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, Dr. Ann Musgrove, instructor for the Online Teaching Certificate Program and multiple workshops, joins us to discuss why we should embrace the motto, “Pedagogy before Technology,” as well as a variety of other topics.
OLC: Ann, how do you define innovation?
Innovation is focusing on future trends and possibilities.
OLC: There are many opportunities to teach online. Why did you choose OLC and which Institute course(s) do you teach for OLC?
I first was introduced to OLC when it was still called Sloan-C. I was part of a team creating Florida Atlantic University’s first Center for eLearning and we became OLC members and purchased a block of workshops for our faculty. I received an email about the Online Teaching Certificate (OTC) Program and asked if I could participate. I was already an experienced online instructor and designer, but the OTC community of practice exposed me to new ideas that were practical, positive and focused on pedagogy.
At OLC, I have taught the following offerings for the Institute for Professional Development:
- Online Teaching Certificate
- Introduction to Digital Storytelling
- Introduction to Audio and Video Tools
- Introduction to Online Presentation Tools
- Exploring Interactive Video Tools
- New to Online: Essentials Part 2, Converting Your Course
Also, I developed the workshop, Designing Courses with a Multimodal Approach.
OLC: What are the 3 most important things prospective participants should know about taking a course or workshop with you?
I would tell people interested in taking a course with me:
- Don’t be afraid to make mistakes and experiment. We often learn more from our mistakes than our successes.
- The more you give the more you get.
- Let your motto be “Pedagogy before Technology” and you’ll focus on solutions for your challenges.
OLC: OLC’s Institute offerings help professionals stay current in their prospective fields, and often times assist in the advancement of their profession. What do you believe are the top 3 ways in which professionals in our field can stay current and move ahead?
I recommend the following ways to stay current and move ahead in the field:
- Get involved in communities of practice that support your goals.
- Get along well with others and do your job well. It seems simple, but it will get your far.
- Keep your network wide. There are ideas beyond your school/business/institution that will keep you fresh and inspire you.
OLC: What was the last book, journal or article you read that relates to the field?
The last book I read was “Lessons without Limit. How Free-Choice Learning is Transforming Education” by John H. Falk and Lynn D. Dierking.
OLC: How can people connect with you?
Skype: ann.musgrove
Twitter: @ann.musgrove
Webpage http://annmusgrove.com
About Dr. Ann Musgrove
Dr. Ann Musgrove is currently Assistant Professor of Instructional Technology in the Department of Teaching and Learning, in the College of Education, at Florida Atlantic University (FAU) where she teaches both online and face to face. Her focus is on best practices in general, creating communities of practice, active learning and all things that open communication. Ann has authored 2 courses nationally recognized by Quality Matters. You can often find Ann in the Technology Test Kitchen at OLC conferences. Dr. Musgrove holds a BS in Biology, a M.Ed. in Social Foundations of Education with a focus in Educational Technology, and an Ed.D. in Adult & Community Education. Her dissertation studied cognitive styles in face to face and online nursing students. Ann shares her current home with a 100 pound Rhodesian ridgeback rescue mutt and 4 cats. The dog came home last. The cats are of course in charge. Good dogs just know that!