Developing Online Learning Tools

Ten Strategies for Creating a Set of Best Practicesfor Your Library

Liz Johns | emjohns@jhu.edu | @emjohns1988

Librarian for EducationJohns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD

Today…

Background of the Project

Online learning programs pitfalls

Strategies to Developing a Set of Best Practices

Richmond, Virginia

Established 1838 (sort of)

31,000 students (20,000 undergrads)

Urban, public, research university

Two campuses

Online Learning Tools Pitfalls

USE BY23JUL 09

Online Learning Tools Pitfalls

Online Learning Tools Pitfalls

No standardization or coordination

Online Learning Tools Pitfalls

Online Learning Tools Pitfalls

Online Learning Tools Pitfalls

Online Learning Tools Pitfalls

Challenges in Developing Online Learning Tools

What are some of your challenges?

• Out of date

• Too many tools

• Lack of standardization and coordination causes:• Confusion• Redundancy• Low Quality• Lack of Variety

Online Learning Tools Pitfalls

ADDIE Model

Design

Develop

Implement

Analysis

Evaluate

Strategy 1: Determine Usefulness of Outdated Tools, and Create a schedule for updates or Replacements.

Problem at VCU

USE BY23JUL 09

Develop an Update Schedule

Suggestions for your policy:

•Set a deadline for updates

•Require a yearly review of all tools• Examine not only the content, but usefulness.

•Set an expiration date

Strategy 2: Research the Optionsto determine what’s best for you.

Example: Video Hosting Platforms

Strategy 3: Prioritize Learning outcomes.

Prioritization Ideas

• ACRL Framework as a guide

• Content of info lit sessions• What’s most needed?• What can’t you cover in class?

• Analysis of reference questions or consultations

Strategy 4: Maintain consistency in design elements.

What can be standardized?

• Colors schemes

What can be standardized?

• Colors schemes• Fonts

What can be standardized?

• Colors schemes• Fonts• Size, color, shape of

graphics

What can be standardized?

• Colors schemes• Fonts• Size, color, shape of

graphics.• Opening and closing

of videos

What can be standardized?

• Colors schemes• Fonts• Size, color, shape of

graphics.• Opening and closing

of videos• Size and length

Strategy 5: Keep Accessibility in Mind.

Five down, five to go

?

Strategy 6: Ensure the medium is appropriate for the Learning Outcomes.

?

Mediums

Strategy 7: Create Tools that are Coordinated or Complement Each Other.

AnimatedContinuous change

StaticNo change

InteractiveChange from user action

VideosEvaluating

Information

Hover maps

Videos

Games

InfographicsEvaluating

Information

Hover maps engage users

Infographicsspeed information processing

Games help

practice skills and

check knowledge

“Technology does not teach students; effective teachers

do.”

- Whitesel 1998

Strategy 8: Simplify development through common software, shared processes, and agreed upon language.

Development

• Encourage librarians to use the same software when developing similar tools.

• Encourage librarians to go through the same processes when developing tools.

• Use standardized language for your library, and avoid library jargon. Eg: Library service desk vs. front desk vs. circulation desk

Strategy 9: Keep your tools organized and in logical places.

How to Organize?

Consider the needs of:•users•tool managers•librarians

Strategy 10: Make guidelines easy to access and understand.

Help out your Colleagues

Ongoing training

Communal location

Avenue for communication

Bonus Tip: Don’t Stop the conversation.

Keep looking, listening, sharing

Continually survey the field for changes and new developments

Continual assessment of tools

Strategies1: Determine Usefulness of Outdated Tools, and create a schedule for updating or replacing tools.2: Research the options to determine what’s best for you.

3: Prioritize learning outcomes.

4: Maintain consistency in design elements.

5: Keep accessibility in mind.

6: Ensure the medium is appropriate for the learning outcomes.

7: Create tools that are coordinated or complement each other.

8: Simplify development through common software, shared processes, and agreed upon language.

9. Keep your tools organized and in logical places.

10: Make guidelines easy to access and understand.

Bonus: Don’t stop the conversation.

Good online learning programs…

Are up to date

Facilitate active learning

Are comprised of tools that complement each other

Address skills in a strategic and coordinated way

References

Association of College and Research Libraries. (2012). Characteristics of programs of information literacy that illustrate best practices: A guideline. Retrieved from http://www.ala.org/acrl/standards/characteristics

Bladek, M., & Okamoto, K. (2014). What's theory got to do with it? applying educational theory and research to revamp freshman library workshops. College & Undergraduate Libraries, 21(1), 19-36. doi:10.1080/10691316.2014.877730

Chen, C., & Sun, Y. (2012). Assessing the effects of different multimedia materials on emotions and learning performance for visual and verbal style learners. Computers & Education, 59(4), 1273-1285. doi:10.1016/j.compedu.2012.05.006

Chickering, A. W. and Gamson, Z. F. (1987). “Seven principles for good practice in undergraduate education.” American Association of Higher Education Bulletin, March, 3-7.

Gandhi, S. (2004). Faculty-librarian collaboration to assess the effectiveness of a five-session library instruction model. Community & Junior College Libraries, 12(4), 15-48.

Mestre, L. S. (2010). Matching up learning styles with learning objects: What's effective? Journal of Library Administration, 50(7), 808-829. doi:10.1080/01930826.2010.488975

Images

Buzz Lightyear, [Digital image], USA, Buzz Lightyear Wallpapers. Retrieved May 5, 2014, from disneypictures.net/r-buzz-lightyear-202-buzz-lightyear-1920x1200-3864.htm

Buzz Lightyear, [Digital image], USA, Tumblr.com. Retrieved May 5, 2014, from crazycinephiles.tumblr.com/post/84522553944

Buzz Lightyear vs Adam Strange, [Digital image], USA, Comic Vine. Retrieved May 5, 2014, from comicvine.com/forums/battles-7/buzz-lightyear-vs-adam-strange-398713/

Information Overload, [Digital image], USA, Novell and Novell Counseling Services. Retrieved May 21, 2014. novellcounseling.org/overcoming-information-overload/

Justice Silhouette, [Digital image], USA, Pixabay. Retrieved May 6, 2014 from pixabay.com/en/justice-silhouette-scales-law-147214/

My eyeballs could have been sucked from their sockets! [Digital image], USA, A Buzz Lightyear Quote for Every Situation. Retrieved May 5, 2014, from blogs.disney.com/oh-my-disney/2013/09/10/a-buzz-lightyear-quote-for-every-situation/

Play button, [Icon], USA, Pixabay. Retrieved May 6, 2014 from pixabay.com/en/sign-dvd-music-video-icon-30619/

?