1. Building an Online Community: Vista Training Strategies Computing and Information Technology Services Magali Carrera , Chancellor Professor of Art History/Instructional Development Team Leader Damon Gatenby, Instructional Development Technical Support Specialist Jeannette E. Riley, Associate Professor of English & Women's Studies/Faculty Trainer Tracey Russo, Instructional Development Designer

2. COURSE BACKGROUND & PHILOSOPHY In 2002, the UMass Dartmouth Instructional Development developed a four week, asynchronous course, " Online Teaching and Learning Strategies ," for faculty. Gradually, the training course has evolved into a two week training session based upon faculty feedback received through the training course evaluation. This course has several unique qualities: faculty are required to be online learners before they become online teachers; faculty must complete the training course successfully before they access WebCT Vista sites; the course is team taught by faculty and instructional development staff; and the course grounds itself in the scholarship of teaching and learning.

4. COURSE HOMEPAGE

6. Creating the Course Site: This section of the course focuses on three main areas of online learning: 1) creating course content (i.e. transforming face to face lectures to the online format); 2) creating student to student interactions to enhance the learning experience; 3) course site design and development (using Vista as an instructor/designer).

7. Best practices: This section of the course discusses: blended and online course start-up tips; effective use of communication tools; the value of narratives and case studies in online learning; effective team management practices. Closing the loop: The course concludes by discussing learning objectives and ways to critically reflect upon course site designs and assignments to determine what works in online sites and what might need revision for future class delivery.