Author Web pages (formerly known as Snapshots)

MERLOT From the Author Snapshots are a way for authors of learning materials to publish short, online articles about the development and use of their learning materials. From the Author Snapshots are a joint project with the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching, a leader in creating and studying innovation in higher education.

Snapshots are created using software developed by the Carnegie Foundation's Knowledge Media Lab (KML). This software, known as the KEEP Toolkit, allows authors, using the structure of the MERLOT From the Author Snapshot template, to reflect on, discuss, and share their scholarship of teaching with technology. Authors reflections help make visible the invisible practices of teaching - articulating the teaching rationale helps others learn how to use the materials.

By creating a From the Author Snapshot, authors:

• publish a short online article focused on their contributions to teaching.
• share with colleagues the rationale and planning necessary for creating high quality online learning materials and resources.
• make a contribution to teaching and service responsibilities of the profession.
• provide a service to colleagues interested in learning more about using online learning materials and resources in their teaching.

The example above, illustrates how a Snapshot allows an author to share:

1. The Background and context for the learning resource.
2. The Motivation for creating the online learning resource.
3. Learning Activities designed for use with the resource.
4. The expected Impact on Teaching and Learning.
5. Tips on how the material might best be used or adapted for different teaching and learning needs.
6. Reflections on the author's scholarship of teaching with technology.

If you have further questions, contact the MERLOT webmaster at: webmaster@merlot.org