Learning Objects and theNumeracy Initiative at the University of Guelph

Dr. Michelle Edwards

Data Resource Centre

University of Guelph

DLI Training – April 3, 2008

DLI and Numeracy?

• Our role as DLI contacts and as “data folks” puts us in a great position to work with numeracy initiatives

• Whether we call it numeracy? Or statistical literacy? Or quantitative reasoning?

DLI Training – April 3, 2008

DLI and Numeracy?

Help people deal with numbers:

• Selecting the right dataset• Reading the numbers correctly• Conducting the appropriate statistical

tests• Interpreting the results in context of the

research question

DLI Training – April 3, 2008

Numeracy and Quantitative Reasoning Initiative

1. Develop a repository

2. Create learning objects

3. Bring together various initiatives on campus

DLI Training – April 3, 2008

What is a Learning Object?

• Modular in nature

• Quick instruction – online

• Educational purpose

• Take one concept and break it down into smaller pieces

DLI Training – April 3, 2008

Formats of Learning Objects

• PowerPoint presentations

• Movies

• Word documents

• Flash modules

• Any format can be used

DLI Training – April 3, 2008

Adobe Flash

• Recommended by CLOE

• Create modules that are interactive

• Create quizzes throughout module

• Progress chart

• Add graphics

→ Learning Curve

DLI Training – April 3, 2008

Learning Objects

• Each Learning Object is an entry in the database

• Used the CANCORE metadata schema for Learning Objects• developed by Norm Friesen (UAlberta),

Anthony Roberts (TeleEduction New Brunswick), and Sue Fisher (UNB)

DLI Training – April 3, 2008

Driven by Student - Power

• 2 Co-op students• Computing & Information Science – UG• Applied Computing – Guelph-Humber

• 1 Summer student

• 2 PT Graduate Student• Computing & Information Science• Mathematics & Statistics

DLI Training – April 3, 2008

Student - Teamwork

• 1 developed the Repository

• 1 developed Flash module templates

• 2 developed content

• 1 developed webpage and helped me supervise Co-op students

DLI Training – April 3, 2008

Using Flash to create LOs

• Created templates• 4 topics• 5 topics• 6 topics

• Quiz templates• Multiple choice• Fill in the blank• True or false• Hot spot• Drag ‘n drop• Checkmark

DLI Training – April 3, 2008

Flash Template – 4 topics

DLI Training – April 3, 2008

Flash Template – 6 topics

DLI Training – April 3, 2008

Quiz Templates – True or False

DLI Training – April 3, 2008

Quiz Templates – Multiple Choice

DLI Training – April 3, 2008

Quiz Templates – Drag ‘n Drop

DLI Training – April 3, 2008

Flash - Template

DLI Training – April 3, 2008

Learning Flash

• How-to document prepared by Co-op student and vetted by Numeracy team

• Used by new students – easy to follow – quizzes are challenging

• Will be used by new group of students this summer

DLI Training – April 3, 2008

The Repository

• Database was developed in Access

• Cold Fusion used for Web access

• Co-op Student from Computing & Information Science – U Guelph developed database and CF

DLI Training – April 3, 2008

Tour of Repository

Numeracy and Quantitative Reasoning Initiative

DLI Training – April 3, 2008

Student Feedback

“… the students said that they would use the site and recommend it to students who were looking to refresh their numeracy skills. A number said they would use it to refresh themselves on a previously learning concept!”

DLI Training – April 3, 2008

Student Feedback

“… students were asking if the professors for some of their courses are currently involved in the project and could links to the numeracy site be posted on the course websites or Blackboard?”

DLI Training – April 3, 2008

Faculty Use

• Math & Stats• Incorporated into the first year Calculus

course• More integrated approach this Fall• Create quizzes that link directly to

modules

DLI Training – April 3, 2008

Faculty Use

• Family Relations & Applied Nutrition• Research Help and Statistical Literacy

session

• Economics• Resource listed on 1st year course

outlines

DLI Training – April 3, 2008

Next Steps

• More Learning Objects

• Statistics – PT Grad Student W&S ’08• Mathematics – URA Summer ’08• Chemistry – URA Summer ’08• Economics – GTA Summer ’08

DLI Training – April 3, 2008

Next Steps

• New learning objects

• Quantitative Reasoning area:• Incorporate more “real-life” examples• Based on results of surveys available to

UG students through DLI

DLI Training – April 3, 2008

Next Steps

• Create Static documents based on Learning Objects – Summer student ’08

• Revisit webpage to make it more user friendly – Summer student ’08