1. eLearning

2. Aims Improve teaching in the case of reduced contact hours Facilitate team teaching Improve student accessibility Accommodate a wider range of learning modes

3. Virtual Learning Environments Benefits Course information easily accessible Hyperlinked access to sources Use of subscription-based online resources Directed seminar preparation Consistency among seminar groups Transferable skills (for you and students) Save a Tree!

4. Virtual Learning Environment Tools Discussion Boards Quizzes Essay Submission & Feedback Plagiarism Checker “Wiki” Tool Podcasts Surveys

5. Virtual Learning Environments Considerations Substantial initial investment of time Hidden workload maintaining VLE Reliance on technology beyond your control Perception that technology will replace contact hours Humanities students do not learn how to use library Staff Resistance Student Resistance and Excuses

6. Examples Pre-Discussion Questions – Directed Preparation Historiography Sheet – Reflective Preparation Footnote Treasure Hunt – Skills Development

7. Pre-Discussion Question Single A4 Sheet with 4-6 questions The questions direct students’ engagement with assigned primary and secondary sources. Students email a copy of worksheet to GTA before each seminar

8. The Vietnam War 1.Why did the US get drawn into the Vietnam War? 2.Why were they ultimately defeated? 3.Why did the Vietnam War cast such a long shadow over late C20th America? 4.What was the impact of the Vietnam War on American art and popular culture? 5.How did Nixon's Vietnam War policies construct his historical persona? 6.How is the rhetoric of the Vietnam War used in contemporary US politics?

9. Historiography Sheet Single A4 Sheet with 3 main headings The students are given space to reflect on the reading secondary sources. Students hand a copy of worksheet to GTA before each seminar which is returned after a quick check so that they can refer to it in class

11. Footnote Treasure Hunt Group activity assigned at end of first meeting The students have a chance to develop skills and bond with minimal risk Students collaboratively navigate the online and hard-copy resources in the library and prepare a well-formatted bibliography

13. Virtual Learning Environment Other Opportunities Developing Long-term online project portfolios Creation of personal learning spaces Blogging and Vlogging of presentations and seminars Online assessment and feedback Distance learning