olf51 501 jones final - elearning guild

Building Effective Online Instruction through Modular Design

Paula Jones, Eastern Kentucky University

Produced by

June 26 & 27, 2008

501

Managing e-Learning Content

Managing e-Learning Content June 26 & 27, 2008

Page 1Session 501 – Building Effective Online Instruction through Modular Design –Paula Jones, Eastern Kentucky University

6/25/2008 1

Modular Design

Paula JonesInstructional Designer

Eastern Kentucky University

Building Effective Online Instruction through Modular Design

6/25/2008 2

Overview of PresentationModular Design DefinedQuality Matters at EKUOrganization/StructureIntroductory ModuleContent ModuleDiscussion BoardSummarize



6/25/2008 3

Modular DesignDefining Module

An instructional package dealing with a single concept or topic within a specified content area Includes measurable learning objectives Includes learning activities based on the objectives.

Modules are not a new conceptJames Russell, 1973 definition: a self-contained, independent unit of a planned series of learning activities designed to help the student accomplish certain well-defined objectives

6/25/2008 4

Modular DesignBenefit of Modular Design

Modular design is an attempt to combine the advantages of standardization (saving time, provides consistency) with those of customization (allow flexibility to include additional instructional components to support learning)Can increase student involvement in the topic by providing more student-centered learning componentsA variety of instructional products and resources can be used to communicate instruction



6/25/2008 5

Modular DesignAdditional Benefits of Modular Design

Allows the student to proceed through module content at his or her own paceAllows students to identify their strengths and weaknesses and to self-assess progress and repeat content and/or instructions as needed to acquire the objectives

6/25/2008 6

Modular DesignDisadvantages of Modular Design

For students:Self-discipline has to be demonstrated in pursuing independent studyThe shift from the lecture method (passive) to modular instruction (active) might be difficult for studentsBecoming familiar with a variety of choices between the available resources (e.g. different instructional modes, modules, etc.) might prove frustratingSince some of the students will be fast and others slow learners and students will have more or less prior knowledge



6/25/2008 7

Modular DesignDisadvantages of Modular Design

For instructors:Considerable time required to design modulesRemoval of the professor's 'centre-stage billing’Grading and exam procedures must be modified within modular instruction

6/25/2008 8

Poll #1



6/25/2008 9

Let’s ChatIn the Chat Window, post answers to the following questions:

Do you currently use a course management system?If so, what system do you use?

6/25/2008 10

Current View of Course Site

Command Buttons to be Removed



6/25/2008 11

Modular StructureAdded Command

Buttons

6/25/2008 12

Modular StructureFolders Represent Modules

•Introductory Module

•Content Modules

•Summary Project Modules (if applicable)



6/25/2008 13

Quality Matters at EKUEKU is a member of Quality Matters http:// www.qualitymatters.org/Our goal is to develop online courses using the QM Rubric and especially the 14 essential standards

6/25/2008 14

Poll #2



6/25/2008 15

The Quality Matters Peer Course Review Rubric Includes 8 Categories:

Course Overview and IntroductionLearning ObjectivesAssessmentResources and MaterialsLearner InteractionCourse TechnologyLearner SupportAccessibility

Each of the 14 Essential Elements of the QM Rubric can be Accomplished Using Modular Design

Quality Matters at EKU

6/25/2008 16

Structure and OrganizationStructure of a Module

Organized by chapters and/or topicsMultiple chapters can be part of one moduleRemove extra command buttons such as Course Documents and Course Information and External Links Explain the modular structure of course to students via the Announcement page and/or e-mails to help them begin the courseDevelop Instructional Products to Meet ADA Compliance

VIII. 1. The course acknowledges the importance of ADA requirements

I.1. Navigational instructions make the organization of the course easy to understandV.3. Navigation throughout the online components of the course is logical, consistent and efficient.



6/25/2008 17

Introductory ModuleIntroduction from Instructor

Intro Video and Supported by anIntro Power Point

Course Syllabus and ScheduleDiscussion Board RubricStudent Technology Requirements (provided by IT)Late Enrollment InformationEKU CalendarDisabilities Accommodation StatementIntroductory Module Assignments

Small Group Discussion Board/Ice BreakerLibrary TutorialsOnline Quiz (covers information on Syllabus/Schedule)

I.2. A statement introduces the student to the course and to the structure of the student learning and, in the case of a hybrid course, clarifies the relationship between the face-to-face and online components III.2. The course grading policy is stated clearly III. 3. Specific and descriptive criteria are provided for the evaluation of student’s work and participation

VIII. 1. The course acknowledges the importance of ADA requirements

6/25/2008 18

Example of Intro Module

Objectives Listed for Intro Module



6/25/2008 19

Example of Intro Module (Continues)

Contents of Introductory Module:Intro Video of Instructor (2-5 minutes)

Welcome to the Course (interactive PPT with Instructor’s Audio)

Folder that contains Course Syllabus, Course Schedule, Grading Methods (Rubrics)

Additional Contents:

Tech Requirements

Library Tutorials

Calendars

Disabilities Accommodations Statement/Resources

6/25/2008 20

Suggested Components of Introductory Module

1. Introductory Video2. Introductory Message (example: PPT with

Audio w/ an overview of the course, expectations, requirements, course site)

3. Course Syllabus4. Course Schedule5. Technology Requirements (for home

computers)

6. Rubrics (if applicable)•Discussion Board•Wiki•Critical Thinking



6/25/2008 21

Suggested Components of Introductory Module7. Late Enrollment Information8. Semester Calendar Link9. Disability Accommodation Statement10. Introductory Module Assignments

Introductory QuizIce Breaker Exercise (meet class members)

on Group Discussion BoardOr on Classroom Discussion BoardPosting a Photo to Share

Intro to Use of Wiki (if applicable)

6/25/2008 22

Poll #3



6/25/2008 23

Content ModuleKey Components

Organized by Chapters or TopicsEach Folder is All Inclusive

Learning ObjectivesOverview and AssignmentsContent and Supporting External Links (Websites)

II.1 The course learning objectives describe outcomes that are measurable (usually part of Introductory Module)

II.2 The module/unit learning objectives describe outcomes that are measurable and consistent with the course-level objectives

6/25/2008 24

Example of Content ModuleList Module Objectives



6/25/2008 25

Content of a Typical Module

Message from Instructor

Direct Course Links to Module Forums on Discussion Boards

External Links Provided within Module

Assignments/Exams Provided within Module

6/25/2008 26

Content ModuleEach Folder is All Inclusive and Would Include:

Assignments/Activities based on Learning ObjectivesPractice Activities (very important)All Resources (External Links) that support the instructional activities

V.1. Learning activities promote the achievement of stated learning objectivesV.2. Learning activities foster instructor-student, content-student, and if appropriate to this course, student-studentinteraction (offer a direct link to the discussion board or place where students would be able to interact)



6/25/2008 27

Content Module (continued)

Instructional Media ComponentBased on the learning objectives

IDC will be able to help with media production

Assessment of learningIV. 1. The instructional materials support the stated learning objectivesIV. 2. The instructional materials have sufficient breadth, depth, andcurrency for the students to learn the subjectVI.1. The tools and media support the learning objectives, and are appropriately chosen to deliver the content of the course

III.1. The types of assessments selected measure the stated learning objectives and are consistent with course activities and resources

6/25/2008 28

Example of Content Module



6/25/2008 29

Example of Content Module

6/25/2008 30

Discussion BoardOrganize the Classroom Discussion Board Forums to Support Modular Design

Create a “Meeting Place” (i.e., Water Cooler Forum or Q&A Forum)Create Module Forums to provide students a logical place to go to post questions and to become involved in discussions about module content These Module Forums state clearly when the instructor and/or fellow learners will respond to questions and comments

V.3 Clear standards are set for instructor response and availability(turn-around time for e-mail, grade posting, etc.) – this includes how often the instructor will check in and respond to discussion board.



6/25/2008 31

Water Cooler

Module Forums

Expected Response Time Noted

6/25/2008 32

SummarizeModular Design can be an effective method for organizing online courses and training Include an Introductory Module to help learners to become familiar with the modular structure and in using the course management tools before the content instruction beginsBuild the Communication Tools to support the modular structure (Module Forums in the discussion board)Incorporate a peer review program (i.e. Quality Matters program) to improve the quality of online courses.



6/25/2008 33

The Elearning GuildFrom the learners’perspective:

Using Module Designcan help to provide a strong foundation for building quality online instruction

6/25/2008 34

Q&AThank you for attendingContact Information:

Paula Jones, ABD Instructional DesignerEastern Kentucky University [email protected] Matters at the University of Marylandhttp://www.qualitymatters.org/