A Toolbox of Resources Cindy Miller Course Development Manager Cengage Learning

Who is that student in your course?  Generation Y (also known as Millenials) born  Children of Baby Boomers who indulged them, gave them lots of attention display high level of self-confidence  Have only known economic prosperity, do not fear unemployment eLearning Guild’s Learning Solutions e-Magazine September 2008

Who is that student in your course?  They are self-reliant and very social  They like to multi-task, and are always onto the next thing  In workplace, not afraid of challenging managers (or instructors!)  Think they can have it all and are not embarrassed to ask for it

Who is that student in your course?  Digital natives - grew up with the technology “Native speakers” of digital language of computers, video games, and the Internet  Connected 24/7 via a PC and/or mobile device  Highly engaged user of a broad range of social media tools on a frequent (daily) basis

What do they want/need?  Prefer hyperlinked information coming from many sources  Highly visual learners, preferring to process pictures, sounds, and video rather than text  Simulations, games, and role playing allow them to learn by “being there,” to enjoy themselves and have fun

What do they want/need?  Short attention spans, so prefer bitesized chunks of content (either on a PC or iPod)  Prefer to learn “just in time,” have access to relevant information they can apply immediately  Need immediate feedback, responsiveness, and ideas from others, as they are used to instant gratification

What do they want/need?  Independent learners, able to teach themselves with guidance just like they found out how to use their iPods or Google  One thing is clear: “Just because learning is made available online (as e-Learning) doesn’t make the traditional “talk and chalk” approach any more effective for them, and linear PowerPoint presentations and courseware simply bore them “ eLearning Guild’s Learning Solutions e-Magazine September 2008

So….how do we engage them? What tools can we use?

Tool #1 – The Textbook  Choose the right book Content matches course objectives Easy to read and yet rigorous Explain concepts and tools simply and clearly Real-life examples make points vivid -Allow reader greater understanding of concepts and principles

Tool #1 – The Textbook  Instructor’s Resources & Supplements Typically include: -Sample syllabus -Lesson plans -Instructor’s manual -Power Points -Test bank -DVDs (videos) -Blackboard/WebCT cartridge

Tool #2 – Audio/Podcasts  Power of audio podcasts Ability listeners have to time and place shift when they enjoy podcasts -Listen to podcast in their car, at the gym, or while multi-tasking during some other activity Provide additional material for students to download and review

Tool #2 – Audio/Podcasts  Podcast sources CourseCasts Groks Science Radio Show

Tool #3 – Video  Students retain more information  Understand concepts more rapidly  More enthusiastic about what they are learning  In the classroom or online

Tool #3 – Video  Take students on virtual field trips  Illustrate complex, abstract concepts through animated, 3-D images  Show skills that can't be done in class

Tool #3 – Video  Reach variety of learning styles Visual learners, auditory learners  Help students practice media literacy and critical viewing skills  Expertvillage.com Expertvillage.com

Tool #3 – Online Tutorials  Research new technologies  Create new project assignments  The How-To-Geek

Tool #5 – Free Online Courses  Supplemental lectures  Introduce material not covered by text  Find additional assignments

MIT Open Courseware Tool #5 – Free Online Courses

Let’s Brainstorm!