Extending Bain's Framework to the Virtual Environment
Abstract: As e-learning research begins to fall under the social sciences, an understanding of what it means to be an effective online instructor takes center stage. Building on the existing framework published by Ken Bain (2004), this paper explores the best practices of 18 faculty from 11 disciplines teaching online courses at a state comprehensive university. Themes were explored, and when compared with Bain’s original framework, the following categories emerged: creating learner-centered environments; course preparation; asking the big question; tone, language, and developing a non-threatening classroom atmosphere; integrating experiential education; avoiding biased assessment; providing feedback; leaving students with a question. Attributes of the virtual environment can pose challenges for both faculty and students but through reflection and innovation in teaching strategies, there lies opportunities to offer more personalized, learner-centered instruction that achieves the deep level of learning desired by the best college teachers.
Presider: Florian Schimanke, HSW - University of Applied Sciences