What Works in Distance Learning (for me)

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What Works in Distance Learning (for me)

• TACTYC - Atlanta, GA
• May 20, 2006
• Andy Williams - Edmonds Community College
• andy.williams_at_edcc.edu
• http//faculty.edcc.edu/andy.williams/

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Workshop Goals

• Discuss practices and techniques that weve used
  to make our classes more effective and efficient.
• Focus on teaching and learning through use of
  technology and electronic media.
• Develop a network of best practitioners and
  innovators for future conversations.

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Communication with Students

• Why dont they get it?
• If they would just follow the instructions.
• Cant they read?
• Why are they taking an online class, anyway?

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Communication with Students
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Who are our students?

71 intend to transfer to university. 58 are
employed. 26 of accounting students have
children or other dependents. 18 do not have a
High School Diploma. 14 International
Students.
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Who are our students?

• They have other responsibilities and interests.
• My class is not their top priority.
• They dont have enough time.
• They are underprepared.
• They need flexible learning opportunities.

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They use technology

• 75 of online teens use Instant Messenger.
• 51 of online teens download music.
• 91 of all adults online use email.
• 73 of all adults online use internet to get
  news.

Source Pew Internet and American Life Project
Surveys
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Why are they enrolled in online classes?

• Flexibility of online delivery format.
• Schedule didnt allow me to attend on-campus.
• Cant get to campus.

Source EdCC BCC survey of online course
non-completers
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Reasons for Withdrawing

• I could not handle the combined study plus work
  or family responsibilities.
• The online course was too unstructured for me.
• I had personal problems.

Source EdCC BCC survey of online course
non-completers
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When are students online?
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On what day of the week are students most active
online?
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Online Course Materials

• What materials/techniques do students actually
  use?
• What materials do students say they find useful?
• What materials/techniques are not used?

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Instructor-generated Materials

• I read the Course Materials posted in
  Blackboard, such as the instructor's notes and
  letters before I attempt the homework
  assignments.

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Instructor-generated Materials

• The Course Materials, such as the instructor's
  notes and letter, posted in Blackboard are
  helpful in understanding the learning objectives
  of the class.

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Publisher Website

• I read the materials posted on the Textbook
  Publisher's Website before I attempt the homework
  assignments.

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Discussion Board

• The postings in the discussion forum are
  helpful in understanding the learning objectives
  of the class.

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Discussion Board

• I read the postings in the discussion forum.

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• What has the lowest student satisfaction level
  for those who withdrew from online classes?
• Interaction with faculty

Source EdCC BCC survey of online course
non-completers
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The Textbook

• The textbook is helpful in understanding the
  learning objectives of the class.

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The Textbook

• I read the assigned reading from the textbook
  before I attempt the homework assignments.

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Podcasts

• The instructor's podcasts are helpful in
  understanding the learning objectives of the
  class.

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Whats a Podcast?

• Podcasting is the method of distributing
  multimedia files, such as audio programs or music
  videos, over the Internet for playback on mobile
  devices and personal computers.
• Podcasting's essence is about creating content
  (audio or video) for an audience that wants to
  listen or watch when they want, where they want,
  and how they want.
• Wikipedia

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Sample Podcasts

• AW Web Pages
• University of Washington
• iTunes University
• UC Berkeley on iTunes

• Mr. Excel Video Podcast
• CPA Podcasts
• Podcast Alley
• Podzinger
• Education Podcast Network

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Berkeley iTunes Site
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UC Berkeley - Intro to Computers
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Podcast Strategy

• Quick, easy and low (no) cost
• Use .mp3 files
• Short audio clips
• Link to textbook

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Podcast Strategy

• Consider attention span and downloading time.
  Keep it short!
• 5 minutes of MP3 file is about 5 MB!
• Too long----gt Students tune out.
• Too short ---gt Not worth it.

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What you need to Podcast

• Audacity - Free software from Sound Forge
• Cross Platform (Mac or Windows)
• Easy to Use
• Garage Band (Mac OSX) - with iLife suite
• Microphone/Speakers on your computer!
• Script or notes!

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Audacity
Play
Record
Pause
Stop
Mic Level
Playback Level
Recording Level
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Podcasting to Your Class, and the World!

• Save completed audio file to desktop
• Load to web server
• Link to Blackboard classroom web page
• Load into iTunes or other source (Need XML)
• Get students to listen, learn and give feedback!

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Student Comments

• It was a pleasant surprise to be greeted with a
  Podcast welcoming me to the class at the
  beginning of the course.
• Now with the podcast I feel that I have even
  more of an opportunity to be successful in this
  course.
• I like having your lecture notes and the
  podcast, it makes it seem like it's more class
  room like.

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Why add Podcasts to Course Materials?

• Audio connection with students
• Easier heard than read?
• Time shifting - Convenient and flexible
• Technology comfort level

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The Future?