Introducing the Linked Classroom Model in a Synchromodal Learning Environment
John Bell William Cain Sandra Sawaya
SITE 2014
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Synchromodal Learning Environment
• A Synchromodal Learning Environment is one in which online and face-to-face individuals (both students and instructors) interact with one another in real-time learning sessions (i.e., classes).
• Comparable partners in the same learning experience
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Our Context
• Ph.D. in Ed Psych & Ed Tech www.edutech.msu.edu
– Face-to-Face (F2F) and Hybrid Provide access to mid-career people
• Challenges– Two groups integrated — a challenge and a strength
– Practice what we preach
• CEPSE/COE Design Studio– Do what we’re doing … better– Learn from what we’re doing– Doctoral students as central contributors
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Our Big Idea
Leading with a solution rather than a problem only succeeds by chance
• What primary problem are you trying to solve?
– E.g., Learning, access, productivity, constraint, demand, …
• Our primary problem:
– Increased access with undiminished effect
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Learning Environment Models
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Topographies of Synchromodal Models
Black dots=students
Red dot=instructor
Gray filled ellipse=full interaction
Dotted line=virtual interaction
Gray boxes=Representation of remote people (display)6
Linked Classrooms
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Technological Setup
[1] GoToMeeting as the video conferencing platform[2] Omni-directional speaker/microphone[3] Two cameras[4] Two displays
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Design Considerations
• Two cameras = viewing angles
1. Camera pointed at instructor
2. Camera pointed at local group of students
• Two displays
1. Viewing the class lecture
2. Viewing the remote group of students
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Problems Faced
• In the beginning, there was PolyCom
• Camera placement
– Facing the front of the group of students
– Local teacher talking directly to both local and remote students
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Lessons Learned
• Side-by-side displays
• Importance of considering viewing angles
– Eye level
• Technology Navigators at both locations
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Lessons Learned: Tech Navigator
Tech Navigator
– Someone whose primary responsibility is to keep the technology working and effective
– A fading need as technology becomes more transparent
• Technology gets more reliable and simpler
• Instructors get more skilled with technology and modified pedagogy
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Contact Informatio
CEPSE/COE Design Studio
www.designstudio.educ.msu.edu
John Bell [email protected]
William Cain [email protected]
Sandra Sawaya [email protected]
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