A Toolbox of Resources

1. A Toolbox of Resources Cindy MillerCourse Development ManagerCengage Learning

2. Who is that student in your course? • Generation Y(also known as Millenials) • born 1980-1995 • 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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

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

9. 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

10. 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

11. 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 http://www.wtvi.com/TEKS/05_06_articles/classroom-audio-podcasting.html

12. Tool #2 – Audio/Podcasts • Podcast sources • CourseCasts • Groks Science Radio Show

13. Tool #3 – Video • Students retain more information • Understand concepts more rapidly • More enthusiastic about what they are learning • In the classroom or online http://www.thirteen.org/edonline/ntti/resources/video1.html

14. 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 http://www.thirteen.org/edonline/ntti/resources/video1.html

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

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

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

18. MIT Open Courseware Tool #5 – Free Online Courses

19. Let’s Brainstorm!