A Toolbox of Resources

Cindy MillerCourse Development Manager

Cengage Learning

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

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

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

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

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

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

So….how do we engage them?

What tools can we use?

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

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

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

Tool #2 – Audio/Podcasts

Podcast sources• CourseCasts• Groks Science Radio Show

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

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

Tool #3 – Video

Reach variety of learning styles• Visual learners, auditory learners

Help students practice media literacy and critical viewing skills

Expertvillage.com

Tool #3 – Online Tutorials

Research new technologies Create new project assignments

The How-To-Geek

Tool #5 – Free Online Courses

Supplemental lectures Introduce material not covered by text Find additional assignments

MIT Open Courseware

Tool #5 – Free Online Courses

Let’s Brainstorm!