Instructional Technologies and CMS

This ECAR research bulletin discusses the adjustments that the Indiana University information technology organization made, and continues to make, in order to support membership in Sakai. It has been said that supporting Sakai can seem like trying to change a tire on a moving car. As co-founder of and active participant in the Sakai collaboration, the effects of IU’s decision—the unexpected, the challenging, and the delightful—are discussed in terms of the intra- and interuniversity realities of highly collaborative efforts.

Citation for this work: Goodrum, David, Jan R. Holloway, Anastasia S. Morrone, Lance Speelmon, and Elizabeth A. Van Gordon. “Dynamics of Supporting Sakai Through Local and Global Collaboration” (Research Bulletin, Issue 11). Boulder, CO: EDUCAUSE Center for Applied Research, 2008, available from http://www.educause.edu/ecar.

This research bulletin examines what the literature refers to as “new learners” or “critically engaged learners.” It explores the responsibilities our institutions have to create opportunities for these learners to actively engage in creative discovery, problem definition, and appropriate use of information technologies. It is based on a literature review and accompanying conceptualizations that begin to answer important questions about institutional development for a technologically sophisticated age.

Citation for this work : Moore, Anne H., Shelli B. Fowler, Brent K. Jesiek, John F. Moore, and C. Edward Watson. “Learners 2.0? IT and 21st-Century Learners in Higher Education” (Research Bulletin, Issue 7). Boulder, CO: EDUCAUSE Center for Applied Research, 2008, available from http://www.educause.edu/ecar.

A Flash-based streaming video gallery using a multipanel interface was developed to assist a Media Studies instructor to replace a series of VHS tapes for in-class use. This single interface provided both student and instructor with single-click access to a series of curriculum-related videos directly within their Blackboard course.

The blended learning environment (part online and part face-to-face) introduces both faculty and students to emerging technologies and meets students where they reside in a digital- and media-driven world. This presentation will discuss how UMass Dartmouth's Instructional Development team created training to assist faculty in developing effective blended learning experiences.

What information technologies are used by undergraduates? How does IT contribute to their academic experiences and learning? What has changed since 2005? ECAR presents key findings from the fourth annual survey of undergraduates, with responses from 27,846 students at 103 higher education institutions. Plans for 2008 will also be discussed.

In the summer of 2006, Mount Holyoke implemented Sakai, an open source learning management system, to replace WebCT and provide diverse capabilities through a single portal. This presentation will cover planning, deployment, and transition of users and materials. The discussion will particularly focus on lessons learned including successes, challenges, and vision for future development.

Today’s students favor visuals and social computing tools, while instructors want to foster the development of deep, expert knowledge. Using concept maps connects student desires and instructor objectives. INHOLLAND University of Professional Education and the University of British Columbia have innovatively linked concept maps, rich media, and Web-based content.

At INHOLLAND University students learn in a visual and social online environment, using concept maps to engage in argumentation, writing, reflection, and brainstorming. Combinations of concept maps and rich media with a learning management system, wikis, and blogs help students create a unique yet structured viewpoint that retains a bird’s-eye view of complex ideas and concepts.

Instructors and staff from INHOLLAND, SURFdiensten, and UBC will discuss the process of choosing, implementing, and piloting a new concept mapping tool; demonstrate 10-plus practices and templates; and present tools in a hands-on manner.

What technologies will follow the success of course management systems? This presentation will discuss the roles of virtual worlds and mobile devices in faculty-student interaction and learning. Learn how free, online virtual world tools such as Second Life let students and instructors meet and collaborate to work on projects and exchange information. Today's students use cell phones and iPods to stay connected. Learn how educators can take advantage of this always connected life style to enhance learning. Examples will be provided of initiatives under way to incorporate Second Life and mobile learning into the curriculum, both here and around the globe.

The author provides a long and comprehensive list of resources concerning teaching and learning with technology.