Applying Research to Practice: Creating an Inclusive Community for Online Adjunct Faculty
Tuesday April 12, 2022 - 8:00 AM to 9:30 AM
Workshop Session 1

Brief Abstract

Using a framework based on emergent research findings, workshop participants will identify one or more practices they can implement within the next 12 months to foster a sense of community among online adjunct faculty at their respective institutions. The session will include brainstorming, conversation, and planning!

Presenters

Lead Presenter: Ali Blankinship, William and Mary - Raymond A. Mason School of Business

Ali Blankinship is the Director of Program Management and Instructional Quality for Online Programs at the Raymond A. Mason School of Business at William & Mary. She oversees online program planning, development, management, and instructional quality. She ensures the appropriate training, resources, and supports are in place for instructors to deliver high-quality student learning experiences. In her previous role, Ali was the eLearning Manager at WHRO Education. While there, she oversaw the development of online courses and supervised a team of Instructional Designers and contracted subject matter experts. Prior to WHRO, she worked at William & Mary as an Instructional Designer and at WJCC Public Schools as an Instructional Technology Specialist and High School Social Studies Teacher. Ali has nearly 15 years of experience in the field of education and has collaborated with instructors at all levels, helping them improve their courses and teaching skills in multiple modalities. Ali holds a Ph.D. in Educational Policy, Planning, and Leadership with a focus in Curriculum and Educational Technology from William & Mary's School of Education. She also holds a Master of Arts in Teaching and a Bachelor of Arts in History and Anthropology from the University of Pittsburgh.

Extended Abstract

Overview:

Higher education institutions are increasingly turning to adjunct faculty to teach online courses to accommodate online course enrollment growth. While many adjunct faculty are attracted to the flexibility of online teaching, they also face several challenges, such as feelings of isolation and disengagement, negative stereotypes, and lack of professional development opportunities. These challenges can be detrimental to their instructional performance and, therefore, the student learning experience. Thus, fully integrating online adjunct faculty into an institution’s community and creating an environment in which they feel supported is critical to the success of an institution’s online programs.

In this workshop, participants will learn about emergent findings from a recent dissertation study focused on the practices of 17 higher education administrators who intentionally foster a sense of community among online adjunct faculty. The findings provide a framework for creating an inclusive working environment for online adjunct faculty. Using this framework, participants will identify one or more practices they can implement within the next 12 months to foster a sense of community among online adjunct faculty at their respective institutions. This workshop is intended for anyone responsible for supervising, supporting, developing, and/or engaging online adjunct faculty.

Outline of Workshop Activities:

15 minutes: The presenter will provide an overview of the framework mentioned above and activity instructions.
40 minutes: Working in small groups, participants will brainstorm and share what they currently do at their institutions to foster a sense of community among online adjunct faculty using the framework to guide their conversation.
20 minutes: The presenter will ask each group to share one community-building practice with all workshop participants.
15 minutes: Using the ideas shared within and across groups, participants will identify one or more practices they can implement within the next 12 months to foster a sense of community among online adjunct faculty at their respective institutions. The presenter will share a digital template through Google Drive to guide their plans.