Agenda

Introduction Importance of Modularization Importance of Consistency Use of Text Headers and Indentation Example Models of Module Structure Q&A Additional Resources

Introduction Who the heck am I, and why the heck

am I here? While we are at it, who are you?

Poll 1: Are you familiar with the principles of Universal Design?

Poll 2: Do you organize your courses using Canvas Modules?

Some Definitions Universal Design for Learning (UDL)

A set of principles for curriculum development that give ALL individuals equal opportunities to learn (National Center on Universal Design for Learning)

The term Universal Design for Learning means a scientifically valid framework for guiding educational practice that: (A) provides flexibility in the ways information is presented, in

the ways students respond or demonstrate knowledge and skills, and in the ways students are engaged; and

(B) reduces barriers in instruction, provides appropriate accommodations, supports, and  challenges, and maintains high achievement expectations for ALL students, including students with disabilities and students who are limited English proficient.(Higher Education Opportunity Act of 2008)

Accessibility and UDL

“Accessibility has two components: 1)Accommodations, and 2) Universal

Design.”Sheryl Burgstaler, University of Washington DoIt

Center

Modules

Module Defined - Standardized self-contained segment that, with other such segments,

constitutes an educational course or training program.

Canvas Modules of Course!

My Guiding Principles!

ALL students must be able to know what they have to do, how they

have to do it, where they have to do it, and how they can get help

when they need it!

We want ALL of our students to be challenged by our curriculum, not

challenged by the technology used to deliver our curriculum!

Importance of Modularization The Textbook Model Modules approximate the organizing

principles of a textbook, and that face-to-face sessions in a live class would otherwise have provided.

Design our online courses like our textbooks and traditional classrooms! Everything that relates to and supports a

specific unit of study should be included in that unit's module!

Importance of Modularization Cont.

Boise State University – “A module structure is especially important in online

learning environments, as it provides an aid in the presentation and application of the online teaching and learning processes.”

It aids a teacher’s delivery of instruction, and

It aids ALL our students’ learning!

Importance of Modularization Cont.

Boise State University - “Often online students get a little bit lost, and they don’t understand what they’re expected to do, or where to find what they need to do. But

if the course follows a format that’s recognizable and comfortable, and then when the second week and subsequent weeks are

consistent, they thereby become more effective for learning.”

Importance of Modularization Cont.

Boise State University - “By incorporating the same types of components in each course module, students quickly pick up on the course’s rhythms and patterns and have a better idea of what to expect than if the course were designed using a varying structure.”

Penn State Student Survey - Spring 2016 43.48% preferred Modules as Home page (N

= 564)

Minimum Recommended Module Content At a minimum each module should

include: An introduction or overview,

The module level learning objectives,

All learning materials for that module's topic (readings, external links, videos, recorded lectures, etc.),

All learning activities related to that modules topics (assignments, discussions, practice exercises, etc.), and

All assessments of student achievement of the module objectives.

Importance of Consistency

Consistent module design will greatly aid ALL students in what they have to do, how they have to do it, where they have to do it.

Consistent Naming, Location and placement, Ordering, and Scheduling.

Consistent NamingA rose is not always a rose when we don’t always

call it a rose! Consistent naming of:

Modules, Learning Materials or Resources, Learning Activities, Text Headers.

It is a good idea to reflect the module name in the content names!

Naming consistency should be reflected across all modules when possible!

Consistent Location, Placement and Ordering

Students should expect to find similar items in the same places throughout the duration of the course, and the placement of learning materials and activities should reflect the logical flow of student learning within the course.

However you choose to sequence learning in your Modules, that sequence should be the same in every Module!

Exceptions of course!

Consistent SchedulingOne of the biggest challenges for online

students is keeping on track!

Whenever possible: Design modules to be of a consistent

duration, and Schedule regular due dates on the

same days of the week across all modules.

Exceptions of course.

Use of Text Headers and Indentation

Text headers can be a very powerful tool for helping ALL students locate what they need when they need it.

Indentation of content under a text header greatly helps ALL students Identify and focus on a specific section of the module.

Both are compatible with screen-reading technology!

Examples or Models

When it comes to designing your overall course structure as reflected in your module structure: The only limitation is your imagination! Apply the KISS Principle to the degree possible, Reflect on:

How your textbook is structured, How to best segment and sequence the curriculum, How you would chunk your curriculum in a traditional

classroom,

Model 1: Module by Module (Chapter by Chapter, Week by Week etc.)Module 1 Introduction to Medical Terminology

Module 1 Introduction & Learning ObjectivesModule 1 Lectures and Handouts• Module 1 Lecture 1 (required video

lecture)• Module 1 Lecture 2 (optional video

lecture)• Module 1 Handout – Additional

ReferencesModule 1 Assignments• Module 1 Practice Activity• Module 1 Discussion Forum• Module 1 AssignmentModule 1 Quizzes and Exams• Module 1 Practice Quiz• Module 1 Exam

Module 2 The Body in Health and Disease

Model 2: Unit by Unit Module DesignUnit 1 – Chapters 1

- 5Unit 1 Introduction & Learning ObjectivesUnit 1 Chapter

1Chapter 1 Introduction

Chapter 1 Lectures

• Chapter 1 Lecture 1• Chapter 1 Lecture 2

Chapter 1 Assignments

• Chapter 1 Assignment 1• Chapter 1 Assignment 2

Unit 1 Chapter 2

Unit 2 – Chapters 6, 8 & 9

Model 3: Project by ProjectProject One• Project One Introduction & Learning

Objectives• Project One Description and General

InstructionsProject One Proposal – Week 1

• Project One Proposal Instructions and Criteria• Project One Proposal Assignment – Proposal

SubmissionProject One Development and Implementation – Week 2 and 3Project One

Development• Project One Development Instructions and Timeline• Project One Development Assignment –

Development PaperProject One Implementation• Project One Implementation Demonstration Video

SubmissionProject One Evaluation – Week 4• Project One Evaluation Instructions• Project One Evaluation Assignment – Submit Evaluation and

Reflections PaperProject Two

Final Tips! If each module includes the module’s files, pages,

discussions, assignments and quizzes, then hide those content areas in the Course Navigation Menu!

Consistent use of Item numbering under a text header is very helpful for certain learning disabilities

If you code using, HTML navigation buttons can be helpful, such as: Return to Module Index (Introductory page), Return to Modules page, Return to Home page.

Don’t! Don’t organize modules by content type

Handouts, Websites, Links, Assignments, Quizzes, Etc.

Nightmare for students, not accessible; and horrible to review, revise, or update by teachers!

SummaryIn reality, the use of modules and applying these

module principles to your online Canvas classroom will be a primary driver for your entire course design process, and your delivery of instruction and promote inclusive course

design!

Final Not-So Secret Advantage

It also makes the teachers life much easier!

Learn About UDL National Center on Universal Design for Learning

URL: http://www.udlcenter.org/aboutudl/udlguidelines/principle1

CAST – Universal Design for Learning URL: http://udltheorypractice.cast.org/login

UW – The Center for Universal Design for Learning URL:

http://www.washington.edu/doit/programs/center-universal-design-education/overview

Universal Design in Higher Education, 2nd Edition, Sheryl Burgstaler, Harvard Education Press, 2015, ISBN 978-1-61250-816-0

Contact Presenter: kelley.meeusen@cptc.edu

QUESTIONS?Image by Renee Carney