Syracuse University iSchool staff members co-present on online learning at two conferences

Kathryn Allen and Peggy Brown, staff members in the School of Information Studies (iSchool) at Syracuse University, recently co-presented at two conferences: the Distance Learning Administration Conference (DLA) and the Annual Conference on Distance Teaching and Learning. Together, they presented “Online pedagogy faculty development: Enhanced with instructional resources.” 

The paper and presentation made by Allen, executive director of graduate support services, and Brown, director of instructional design and adjunct professor, emphasized how proper training of faculty is crucial to a successful online program. In particular, they focused on the iSchool’s faculty development program and how it addresses both pedagogy and technology through an enhanced online faculty development course, one-on-one sessions, faculty orientation and faculty planning days.

The DLA, held in June at St. Simons Island, Ga., was sponsored by the Online Journal of Distance Learning Administration and the University of West Georgia. The conference focused on administration and management of distance learning. The 25th Annual Conference on Distance Teaching and Learning, held August 4-7, 2009, in Madison, Wis., is recognized internationally for its quality program providing an exchange of current resources, research and best practices from around the world relevant to design and delivery of distance education and training.

At the iSchool, Allen directs the distance learning program, coordinating services for distance education students, scheduling distance learning courses and directing the Summer Institute on Leadership and Change in an Information Society. She holds a master’s degree in higher education from the SU School of Education.

Brown teaches undergraduate courses and has been the instructional designer for the distance learning program since 2000. She also administers instructional resources as the iSchool Learning Management Systems (LMS) administrator. Brown received a bachelor’s degree in information management and technology from the iSchool and a master’s degree in instruction, design, development and evaluation from SU’s School of Education.