PCC Professor Recognized For Work in Distance Learning

Distance learning is emerging as the newest trend in higher education, and PCC Professor and Art Historian Sandra Haynes has been at the forefront. Hayne’s has been applying and improving her online Art course for years and recently won a $1,000 grant to create a presentation, demonstrating the importance and effectiveness of distance learning.
 

Haynes recently returned from a two-day educational technology retreat, called MEET (Modeling Effective Educational Technology) 2012. The purpose of this program, according to Haynes, is to stimulate and support innovative distance education using online technology, as well as provide guidelines and content for future innovators.

MEET was sponsored by Palomar College and the @ONE Project, a resource center designed to help California community college faculty and staff learn about technology to enhance student learning and success.

Haynes, one of only 14 @ONE Certification candidates in California, gave a presentation titled “Project-Based Learning Using ARTstor and Twitter.” Her presentation focused on assignments from two of her classes, the fully online “Art Fundamentals” course, and the web-enhanced “History of Modern Art.”

Students have to use Twitter, know how to converse online, and go beyond simple lectures and slideshows to fully incorporate what the reading says with slideshows and videos Haynes posts online. This is to promote various cognitive kills to help students connect with works of art.

“I know my students better individually after online interactions,” Haynes said.
 Former student Claire Crowell agrees.

“It was truly engaging and extremely social,” she said. “It turned out to be an art history class, plus so much more.”

“Art Fundamentals” won the Blackboard Catalyst Exemplary Course Award in 2009, something her students don’t find surprising.

“After taking this class, I can admit that I developed a different sense for analyzing art works,” said student Cem Atli.

Haynes’ presentation will be published in multiple formats for dissemination and educational use by the California Community College system.