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TWU educators create community among online learners, share best practices

Reza Khosrowtaj was on the front lines of online teaching and learning. As an academic technology ambassador at Trinity Western University and a technological problem-solver, he was the first to receive everyone’s help desk emails.

“My inbox was so busy,” he said, remembering when classes first began for the fall semester. “I was receiving 50 help desk tickets a day.”

Fortunately, the initial spike in requests soon subsided. One week into the school semester, the tickets had gone down. "It has reduced a lot, and it’s getting much better,” Khosrowtaj commented. “People are moving on to other things.”

With the basic technological barriers removed, online learners and educators can focus on their real agenda: an effective and enriching education. In this endeavor, Khosrowtaj and his colleagues on the TWU Online Learning Team believe in a student-first approach and a focus on building a supportive community.

Transform learning culture from the top down

One innovative approach that Trinity Western has taken is leading the faculty to experience online community with each other before they lead online learning experiences with students.
 
Read the full article in the eLearning Industry blog.


About Trinity Western University

Founded in 1962, Trinity Western University is Canada’s premier Christian liberal arts university dedicated to equipping students to establish meaningful connections between career, life, and the needs of the world. It is a fully accredited research institution offering liberal arts and sciences, as well as professional schools in business, nursing, education, human kinetics, graduate studies, and arts, media, and culture. It has five campuses and locations: Langley, Richmond-Lansdowne, Richmond-Minoru, Ottawa, and Bellingham, WA. TWU emphasizes academic excellence, research, and student engagement in a vital faith community committed to forming leaders to have a transformational impact on culture. Learn more at www.twu.ca or follow us on Twitter @TrinityWestern, on Facebook and LinkedIn.

For media inquiries, please contact: media@twu.ca