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rb06 1/15/2010 8:21:45

General Session - Conference Presentation Only (no formal paper)


 * Humanities Online Education: A “Bridge” for the Female Learner?**

Jennifer Harrison, Kaplan University, USA, jharrison@kaplan.edu Crystal Hofegartner, Kaplan University, USA, CHofegartner@kaplan.edu

This general session will explore online education for today’s digi-girl, specifically focusing on 21st century female students taking humanities courses. Case studies from The American Women Kaplan University online course which examines “…how gender shapes the experience of women in their social, political, and professional roles will be used. The course includes the impact of class, religion, race, and ethnicity on gender roles and expectations for women from colonial times through the present day. Additionally, students explore the cultural influence of women throughout American history including contributions of women to philosophy, literature, and art. Throughout the course, students will investigate themes of continuity and change in the lives of American women.” (American Women)

Since 60% of online learners are females over the age of 25, this general session seeks to illustrate the application of these points in the teaching of women’s history (online) in the digital age and consider how online learning, specifically in the area of humanities, provides women participatory, student-centered, experiential learning opportunities, as well as valuable computer skills that will enhance their careers. As part of this goal, the presenters will consider how software/ social networking tools such as Twitter, Jing, and/ or blogs, can also enhance student interaction and accessibility to and comprehension of humanities course content. This presentation will encourage conversation regarding not only the impact of online education on female learners, but also how a humanities course, in particular, can act as an empowering tool for women pursuing degree and career advancement.

All Audiences, online education, humanities, gender, social networking