University of Wollongong Constructing High Quality Learning Environments using Learning Designs Sue Bennett

University of Wollongong Medium-sized regional university (15,000 students) Research strength in educational technology –Centre for research in Interactive Learning Environments (RILE) –Telecommunications and Information Technology Research Institute (TITR) –Smart Internet Technology Cooperative Research Centre (SIT-CRC)

University of Wollongong Began with ‘learning objects’ Form: digital Size/Granularity: small resources non-digital & digital large resources Purpose: support learning instruction inherent in LO facilitates a learning objective

University of Wollongong Learning object rationale: ‘reuse’ Assumptions Teachers want to use (other people’s) learning objects Gap Little evidence for “reuse” Cultural and practical factors

University of Wollongong Learning object rationale: ‘reuse’ Assumptions Teachers want to use (other people’s) learning objects Teachers will be able to find learning objects they want Gap Little evidence for “reuse” Cultural and practical factors No single metadata standard for search/retrieval Range of applications of metadata

University of Wollongong Learning object rationale: ‘reuse’ Assumptions Teachers want to use (other people’s) learning objects Teachers will know how to use learning objects Teachers will be able to find learning objects they want Teachers need support but as yet there are few support tools available Gap Little evidence for “reuse” Cultural and practical factors No single metadata standard for search/retrieval Range of applications of metadata

University of Wollongong Project aims Develop a framework to guide the reuse of learning objects to create pedagogically sound online learning environments Create and investigate tools to support teachers design processes and decision- making Investigate standards that can support the tools and process

University of Wollongong Vision Smart Learning Design Framework Learning Designs Learning Object 

University of Wollongong Vision Smart Learning Design Framework Learning Designs Learning Object  MPEG -21

University of Wollongong Vision Smart Learning Design Framework Learning Designs Learning Object Unit of Study (multiple formats)  MPEG -21

University of Wollongong Learning designs TasksSupportsResources Learning Outcomes

University of Wollongong Learning Designs Project A way to describe the design of a learning experience (the pedagogy) with ICTs Facilitate communication amongst educators = ‘pedagogical patterns’ or ‘design patterns’ Serve as model or template to guide ‘good practice’

University of Wollongong Representation Learning sequence as a representation of a learning design Designer identification of task, supports and resources Formalism as a visual representation of tasks/ supports and resources

University of Wollongong The Learning Design Web Site

University of Wollongong Project outcomes: Prototype tools

University of Wollongong Project outcomes: Prototype tools

University of Wollongong Project outcomes: Prototype tools

University of Wollongong Project outcomes: Prototype tools

University of Wollongong Further investigations School teachers’ use of problem-based learning design (Webquest) University teachers’ use of problem-based learning design (Explore, Describe, Apply) Application profile for Australian higher education community Integration with learning management system (Janison Toolbox LMS)

University of Wollongong Conclusion Does not eliminate the need for academics to have an understanding of contemporary learning theories and their applications But provides teachers with a scaffold to help them design high quality learning environments without investment of excessive amounts of time Focus on helping teachers apply their professional and disciplinary knowledge

University of Wollongong Contact: Dr Sue Bennett Faculty of Education University of Wollongong