Model for Flexible Delivery

The OLAPOnline ACE ProjectLearnScope 2007

Background

Project Aim Research online tools for flexible delivery

Test tools Reflect Develop a model for flexible delivery

Courses used

To develop this model we used Certificate II in Business

BSB20101 Certificate II in Information

Technology ICA20105

This Model contains

Setup Processes Resources and Tools Responsibilities

Strategy SetupDevelop a Delivery and Assessment Strategy

that clearly demonstrates how Each student will be able to work at their own pace

Each student can choose order of units to a degree

Mixed mode delivery will be used in each unit Assessments will be carried out

Student Setup Develop or modify existing template for individual student learning plan

Develop or modify existing template for student learning contract

Develop or modify marketing course information for hard copy and web

Process - mixed mode delivery

Decide on what learning modes will be used for each unit Face to face - one on one Face to face - group activities Face to face - learning (traditional classroom

teaching) Face to face - assessments Online - research Online - interactive tasks Online - assessments Hard copy - tasks or resources (traditional

distance education type resources)

Course and unit hours Use Nominal hours as a guideline Breakdown face to face versus online or distance hours

Allow hours for assessment tasks Establish methods for tracking student hours Class rolls Moodle student tracking (gives a guide

only) Student blogs (gives a guide only)

Moodle There are other CMS available but we recommend Moodle as the most cost effective tool for the online classroom

All examples in this model will presume use of Moodle but any similar CMS can be substituted

Resource Review Consider each unit being offered Review all content and assessment material you already have

Review toolbox resources availabletoolboxes.flexiblelearning.net.au

Review other online resources available

Plan how units can be combined for integrated teaching and assessment

Moodle resourcesWork on one unit at a time

Examine Moodle tools: Lessons Quizzes Forums Wikis Blogs SCORM inclusion

Interaction resourcesExamine use of other interactivity tools DiscoverE or Adobe Connect Adobe Presenter Audacity Slideshare Podcasting Second LifeCan any of these tools enhance learning?

Choosing resources Decide which moodle resources, toolbox resources or other electronic resources will suit each unit

Decide how existing text based content or resources could be converted to interactive electronic resources

Developing resourcesWhere possible include as much variety of

interactive content as possible

Students generally do not appreciate reading large volumes of text

How can you accommodate learning styles?

Interaction assists to keep students engaged and confirm their absorption of

information

Toolbox resourcesToolbox elements may be a great way to find interactive resources such

as: Animations Videos Audio Interactive lessons Interactive quizzes Scenarios

Other resourcesConsider using google to find other

resources Online tutorials Case studies Video Animation Audio

Due to copyright you would probably just provide links to these resources, but remember to check often that

they remain at the same web address

Set the Scene

Consider how you could integrate learning activities and assessments through the use of scenarios

Develop a fictitious company the student will be ‘working for’ to develop scenarios

Develop a staff web site for this company with resources for scenarios

Unit learning elementsStrive to include in each unit:

Clear instructions Student checklist of unit tasks One interactive lesson minimum One scenario activity minimum Ability for students to collaborate Assessment task (though you may combine

units for integrated assessments) Full description of unit and elements

from NTIS

BloggingUse the blog where possible to assist

in assessment of units by demonstrating

Time management Planning or goal setting Assessing workloads Meeting deadlines Think of how else a blog can be used with any unit elements

Demonstrate how students can continue to use blogging in their own personal and professional lives after their learning

Processes Begin with face to face time to set each student up in the use of their moodle space

Ensure sufficient IT skills in each student Explain flexible delivery clearly Develop individual learning plan with the student

Student engagement Use face to face time to ensure each student is focused, engaged and on track

Ensure students know how to get help from tutors and other students

Encourage students to assist each other - develop mentorship skills

Give lots of positive feedback

Time Management Ensure you know your course structure well Set a reasonable amount of time for online

support and stick to it Plan face to face classes to maximise their

benefit to students Encourage peer support and student mentoring

Time frames Flexible delivery still needs time frames Student momentum can be maintained by deadlines

Assist students to set goals and keep to deadlines

Use Moodle to track student activity Use positive reinforcement to encourage maintenance of momentum

Tracking progressSet time/s each week to: Check student moodle activities reports

Check blogs, forums and wikis Review time averages for students for continual course improvement

Use Moodle database for recording competencies (for your easy reference)

Responsiblities

There are two areas of responsibility Students need to take responsibility

for their own learning Tutors have responsibility for

providing learning support

Student Responsibilities Set out a learning plan and follow it Use blog to set goals and manage time Student contract signed to ensure

responsibilities are understood and accepted Meet deadlines Make prompt contact with tutor if problems

arise

Tutor Responsibilities Provide clear instructions Provide many support avenues Check on student progress regularly Be prompt in answering enquiries Use student feedback to improve your course

Reflect regularly

Examples Following are some examples of what your course could ‘look like’

A home page A lesson A glossary A forum

A course home page

A lesson

A glossary

A forum

Flow of a mixed mode flexible delivery course

ForumsWikisIMS

Virtual class

ScenariosGlossaries

no

complete

yes

Competent?

Assessment .

InteractiveLessons

Online helpPeer mentors

Online ToolsStudent work

outside classroom

ClassroomSessions

IndividualLearning PlanGoal setting

Assessment and LearningSTRATEGY

In ConclusionCritical elements for success

A solid strategy Student plan and responsibilities Clear instructions Interactive and interesting activities Support and online help Maintain momentum Meet deadlines

Checklist Learning and Assessment Strategy Individual Learning plans and contracts

Moodle or other CMS Units checklist

Current resources to use or modify New resources to

Download (eg toolbox elements etc) Create from scratch

Test all interactive elements Validation of assessment tools

AssistanceHelp is available for:

Developing flexible delivery certificates

Partnerships for flexible delivery of Certificates in Business and IT

Katrina Sommerskatrina@bitts4learning.com.au

Les Skennarles@bitts4learning.com.au