Reflections Magazine Issue #57 - Spring 2002 | Page 15

15
online, everyone participates. You’re required
to post anywhere from 6 to 10 responses
every week, and postings must be substantive, not just ‘I agree’ or ‘you’re right.’”
Students also may think more carefully about
their responses before putting them in writing on the computer, she said, noting that
online courses are very reading and writing
intensive.
Professors provide feedback just as they
would in a face-to-face discussion, writing
their comments into the on-screen discussion. Teachers also can return papers over
the Internet, complete with comments and a
grade—added in red!
“I once got a paper back a couple hours after
I submitted it,” Gerhard said. The professor
logged on, received the paper, reviewed,
graded and returned it immediately.

Siena’s tradition of quality
Students like Gerhard are “wildly enthusiastic” about online education, according to
Deb Carter, Dean of the College for Professional Studies. Faculty have urged caution, however, she said, raising appropriate
concerns about the quality of online class
interaction, the need to ensure integrity in
student work, and the challenge of cultivating—through the computer—the sort of personalized learning environment for which
Siena is known.
“We have an honored tradition of teaching
and learning in community, based on the
values
and
principles of
the
Adrian
Dominican
Sisters,”
Carter said.
“We are committed to
Sue Gerhard
maintaining
that spirit and tradition while developing
online courses of distinction.”

mandatory for students enrolling in their first
online course. “This allows faculty to use
the first in-person class session entirely for
course content, rather than explaining the
technology,” Carter said.

Meeting students’ needs
Dr. Jim Sam, a full-time faculty member at
Siena’s Southfield center, has developed four
online courses and is an enthusiastic advocate
of distance education. “I’m really excited
about online teaching,” he said, adding that
he learns new techniques with each class.
In an online class, the teacher “becomes a
facilitator,” Sam said. To guide and monitor
discussions, Sam will visit the course website a few times a day, even on weekends,
reviewing and responding to student input.
“The professor needs to push and challenge.
“This kind of class really draws out the introverted student,” he added.
Online learning is not for everyone, Sam
said, and Deb Carter agreed. Not all students
learn well this way, nor do all faculty have
the “burning passion and enthusiasm” for
this new endeavor. And, of course, not all
classes or disciplines lend themselves to the
technology.
But for some teachers and some courses, it
can be a very good option. And for students
in some circumstances, it may be the best, or
the only, option.
For now, Siena Heights offers 15-20 classes in
its unique
blended
online
format.
But
the
University
continues
to explore
the potential of distance learning—how to build community online, how to harness the unique
capabilities of the web for effective learning,
how to advise and support students and faculty engaged in the process—and aims to do
more of it in the future.

“In a classroom, there are always two or
three individuals who dominate discussions,
but online, everyone participates.”

To that end, Siena Heights has established an
oversight committee to monitor the development of online classes. The Distance Learning Core Group, made up of faculty and
administrators, meets regularly to identify
classes that could (or shouldn’t) be offered in
a distance format, develop qualitative measures of effectiveness for online classes, and
ensure that faculty and students receive the
support they need to succeed in this new
environment.
The committee recently developed an online
orientation class. The non-credit class is free
and takes only about three hours; but it is

Deb Carter predicts our online offerings will
be as distinctive and empowering as our traditional classes, with the added benefit of
convenience for people who need it.
Ultimately, whether going to class in a classroom or on a computer, Siena Heights students should expect to “become more competent, purposeful and ethical through a teaching and learning environment which respects
the dignity of all.”

No Limits continued from page 12
challenged by age, set up fresh flowers in
the dining room. A 102-year-old resident
“sits with those who are dying,” so they
are not alone.
Together, the entire DLC community “gives
everyone a fond farewell” at the time of
their death in the jewel-like Maria Chapel,
Rosemary said. “This is a ministry that we
offer the rest of the Congregation. And it’s
a wonderful ministry. Think of the people
who have no one to celebrate their life.”

Gratitude, the greatest lesson
The DLC provides healthcare and residential service in a “continuum of care,”
from independent apartment-style living in
Regina to supported living, assisted living,
intermediate care and skilled nursing care
in Maria.
“People are very grateful here,” Sister
Rosemary said. “They tell me, ‘I don’t
deserve all this.’ And I tell them they’ve
worked very hard to earn it.”
Like all aging adults, the Sister ́ͽ