of the course: Context, Content, Reflection, Dialog, Collaboration, Application and Assessment, interaction happens in the following ways: Student to Content Student to Instructor Student to Student Student to Jesus Christ Students [...]

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What is Instructional Design?

When I tell someone I’m an Instructional Designer they often give me a blank stare and ask “What does an instructional designer do?” As you can tell from the meme above, there seems to be a lot of misconceptions as to what the job entails.

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Open House Recap

On Thursday, February 23, we hosted the first ever OAT Open House called, "Classroom of the Future" which featured a variety of discussions on emerging classroom technologies, trends, and course design principles. Click the link to watch the sessions in case you weren't able to attend...

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The effect of the social environment on the online learner (Part 3)

We have been discussing things that can be done in the online learning environment to enhance student motivation and interaction. One of the things we mentioned last week was the critical importance of timely feedback in the online context specifically. This week, we will talk further about feedback and further implications.

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The effect of the social environment on the online learner (Part 2)

Last week, we talked about the social nature of learning theory and how this can play out in the online learning environment context. This week, we will flesh out what what this might mean for us as we design and deliver distance education courses.

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The effect of the social environment on the online learner (Part 1)

In the Office of Academic Technology at Spring Arbor University, we are not so much in the business of teaching tools. We are very much in the business of helping faculty best use technological tools to teach.

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Learner Motivation as it Relates to Pedagogy

So, one day you wake up and the moment your feet hit the ground you are ready to go and tackle whatever the day has to offer you. Whatever project or task comes your way doesn’t stand a chance to your ferocious tenacity to ‘get er done’. Then another day comes around and takes everything [...]

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Course Design

Course Design Whether designing an online, blended/hybrid, or face-to-face course, faculty can benefit from the design expertise of OAT Instructional Designers (ID). Our IDs can help you develop appropriately leveled course objectives, as well as assessment and instructional strategies. OAT IDs can work with you as consultants, or in the case of online course design, [...]

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OAT Welcomes Goodrich

It’s with great excitement that the Office of Academic Technology welcomes David Goodrich, Instructional Designer, to the team.  David replaces Marlena Bravender, who is leaving OAT to finish her Ph.D as well as pursue other interests. David is pursuing a masters degree at Capella University. He intends on pursuing his doctorate there as well. He [...]

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