Author: lynnurban66124d9938

Assessing Student Learning – Insight into Impact

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This post is provided by guest blogger, Lynn Urban, graduate student at the University of St. Francis in Joliet, MS in Training and Development program.

Educators put time and energy into preparing lessons, but the work does not end once class is over.  It is essential to evaluate student learning, ensuring information provides intended impact.  Especially in the online learning environment, instructors cannot rely upon in-person interaction, and should explore the use of online assessment tools.  Content creator, Helen Colman (2024) provides methods to assess student learning, while sharing eLearning insights and teaching strategies.  “Online assessments are a critical part of eLearning and should be undertaken with the same level of care and rigor that you put into creating your other learning content.” (Colman, 2024). 

I recommend this article for instructors seeking the latest information about online assessment tools.  The article is organized and provides a fresh look at modern methods and software.  The author shows eLearning knowledge, but does not push readers away with heavy technical terms.  Images provide helpful descriptions pointing out the simplicity, usefulness, and outcome of various tools.  While the article references iSpring Suite as a vendor to provide online courses and assessments, the information is helpful whether pursuing the vendor or not.  There are many options, and readers will surely gain insight into the impact of assessments for online learning.

Reference

Colman, H. (2024, January 16). 9 Ways to Assess Student Learning Online. iSpring Solutions. https://www.ispringsolutions.com/blog/8-ways-to-assess-online-student-learning

Mystery and History of Instructional Design

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This post is provided by guest blogger, Lynn Urban, graduate student at the University of St. Francis in Joliet, MS in Training and Development program.

Instructional Design (ID) in Higher Education often holds a mysterious existence for students and educators accustomed to traditional learning.  To uncover mystery, it’s helpful to look back and understand how ID became part of what we now know as “e-learning” teaching strategies.  Sharon O’Malley (2017) points to a time in military training where the practice emerged during World War II, “when the military assembled groups of psychologists and academics to create training and assessment materials for troops”. (O’Malley, 2017).  The author traces ID over decades, landing on the popularity of online courses and remote learning infiltration to higher education practices.  

I recommend this article for anyone interested in beginnings of instructional design, and the journey to gain acceptance in higher education. The article is from 2017, when there was still mystery surrounding the field. While written pre-pandemic (and much has developed since that time), the references to ID entering higher education are relevant.  Providing quotes and backgrounds of students and educators, readers can glimpse online technology being new and adaptation being slow.  Post-pandemic we see that ID has taken a larger space in education, but there is value to understanding history behind technology – to appreciate how far we have come.

Reference

O’Malley, S. (2017, August). Still a mystery. Inside Higher Ed.com. https://www.insidehighered.com/digital-learning/article/2017/08/02/what-do-instructional-designers-do

Regardless of Distance, Learning Prevails

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This post is provided by guest blogger, Lynn Urban, graduate student at the University of St. Francis in Joliet, MS in Training and Development program.

E-learning existed prior to the coronavirus pandemic in 2020 but did not have as large a footprint in institutions as today.  Distance learning, hybrid learning, blended learning – all these methods gained momentum when educational systems had to stay connected without being physically together.  The pandemic stalled traditional methods of learning, but the need to move forward compelled technological advancements.  John Hamilton (2024) shines light on how development of distance learning has become a strong part of educational opportunities.  Resources are named and organized by platforms, learning management systems, online videos and textbooks.  The author provides ideas for use of accessories, artificial intelligence, extended reality, and gamification in teaching and learning. 

I recommend this article for anyone needing familiarity with e-learning technology, especially as it has grown over the years.  Leaning towards a novice view, the article provides easy-to-follow explanations of multiple developments.  The author also recognizes challenges – for example, describing solutions that help students limit distractions while engaged in online learning (like noise-cancellation headphones).  Providing resources, challenges and solutions, readers get a balanced view of opportunities present in distance learning.  Current e-learning technologies can be overwhelming for some, but fortunately articles such as this provide an organized view of how we can all be part of the digital age.

Reference

Hamilton, J. (2024, February). Technologies used in distance learning. Study.com. https://study.com/academy/popular/technologies-used-in-distance-learning.html