Educational Technology in Practice: Distance Learning, Social Networking and Professional Cohort Development

Conducting an online graduate-level course poses many technological challenges that aren’t often experienced in e-Learning, which typically involves undergraduate-level students watching slideshow presentations. Not only were the students of Theory and Practice of Collaborative Fisheries Research course expected to view lectures synchronously, they were expected to verbally contribute to discussions in the online classroom and occasionally present their own lecture. Outside of the classroom, PIs hoped to provide a private social networking space for students to interact with the goal of developing a future cohort of professional researchers interested in working collaboratively with industry. Following a needs and goals assessment, technologies were chosen that resulted in an overall successful solution. This presentation will review the considerations, opportunities, and challenges of conducting an online experience to mimic in-person education and networking.