Trine University has launched a new podcast, The Onliners, to help educators who have found themselves suddenly thrust into the world of e-learning and online education. “Do less,” is today’s theme—focus on the basics and gain a sense of peace that it will all be okay, and we are in this together.
Hosted by Keirsten Eberts, assistant vice president for TrineOnline, and Regina Schinker, Ph.D., director of instructional development, the podcast offers an extensive look at online learning, with tips and resources to help teachers and faculty be successful. Planned topics include Feedback, Written Communication, Discussion Forums, Instructor Presence, and Open Educational Resources (OER).
The podcast is available at theonliners.transistor.fm and on trineradio.com, and will be available on platforms including Apple, Spotify, GooglePlay, and Stitcher.
Eberts said the podcast came about because, even though online education has become increasingly important in today’s educational landscape, she was unable to find any podcasts dealing with the topic.
“With the COVID-19 outbreak, many educators are now required to teach their students through e-learning, whether they’re ready or not,” she said. “We want to provide a resource on helpful tips for teaching online, but more importantly let teachers and faculty know they are not alone. We also will have a Facebook group where we can have open discussions so we can all stay connected.”
“We are excited to use this new modality of podcasting to connect with listeners around the world who share in our passion for online learning,” Schinker said.
Schinker is a Master Reviewer with Quality Matters, an organization that provides quality standards and certification for online college courses, and has taught online for more than a decade. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in communication from Hope College, and a Master of Arts in organizational communication and Ph.D. in educational leadership/organizational analysis, both from Western Michigan University.
Eberts also is trained in Quality Matters and has worked in online education for seven years, including teaching online leadership classes. She holds a Bachelor of Science in psychology and a Master of Science in leadership, both from Trine University.
