Building Collaborative Networks of STEM Educators: Can an Online Workshop Replace the In-Person Experience?

• In Event: Marriott Roundtable Session Three
  In Roundtable Session: Fostering Inclusive and Equitable Online Learning Communities Through Instructional Design (Table 3)

Abstract

For many programs, the COVID-19 pandemic prompted a shift from in-person workshops to a virtual format. Using a mixed methods approach with data gleaned from feedback forms and a novel pre/post social network analysis (SNA) survey, this paper examines the merits of using online vs. in-person professional development workshops to build collaborative networks of STEM instructors. A series of biomolecular visualization workshops served as our case study, and participant perceptions in online and in-person workshops were compared and contrasted across a variety of metrics. The findings suggest that online workshops present new opportunities for the future of collaboration. Rather than a temporary stop-gap measure, virtual collaborations can increase content knowledge and foster a sense of community.

Authors

• Shelly Engelman, Custom EduEval LLC
  Presenting Author

• Daniel Dries
  Non-Presenting Author

• Josh Beckham
  Non-Presenting Author

• Kristen Procko
  Non-Presenting Author