Humber College ITAL has undertaken a systematic approach to the development and renewal of online courses, as part of an institutional goal to ensure excellence in quality of all e-learning environments. As part of this initiative, Humber’s Centre for Teaching and Learning (CTL) conducted both an extensive faculty engagement and consultation process and a survey of students as a means to inform the development of Humber’s e-Learning Strategy. Data was collected from over 1200 student surveys and round table discussions with more than 50 faculty. While quality was the most prevalent theme that emerged from both participant groups, analysis of responses across groups suggests different understandings of the purposes, processes and outcomes of online learning and how these relate to measures of quality e-learning experiences. As well, variation was evident between faculty understandings and existing research on quality e-Learning. By sharing results from both studies, this presentation aims to surface assumptions and identify the tensions between student and faculty perceptions on e-learning. Examples of how these tensions are reflected in learning environments, including the actual development and delivery of online courses, will be highlighted and session participants will be invited to contribute examples from their own institutions. Additionally, as part of Humber’s commitment to quality e-learning, the CTL and the Department of Program Planning Development and Renewal have created tools and processes to support faculty development specific to deepening understanding and skills related to online teaching and learning. Again, participants will be encouraged to draw on their experiences online teaching and learning and share existing and emerging professional development practices that support faculty to offer quality e-learning experiences. Discussions will enable the querying of current practices and the identification of future opportunities.
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