Extensive Use of Guest Lecturers for Enhanced Learner Engagement

Three online courses have successfully used a team-taught format, including 22-30 guest lecturers. Emphasis was placed on introducing students to experts, facilitating networking within the relatively small, but growing field of aquatic animal health, while also covering complex topics. Each course concluded with a Likes/Dislikes open discussion board prompt for student feedback and were analyzed for comments relating to guest lectures. The majority of comments were positive (n=269/280) and three themes emerged: 1) Valued learning from experts in the field, 2) Stimulated by lecturer diversity, and 3) Struggled with lack of lecture style continuity, which represented a very small percentage.

Dr. Larkin received her PhD from the University of Florida in 2000, is a Lecturer and Education Coordinator within the Aquatic Animal Health Program where she also serves as Interim Director, at the University of Florida, College of Veterinary Medicine. She teaches several online courses in aquatic animal health, that have been online now for almost 10 years.

Dr Collins graduated from the University of Florida with her PhD in 2018. Her PhD focused on elephant reproduction and conservation as well as engaging students in STEM through undergraduate research experiences. She is currently working as a post-doc with Dr Larkin and teaching as an adjunct at Santa Fe College, Gainesville, Florida.

Dr. Maness is an award-winning Instructional Designer with UF Information Technology, Center for Instructional Technology and Training. With a STEM background and passion for assessment, she holds a M.S. (2009) in Veterinary Medical Sciences and a Ph.D. (2016) in Agricultural Education and Communication with a minor in Higher Education Administration.