The Online Learning Consortium (OLC) is reaching out to our global community of thought leaders, faculty, innovators and practitioners to bring you insights from the field of online, blended and digital learning. This week, we welcome a new instructor to the OLC Institute community, Dr. Rohan Jowallah. Rohan is an instructional designer at the University of Central Florida and will be an upcoming facilitator for the Blended Learning Mastery Series in the OLC Institute for Professional Development.
OLC: Tell us about your design and teaching experience with blended learning?
In 2004, I had the opportunity to work as an adjunct tutor with the Open University in the UK. Since then, I have designed blended courses and taught several blended courses. I have also coordinated the design, development and delivery of several blended courses.
OLC: What are your thoughts about the blended learning landscape in higher education? How is it evolving? Is it evolving?
The phrase, ‘the best of both worlds’ represents the ultimate in a blended learning course. The concept of blended learning will continue to evolve, and it is possible that blended learning will become a model of good course delivery for most institutions.
OLC: There are many opportunities to teach online. Why did you choose OLC and which Institute course(s) do you teach for OLC?
While there are many opportunities to teach online, my decision to teach with OLC was based on my need to get more involved with an independent organization that has a commitment to faculty development. In addition, I hope to contribute to development of online instruction on a global scale. I teach the Blended Learning Mastery Series.
OLC: What are the 3 most important things prospective participants should know about taking the Blended Mastery Series with you?
Participants should know that:
- They will become conscious of my consistent online presence in the learning environment.
- I will always pose questions to elicit deeper conversations on blended learning.
- They will receive constructive feedback aimed at enhancing your blended course design.
OLC: What was the last book, journal or article you read that relates to the field?
The last book I read was “Online learning: All You Need to Know to Facilitate and Administer Online Courses” by Dr. Mona Engvig.
OLC: How can people connect with you?
@rojow123
About Dr. Rohan Jowallah
Dr. Rohan Jowallah has worked in education for over twenty years and has international experience, having taught in the Caribbean, England and USA. His teaching experience includes teaching online, face-to-face and blended modes of course delivery. He has taught at various levels: elementary school; middle school; high school and university. His first encounter with teaching online took place in 2005 when he was employed by The Open University in the UK. Dr. Jowallah holds an Ed.D. in Language and Literacy in Education from the University of Sheffield in England; M.Ed. in Special Needs and Inclusion Studies from The Open University in England; BSc in Psychology from The Open University in England; Graduate Certificate in Teaching and Learning in Higher Education from the University of Wolverhamptom in England. Dr. Jowallah has presented at several international conferences and has had several peer reviewed publications. He also has a published book chapter and continues to develop work for publication. He has also been a reviewer of several international journals. Dr. Jowallah presently works at University of Central Florida as an instructional designer. In addition, he has an active research agenda which focuses on; blended learning, online learning pedagogies, literacy and inclusion. He also works part-time as an adjunct for the University of Central Florida and The University of the West Indies Open Campus.