Online Faculty Development Modules

1. Online Faculty Development Modules Introduction Utilizing student feedback on effective instructional practices, Online Faculty Development Modules are designed around the principles of Universal Design for Learning (UDL) for the purpose of sharing effective teaching methods. Electronic modules showcase effective instructional practices of ECU faculty and provide other instructors with new ideas for enhancing the classroom experience for diverse learners. • Module Components • Each module follows a common structure that includes information about the instructional practice, connections with UDL principles, previous research support, and an opportunity to provide feedback about the module. If desired, viewers may also print a certificate of module completion for their professional records. The 6 components of each professional development module are: • Introduction: Rationale for the module, photo of contributing faculty member(s), and graphic representation of module content •  UDL Principle: Description of the Universal Design for Learning principle(s) associated with the module content and how the instructional practice aligns with the UDL principles •  Description: Detailed description of the instructional practice highlighted in the module provided through the use of text, photos, videos, and charts • Literature Base: Brief summary of research and professional literature that support the importance and effectiveness of the instructional practice • Learn More: Bibliography of references cited in module and additional resources •  Feedback Survey & Certificate: A brief survey about the effectiveness of module components and future interest in participating with College STAR followed by the options to print a certificate of completion Pirate CREWS Team Sue Steinweg, Ph.D. Instructional Consultant, College STAR Tanner Jones, BFA Technology Specialist, College STAR Samantha Canada, Graduate Assistant College STAR Jessica Jones, Graduate Assistant College STAR Currently pilot modules are simply listed under the “Faculty” tab of the College STAR website. We have designed a system of organization based on the principles of Universal Design for Learning to use once the modules are refined based on field testing feedback and the number of modules begins to grow. Evaluation Two types of evaluation are incorporated in development and use of the modules. After a module is written, it goes through several levels of editing for clarity, grammar, content, and accuracy. This includes having the first drafts read by at least four individuals. Once corrections are made and the module content is placed online, the module is reread and edited by at least four individuals. External reviews are being conducted for the first 5 modules by individuals with expertise in UDL and pedagogy using a 13-page evaluation form, which includes Likert Scale and open response items. Feedback by these external reviewers will be used to refine these early modules as well as incorporated when developing future modules. Individuals who access the modules are asked to complete a survey upon completion of each module. Questions ask the viewer to evaluate the effectiveness of module elements and possible impact on their future instructional practice. Background Information Online faculty development modules provide information about effective instructional practices for diverse learners. The creation of these faculty development modules relies on the student voice. In short, students are asked to share about instructional decisions that their instructors use to effectively influence student learning, and some of those student-nominated teaching practices are used to create online professional development modules. The use of student nominations of effective instructional practices has allowed us to “hear” student voices about teaching practices that help them learn. Our initial attempt to obtain nominations via paper forms had limited success. During Spring 2012, we began using an electronic nomination process. The student electronic nomination form, instituted March 26th, generated 66 nominations overnight. By April 9th the nomination site had received 518 visits by 480 people resulting in 121 nominations. On the electronic nomination form, students write a description of the teaching strategy, the name of their instructor, and (if desired) their own name. Students who choose to disclose their names are eligible to win a $25.00 gift card to the student store and may be invited to participate in a future focus group. References College STAR Faculty Development Modules http://www.collegestar.ecu.edu/faculty National Center on Universal Design for Learning www.udlcenter.org Screen capture of introductory page for online professional development module about the use of student response systems in large college classrooms