An Interactive Design Process for Developing Learning Objects

1. An Interactive Design Process for Developing Learning Objects Simone C.O. Conceição, Ph.D. James Brown, M.S. University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee 22nd Annual Conference on Distance Teaching & Learning University of Wisconsin-Madison, Aug. 2-4, 2006

2. What is a Learning Object? “Any entity, digital or non-digital, that can be used, re-used, or referenced during technology-supported learning.” Learning Technology Standards Committee (2000)

3. The Practicum Course • Required the design and delivery of web-based materials for an adult online course • Taught in a fast-paced eight-week summer format (2005) • Emphasized a professional setting with many deadlines and meetings

4. The Practicum Course • Involved nine participants who role played as instructional designers (students) and project manager (instructor) • Required continual interaction with clients and peers • Provided an optimal environment for quick, yet creative thinking

5. What Media Can Be Used? • Any educational media can create a learning object • Examples of software programs include: • Microsoft ® • PowerPoint ™ or Word ™ • Adobe ® • Captivate ™ or Flash ™ • Techsmith Corporation ® • Camtasia ™

6. Learning Object Design Model Phase 1 – Content Outline Phase 2 – Storyboard Phase 3 – Rapid Prototype Phase 4 – Testing Phase 5 – Presentation • Based partially on elements of the • Meachen, Olgren, & Ploetz (2004) FIPSE Grant

7. Phase 1 – Content Outline Define the scope and content for the learning object.

8. Interaction! Phase 1 Feedback:“ Reduce scope and tighten content to fit the time limit for the learning object. ”

9. Phase 2 – Storyboards Sketch the main content and design concepts of LO.

10. Interaction! Phase 2 Feedback:“ Include graphics and navigation; make it interactive with the learner. ”

11. Phase 3 – Rapid Prototype Preview functionality and effectiveness of LO design.

12. Interaction! Phase 3 Feedback:“ Pick up the pace; it’s too long. How do I skip parts I already know? ”

13. Phase 4 – Testing Demonstrate the learning object with a test audience.

14. Interaction! Phase 4 Feedback:“ The quizzes don’t work right; how do I skip them? ”

15. Phase 5 – Presentation Present the LO in the learning management system (LMS).

16. Interaction! Phase 5 Feedback:“ [The group applauds.] Nice job! Don’t forget the credits. ”

17. The Interactive Design Process

18. An Interactive Experience A holistic approach involving peer and instructor feedback guided the development of the learning objects and allowed designers to view them through a diverse set of lenses representing a variety of different users’ learning styles.

19. Use Interactive Reviews Before … After …

20. Provide Lesson Links Preview … Review …

21. The Finished Learning Object! To … From …

22. Implications for Practice (It’s FREE!) • Flexible • Individual or group projects • Face-to-face or online environment • Responsive • Peer review fosters creative analysis • Rapid prototype corrects problems early • Changes bring continual improvements • Efficient • Rapid response times • Many interactions possible • Effective • Testing and review • Innovation and creativity • Focus on interaction and learner

23. Conclusion This model for process design offers a way to use a small group effectively to create new products or improve existing ones quickly. It uses a five-phase process that includes peer review, product evaluation, and collaboration in a supportive environment.

24. ? ? ? ? Questions?

25. Thank You! Contact: Simone C.O. Conceição, Ph.D. simonec@uwm.edu James Brown, M.S. jhbrown@uwm.edu Learn More!