Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 4, 2025

00:26
Perspectives on Neuroscience
Published on: July 31, 2007
5.0K
Online Neuroscience Instruction: Insights, Lessons Learned, and Moving Forward
1Psychology Department and Neuroscience Program, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA 70118.
Summary
The Online Teaching Training (OTT) course significantly improved instructor preparedness for online education. Post-training courses showed more positive student experiences compared to emergency remote teaching, highlighting the value of structured online pedagogy.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience Education
- Online Pedagogy
Background:
- The COVID-19 pandemic necessitated a rapid shift to remote teaching for many educators.
- Lack of prior experience with online teaching presented challenges for delivering effective instruction.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the impact of a structured Online Teaching Training (OTT) course on instructor preparedness and student experience.
- To share lessons learned and insights for effective online neuroscience instruction.
Main Methods:
- A five-week Online Teaching Training (OTT) course was developed and delivered by Tulane University's Center for Engaged Learning and Teaching (CELT) and Innovative Learning Center (ILC).
- The training covered theoretical and practical aspects of creating engaging and interactive online courses.
- Student evaluations were compared between emergency remote learning (Spring 2020) and a post-training online course (Summer 2020).
Main Results:
- Instructors who completed the OTT course were better prepared to teach fully online.
- Student evaluations indicated significantly more positive experiences in courses taught by trained instructors compared to emergency remote learning.
- Online teaching strategies can be adapted for in-person and hybrid learning environments.
Conclusions:
- Formal training in online pedagogy is crucial for enhancing instructor effectiveness and student satisfaction.
- Continuous professional development and resource sharing among educators are vital for advancing online education.
- The findings offer valuable insights for the future of neuroscience instruction in online and hybrid formats.
Related Concept Videos
Cognitivism
1.4K
Cognitive psychology emerged as a significant field in the mid-20th century. It focused on understanding humans' internal mental processes. This approach emphasizes how people perceive, remember, think, and solve problems—elements critical to human cognition.
Previously dominated by behaviorism, which prioritized observable behaviors and largely ignored mental processes, psychology transformed in the 1950s. Cognitive psychologists argue that understanding how we think and process...
Previously dominated by behaviorism, which prioritized observable behaviors and largely ignored mental processes, psychology transformed in the 1950s. Cognitive psychologists argue that understanding how we think and process...
1.4K
Cognitive Learning
243
Cognitive learning is based on purposive behavior, incidental learning, and insight learning.
E. C. Tolman's theory of purposive behavior emphasizes that much behavior is goal-directed. He argued that to understand behavior, we must look at the entire sequence of actions leading to a goal. For instance, high school students study hard, not just due to past reinforcement but also to achieve the goal of getting into a good college.
Tolman introduced the idea that behavior is influenced by...
E. C. Tolman's theory of purposive behavior emphasizes that much behavior is goal-directed. He argued that to understand behavior, we must look at the entire sequence of actions leading to a goal. For instance, high school students study hard, not just due to past reinforcement but also to achieve the goal of getting into a good college.
Tolman introduced the idea that behavior is influenced by...
243
Neuroplasticity
361
Neuroplasticity reflects the brain's remarkable capacity to adapt and evolve, responding dynamically to learning, experiences, or injury by reorganizing its neural circuitry. This reorganization involves creating new neural connections and refining old ones through a series of biological processes that contribute to the brain's lifelong development and adaptability.
361
Evolutionary Psychology
269
Evolutionary psychology explores the origins of human behavior and mental processes by framing them within the context of natural selection, a theory famously propounded by Charles Darwin. This field asserts that many behaviors common across human societies — ranging from instinctive fear reactions to complex social interactions — arose as evolutionary adaptations. These adaptations enhanced the survival and reproductive success of our ancestors, thereby becoming embedded in the...
269
Neurons as Communicators of the Brain
1.2K
Neurons, the fundamental units of the brain and nervous system, function as the primary transmitters of information throughout the body. Their ability to communicate through electrical and chemical signals is vital for every bodily function, from regulating the heartbeat to processing complex thoughts. Each neuron has three main components: the cell body (soma), dendrites, and an axon, each specialized to facilitate swift and efficient neural communication.
Cell Body
The cell body, also known...
Cell Body
The cell body, also known...
1.2K
Introduction to Learning
404
Learning is the process of acquiring knowledge or skills through practice or experience, leading to long-lasting behavioral changes. This acquisition occurs through interaction with the environment and requires practice or experience. For instance, mastering a skill such as surfing requires considerable practice and experience, highlighting the essential role of repeated interactions with the environment in learning.
In contrast to learned behaviors, unlearned behaviors such as crying, sexual...
In contrast to learned behaviors, unlearned behaviors such as crying, sexual...
404

