Learning Objects and the Numeracy Initiative at the University of Guelph Dr. Michelle Edwards Data Resource Centre University of Guelph

DLI Training – April 3, 2008 DLI and Numeracy? Our role as DLI contacts and as data folks puts us in a great position to work with numeracy initiatives Whether we call it numeracy? Or statistical literacy? Or quantitative reasoning?

DLI Training – April 3, 2008 DLI and Numeracy? Help people deal with numbers: Selecting the right dataset Reading the numbers correctly Conducting the appropriate statistical tests Interpreting the results in context of the research question

DLI Training – April 3, 2008 Numeracy and Quantitative Reasoning Initiative 1.Develop a repository 2.Create learning objects 3.Bring together various initiatives on campus

DLI Training – April 3, 2008 What is a Learning Object? Modular in nature Quick instruction – online Educational purpose Take one concept and break it down into smaller pieces

DLI Training – April 3, 2008 Formats of Learning Objects PowerPoint presentations Movies Word documents Flash modules Any format can be used

DLI Training – April 3, 2008 Adobe Flash Recommended by CLOE Create modules that are interactive Create quizzes throughout module Progress chart Add graphics Learning Curve

DLI Training – April 3, 2008 Learning Objects Each Learning Object is an entry in the database Used the CANCORE metadata schema for Learning Objects developed by Norm Friesen (UAlberta), Anthony Roberts (TeleEduction New Brunswick), and Sue Fisher (UNB)

DLI Training – April 3, 2008 Driven by Student - Power 2 Co-op students Computing & Information Science – UG Applied Computing – Guelph-Humber 1 Summer student 2 PT Graduate Student Computing & Information Science Mathematics & Statistics

DLI Training – April 3, 2008 Student - Teamwork 1 developed the Repository 1 developed Flash module templates 2 developed content 1 developed webpage and helped me supervise Co-op students

DLI Training – April 3, 2008 Using Flash to create LOs Created templates 4 topics 5 topics 6 topics Quiz templates Multiple choice Fill in the blank True or false Hot spot Drag n drop Checkmark

DLI Training – April 3, 2008 Flash Template – 4 topics

DLI Training – April 3, 2008 Flash Template – 6 topics

DLI Training – April 3, 2008 Quiz Templates – True or False

DLI Training – April 3, 2008 Quiz Templates – Multiple Choice

DLI Training – April 3, 2008 Quiz Templates – Drag n Drop

DLI Training – April 3, 2008 Flash - Template

DLI Training – April 3, 2008 Learning Flash How-to document prepared by Co-op student and vetted by Numeracy team Used by new students – easy to follow – quizzes are challenging Will be used by new group of students this summer

DLI Training – April 3, 2008 The Repository Database was developed in Access Cold Fusion used for Web access Co-op Student from Computing & Information Science – U Guelph developed database and CF

DLI Training – April 3, 2008 Tour of Repository Numeracy and Quantitative Reasoning Initiative

DLI Training – April 3, 2008 Student Feedback … the students said that they would use the site and recommend it to students who were looking to refresh their numeracy skills. A number said they would use it to refresh themselves on a previously learning concept!

DLI Training – April 3, 2008 Student Feedback … students were asking if the professors for some of their courses are currently involved in the project and could links to the numeracy site be posted on the course websites or Blackboard?

DLI Training – April 3, 2008 Faculty Use Math & Stats Incorporated into the first year Calculus course More integrated approach this Fall Create quizzes that link directly to modules

DLI Training – April 3, 2008 Faculty Use Family Relations & Applied Nutrition Research Help and Statistical Literacy session Economics Resource listed on 1 st year course outlines

DLI Training – April 3, 2008 Next Steps More Learning Objects Statistics – PT Grad Student W&S 08 Mathematics – URA Summer 08 Chemistry – URA Summer 08 Economics – GTA Summer 08

DLI Training – April 3, 2008 Next Steps New learning objects Quantitative Reasoning area: Incorporate more real-life examples Based on results of surveys available to UG students through DLI

DLI Training – April 3, 2008 Next Steps Create Static documents based on Learning Objects – Summer student 08 Revisit webpage to make it more user friendly – Summer student 08