Podcast Program Notes

Standards for On-line Course Design and On-line Teaching – (7/23/08) The podcasting team of Caroline Crawford and Richard Smith focus on standards established for on-line course design and on-line teaching. Both activities are linked and setting standards for both or either activity is not as simple as it might seem at first.

On-line Courses vs. Face-to-Face Instruction – (7/30/08) Drs. Caroline Crawford and Richard Smith debate the topic of on-line vs. face-to-face instruction. Each one has its advantages and disadvantages. Add to that the concept of hybrid courses, which are a combination of on-line instruction and face-to-face instruction, and this podcast discusses the qualities of a significant portion of mediated instruction.

The Makings of a Good Instructional Designer – (3/25/08) Richard Smith engages Valerie Hainley, a Senior Instructional Designer with Imedia.it in an exciting conversation about what it takes to be an instructional designer in a innovative and fast-paced firm dedicated to producing web-based interactive courseware and training programs.

Working as an Instructional Designer - (3/25/08) Caroline Crawford talks with Houston-based Imedia.it’s Tyler Delane, the company’s Instructional Support Systems Manager. Imedia.it designs and develops award winning web-based interactive courseware and training programs. Under discussion are various aspects of how to obtain and maintain a job with a company dedicated to the development cutting edge training programs for a variety of clients.

Being a Distance Learning Teacher - (6/18/08) There are differences and similarities between the requirements of being a good classroom teacher and being a good on-line teacher. Drs. Smith and Crawford explore the roles of both types of teachers The duo brings to light some important, and often overlooked, aspects of on-line teaching and on-line course creation that are key to providing students with a high quality education while not burdening on-line teachers without a disproportionate amount of work.

Myths and Realities in Educational Technology - (8/2/07) Co-hosts Richard A. Smith and Caroline M. Crawford are joined by guest host Trina Davis, the President of the International Society for Technology in Education and Assistant Professor of Educational Technology at Texas A & M University in a discussion of the beliefs people hold regarding the efficacy of technology in the classroom.

The Role of the International Society for Technology in Education - (8/2/07) Trina Davis, President of the International Society for Technology in Education, rejoins Richard A. Smith and Caroline M. Crawford in this discussion that starts with distance learning and extents to role of the International Society for Technology in Education in making certain that technology in education is used effectively.

Teachers and Communication - (6/18/07) Caroline Crawford and Richard Smith discuss with “WeAreTeachers” CEO Sandy Fivecoat how teachers can use Internet technology to decrease the amount of isolation they feel in the classroom.  Sandy Fivecoat's new Internet-based service for educators “WeAreTeachers” is described with an overview of how it provides teachers a platform for communication and an opportunity to take advantage of their professional knowledge.

Schools and Business - (6/18/07)   “WeAreTeachers” CEO Sandy Fivecoat continues the discussion with Drs. Smith and Crawford. The group extends the discussion to the opportunities that advances in technology and software distribution systems for consumers have opened for teachers.

Teachers as Entrepreneurs - (6/18/07)  Caroline Crawford, Richard Smith, and “WeAreTeachers” CEO Sandy Fivecoat discuss the possibilities of integrating the private sector world into the world of education, opening the way for teachers to earn money while enhancing their professional capabilities. Drs. Smith and Crawford and Ms. Fivecoat examine the potential impact on educators of “WeAreTeachers.”

Creating Effective Schools, Part 1 ( 5/7/07) Guest Host Dr. Robert Sanborn, the President and CEO of the Houston based child advocacy group, “Children at Risk” joins Drs. Richard A. Smith and Caroline M. Crawford in an intense discussion that reveals the essential elements of effective schools

Creating Effective Schools, Part 2 (5/7/07) Dr. Robert Sanborn rejoins Drs. Smith and Crawford, picking up where Part 1 of this mini-series left off to reveal the obvious and also subtle influences of education policy, law, and practice in the effort to identify the characteristics of schools that function with a high degree of effectiveness.

Simulation and Gaming in Education, Part 2 ( 12/11/06) Co-hosts Dr. Richard A. Smith and Dr. Caroline M. Crawford are joined by guest co-host Virginia Dickenson and continue their freewheeling discussion of simulation and gaming in education and in particular its potential in Second Life, the “3-D virtual world entirely built and owned by its residents.”

Philosophy of Education (10/16/2006) E&TT Hosts, Caroline M. Crawford and Richard A. Smith are at it again. This time their discussion explores the purposes of education and how we educate students. The entertaining duo explores a range of issues, from the history of education to the unforeseen consequences of NCLB testing.

Classroom Technology-Unintended Consequences (7/24/2006) E&TT hosts, Dr. Richard A. Smith and Dr. Caroline M.Crawford are joined by guest host Mr. Anthony Sassi, the Executive Director of Technology and the Public Education Information Management System at Texas City Independent School District to discuss some of the unintended and unexpected consequences of student access to technology, especially communication technology, in the classroom. This wide-ranging, lively and informative discussion was recorded live, on-site, at the Texas City ISD central office.