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EDEN Open Classroom Conference, October 27-29 th 2011. The development of lessons, case studies, scenarios and simulations in the Moodle Virtual Learning Environment for self directed learning (SDL). By Michael O’Rourke Lecturer Department of Electronic & Computer Engineering
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EDEN Open Classroom Conference, October 27-29th 2011 The development of lessons, case studies, scenarios and simulations in the Moodle Virtual Learning Environment for self directed learning (SDL) By Michael O’Rourke Lecturer Department of Electronic & Computer Engineering Athlone Institute of Technology, Ireland in association with and funded by the National Academy for Integration of Research, Teaching and Learning (NAIRTL), UCC, Ireland
Project Objectives • Familiarisation with the settings and features of the lesson activity in the Moodle VLE. • Exploration of the use of the lesson activity for case studies, scenarios and simulations. • Lesson development techniques. • How lessons can be incorporated into a module for self directed learning (SDL). • Exploration of the use of open educational resources (OER) within a Moodle lesson. • Learner feedback on the use of lessons. Michael O’Rourke, AIT
Main features of the Moodle lesson • An activity in the Moodle VLE. • Timed and scheduled like a quiz, if required. • Multiple pages which can contain various multimedia elements like text, images, sound, video and web links. • Each page can contain a question (True/False, Short Answer, Multiple Choice, Essay, Matching, Numerical). • Sequence can be linear or branching. Michael O’Rourke, AIT
Main features of the Moodle lesson • Questions can be imported in various formats from elsewhere. • Presentations can be imported. • Can be used to create flashcard exercises for learners. • Lesson scores are incorporated into the Moodle grade book, if appropriate. • Emphasis is on teaching and learning, not assessment (use quiz tools for assessment). • It is a conditional activity i.e. a pathway can be specified for learners who are taking a number of lessons as part of a module. Michael O’Rourke, AIT
A branching lesson • The learner is led through a troubleshooting or decision making scenario. • Each page presents new information about the scenario. • A question is asked on each page which may cause a branch or jump to another part of the lesson. • Feedback is provided on each page. • May be scored and/or timed, if required. Michael O’Rourke, AIT
Start Check the indicator leds on the system unit and monitor Are leds on? Y A N Check electrical power socket Is it plugged in? N Plug it in Y Switched on ? N Switch it on Y Check power cables to system unit and monitor Are cables connected? N Connect cables to both units Y B Sample part flowchart for a branching lesson Michael O’Rourke, AIT
Example 1: A branching lesson Michael O’Rourke, AIT
Example 2: A branching lesson Michael O’Rourke, AIT
A linear lesson • The learner is ‘led’ through pages of content in a linear style i.e. no branches/jumps. • A container for packaging any type of multimedia content including lecture notes or OERs. • Ideal for SDL as it ‘forces’ the learner to review the content of the lesson and answer any questions included in the lesson. • Should be scored and/or timed to incentivise the learner. • Feedback may be provided on each page as appropriate. • Can be used as a flashcard exercise. Michael O’Rourke, AIT
Example 3: A linearlesson Michael O’Rourke, AIT
Learner Survey • An online survey was conducted with learners to gather feedback on the use of Moodle lessons in their modules. Michael O’Rourke, AIT
Learner Survey Results Michael O’Rourke, AIT
Benefits for learners • It aids with SDL because it is interactive and the score attained by the learner can be designed by the lecturer, to count towards the final assessment mark. • Feedback is provided within the lesson, case study, scenario or simulation where appropriate, to give pointers to learners as they progress through it. • The lesson, case study, scenario or simulation can be taken a number of times for knowledge and understanding reinforcement by the learner. Michael O’Rourke, AIT
Benefits for learners • The lesson, case study, scenario or simulation can be undertaken off-campus at any time as they are online. • Lessons, case studies, scenarios or simulations can be provided in any discipline or subject (Engineering, Science, Business, Humanities) as the Moodle lesson is very flexible. Michael O’Rourke, AIT
Conclusions and findings • The lesson activity in Moodle is an excellent activity for presenting material to learners because they are ‘led’ through it in a very structured and interactive manner. • The lesson may be used to ‘package’ all types of OERs in all formats including audio, video, animations, text and images. • Feedback may be provided at all points in the lesson. Michael O’Rourke, AIT
Conclusions and findings • Decision making is easily incorporated into a lesson using ‘jumps’ within the lesson. • Various question types are provided within the lesson including Multiple Choice, True/False, Short Answer, Numerical, Matching and Essay thus giving wide variety in assessment. • Short lessons of 15 to 30 minutes duration seem to work best in order to keep learners engaged and avoid loss of concentration. Michael O’Rourke, AIT
Conclusions and findings • The planning and development time is considerable for a single lesson, particularly if it involves decision making. • A flowchart is recommended for planning a decision making lesson. • Some prior experience with Moodle is desirable as it takes time to become familiar with the technicalities of the lesson interface. Michael O’Rourke, AIT
Conclusions and findings • The Moodle lesson activity provides a very flexible method of creating SDL resources for teaching and learning. • Some concerns over Moodle 2.0: will existing lessons be importable to Moodle 2.0? Michael O’Rourke, AIT
Web information and resources • Athlone Institute of Technology: http://www.ait.ie/ • Learning & Teaching Unit, AIT • http://www.ait.ie/aboutaitandathlone/learningandteaching/ • National Academy for Integration of Research, Teaching and Learning:http://www.nairtl.ie/ • National Digital Learning Repository: http://www.ndlr.ie/ • My resources on the NDLR: https://dspace.ndlr.ie/jspui/browse?type=author&sort_by=1&order=ASC&rpp=20&etal=-1&value=O%27Rourke%2C+Michael&offset=0 • YouTube tutorial on creating a Moodle lesson: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nq3das503-Q Michael O’Rourke, AIT
Thank you! • Any questions? • Email: miorourke@ait.ie Michael O’Rourke, AIT
Acknowledgements • Special thanks to NAIRTL, UCC for funding this project. Michael O’Rourke, AIT