How Faculty Can Achieve Learning Objectives With Online Tools Dave Paquin Dave@DavePaquin.com

Introduction Many faculty are interested in moving courses, or parts of courses, online In part, due to encouragement from their departments In part, because they are seeking more effective use of their limited resources

Why Move Courses Online? Online training advantages include: Convenience of anywhere/anytime for both faculty & student Consistent content delivery Automated grading and record-keeping Less costly to deliver than classroom-based courses – overall a better use of University resources

Two Questions to Consider Which courses should go online? Which online training strategies and tools are best suited to meet specific training objectives?

It Begins With Learning Objectives Faculty use Outcome-Based Learning Objectives to: Design Student Assessment Determine the Setting for Course work Form the Basis of Course Content Communicate Learning Goals to Students

Online Learning uses two major components: The first is the Learning Management System (LMS) For SQU, this is Moodle. Other platforms include Angel, E-College, Blackboard and others Moodle is Less Expensive and “Open- Source”, allowing for programmers to contribute objects

Online Learning uses two major components: The second is the Authoring or Presentation Software Tools This can range from simple Power-points to advanced Authoring Systems such as Articulate and Captivate Authoring Systems can provide richer, more interactive presentations. They can also communicate with the LMS (Assuming both are SCORM compliant, or otherwise compatible) The CET department has licenses for Articulate and for Adobe Captivate and can assist in creating rich, engaging presentations with these programs

Types of Courses: (How do each fit with Online Learning?) Labs – require hands on experiences and cannot be put online directly. However, supporting lectures could be online Introductory Level Courses – these are usually a great fit for online classes Field-based – probably not a good fit Large classes Vs Small classes – either can be online, but large classes are especially more efficient with online delivery

Types of Learning Objectives: (How do each fit with Online Learning?) Learning Objectives are either: Affective (Attitudes and Feelings) Psychomotor Knowledge based – best suited for online delivery They can also vary in complexity: Start simple (such as Define or List) Move to Complex (such as Apply or Assimilate The simpler objectives are easier to put online

A few Adult Learning Theory points to keep in mind: Adults like to solve problems Adults like to contribute based on their experience Adults like to interact and not just be lectured to

It is essential that the online learning environment be Intuitive: It should always be obvious: Where to click next to proceed Where to get Help When they are complete Why? – This will reduce stress on the student and result in fewer “customer service” issues

Moodle/Online Learning Tools Discussion Boards Asynchronous communications between students, with or without faculty participation Chat Rooms Synchronous communication Scheduled “live” discussion

Moodle/Online Learning Tools Quizzes Multiple choice, essay, scenario based, useful as “interactive” exercises Assignments Can be submitted online and shared

Moodle/Online Learning Tools Graphics & Audio – Should: Be customized to the organization Be relevant to the topic Video – Should: (Same as above) plus: Be short. 5 minutes or less Preferably with interactions built in

Moodle/Online Learning Tools SCORM packages Interactive Presentations Power-points turned into Engage components Report progress/completion back to LMS SCORM means Sharable Content Object Reference Model. It is a standard that ensures these packages can share data with the LMS

Summary Faculty will me moving courses online They will be seeking Technical Assistance They need help understanding “Why” to use each Tool as much as “How” to use each Tool – as they work to meet their Learning Objectives

Questions? Dave Paquin Dave@DavePaquin.com