Being able to develop students while teaching existing courses seems too good to be true. How is this possible? Universal Design Learning (UDL).
We know today’s students are distracted. Texts need answering. Emails need replies. Besides that, students drown in content. Consider breaking courses into bite-size chunks. Provide little lessons for students.
Integrating multimedia into your eLearning courses engages learners, but the latest research indicates too much interactivity may frustrate your learners. In the hands of a skilled developer, multimedia interaction positively impacts knowledge transfer. Course navigation menus appear and disappear when needed, creating screen space.
As online course offerings grow, IDs are prepared to support instructors Traditionally, Instructional Designers (IDs) focused on creating online courses for a university. This role is expanding. Now, IDs serve as a link between faculty, IT, and administration. They are being asked to consult faculty on course design and in turn, are consulted for new pedagogy tactics to meet educational aims. They are also being turned to for recommendations on how to fit new tech across the curriculum. As their role changes, IDs continue partnering with course instructors to transform the classroom experience. IDs wear many different hats, depending on the department they work in. They may: adapt or revise existing courses, lessons, assignments, or learning resources partner with faculty to plan, design, and implement new courses research emerging trends in new technology train and support faculty on new technology use or learning management systems team up with course instructors to identify learning needs and course objectives create or obtain media to support a course such as video and multimedia manage course development timelines and budgets [...]
We are proud to be celebrating our 10th birthday this month! So, what makes us unique? Here are 4 reasons why we are able to offer you high-quality content development services. 1) Nimbleness and Flexibility Nimbleness and flexibility allow us to scale up or down as needed to fit into your development process or take on an entire project start to finish. We select the perfect mix of experts to meet your content development needs. We respond quickly and accurately to direction and feedback. Some of the ways we can partner with you are to provide: Item writing services Copyediting and proofreading Instructional design assistance eLearning course development Full-service content development Subject matter experts to partner with your team Roles you need help with (writers, editors, artistic/production folks, etc.) 2) Proprietary Processes Our tried and tested processes and systems ensure on-time delivery of high-quality work. We start with an intensive needs analysis in order to fully understand your needs and specifications. Next, we create custom solutions that lay the foundation for future success. We will help you [...]
'Decency is what your grandmother taught you!' a beleaguered Morgan Freeman appeals to a frenzied courtroom in the film version of "Bonfire of the Vanities." This scene reveals public figures of authority and private citizens alike on the verge of bankrupting what little moral inventory they still retained after a series of related circumstances and opportunities. Meanwhile, in real life, a celebrated attorney goes on TV to confirm that lying to Congress is a crime, but simultaneously asserts that criminalizing lying itself (to the press, for example) would be an abridgment of our First Amendment rights -- possibly true, but a head-shaking premise, to be sure, in considering how reprehensible lies and dishonesty are commonly held to be . In the spirit that it does indeed "take a village," here are 5 ways to add virtue to the 21st century learning. 1) Bring Back the Classics A good story often teaches the best lessons. The epics, poetry, theatre, and other literature of Antiquity through the late Renaissance is generationally revered for its exploration of human nature. [...]
With today’s new technology, it is tempting to add sparkle and glitz to an eLearning course. But as the saying goes, not everything that glitters is gold. Deciding if and when to use new technology can be tricky. Here are four factors to consider. Relevance The general rule of thumb is only use new technology, like games or AR/VR, if it adds meaning to an eLearning course. When creating a module, ask what would help the learner meet the objective. If a simple diagram works, use that. If a learner has to demonstrate mastery of knowledge, such as a process, new technology may be the most effective. The key is to consider the learner. What does the learner need in order to be successful? Possibilities When looking to add technology, there is an ever-increasing range of possibilities. However, not all options are appropriate for every module. Consider the advantages and disadvantages of each type of new technology. For example, creating virtual reality (VR) could be very expensive. It may also be hard for an older learner [...]
Student engagement and retention improve when universities take action. Campus beautification and student demographics definitely play a part. A rich learning experience, however, is even more important in helping students finish strong. Many institutions are using the following high impact approaches to keep learners engaged. Structured Learning Communities Increase Student Engagement Learning communities give students a sense of belonging and increase engagement. A structured community will group learners together and give them more time to interact. Students can collaborate to solve problems, review peer work, or conduct research. Such a community should also include faculty who ask students about their personal life and give career guidance. An LMS (Learning Management System) makes it all easier. For example, one community college found that students in a structured learning community attended class more often. What are some approaches to keep your millennial learners engaged? Read this article that discusses some curricular approaches based on their unique learning styles. Writing Intensive Courses Universities such as Harvard are offering writing intensive courses. A writing intensive course amplifies student [...]
