From Re-Imagining Guest Presenters to Flipping Field Studies

New Approaches for networked learning

This presentation explores a new approach to the idea of "field-studies" in courses. The new approach "flips" the idea of field-studies / field-trips, with an emphasis on online courses. As an instructor partially focused on online modalities - especially the learning / teaching opportunities they offer that expand on in-person modalities - I am very excited to present this new teaching approach that focuses on what can be done via online learning that cannot be easily replicated via in-person modalities.

This model, which I implemented in Creative Technologies 10 - Understanding Digital Design - was developed to offer students studio-based perspectives of designers and artists working in creative fields. Ideally, these perspectives would be authentic and experience-based, and yet still mediated by the course frameworks. Classes were held from each of these artists' studios, which vastly expanded the overall learning landscape and introduced a completely new environment to the online learning environment. Expanding on the idea of Guest-Lectures, instead of the guest "leading" the class presentation, a more collaborative, conversational approach was adapted around the course topics and themes. I will also present on adjustments and additional components I hope to incorporate in the future, as well as student outcomes.

THIS PAGE WILL BE UPDATED BY 2/27 WITH ADDITIONAL ELEMENTS, INCLUDING PRESENTATIONS SLIDES + COMPLETE WORKS CITED PAGE

CONTACT:
Kristen Gillette | Assistant Teaching Professor UC Santa Cruz
kgillett@ucsc.edu