Introducing the Enhanced Personal Portal Model in a Synchromodal Learning Environment
Abstract: Traditional learning environments typically consist of face-to-face instruction, online instruction, or a combination of both approaches. The Educational Psychology and Educational Technology Ph.D. program at a large Midwestern university; however, is now offering courses where face-to-face and online students interact synchronously with each other. We refer to this type of learning environment as a Synchromodal Learning Environment. This best practice paper describes one model of implementing this type of learning environment: The enhanced personal portal model. In the enhanced personal portal model, online students shared their own physical space in the learning environment. As such, they were “beamed in” to the classroom. We describe how this model was conceptualized, how it evolved, the technologies used, the process of implementing this model, the design and implementation considerations made, and the lessons learned after a semester-long application.