constructing high quality learning environments using learning designs sue bennett

University of Wollongong

Constructing High Quality Learning Environments using Learning Designs

Sue Bennett

University of Wollongong

University of Wollongong

• Medium-sized regional university (15,000 students)

• Research strength in educational technology– Centre for research in Interactive Learning

Environments (RILE)– Telecommunications

and InformationTechnology ResearchInstitute (TITR)

– Smart Internet Technology Cooperative Research Centre (SIT-CRC)

University of Wollongong

Began with ‘learning objects’

Form:

digital

Size/Granularity:

small resources

non-digital & digital

large resources

Purpose:

support learning

instruction inherent in

LO

facilitates a learning objective

University of Wollongong

Learning object rationale: ‘reuse’Assumptions• Teachers want to use

(other people’s) learning objects

Gap• Little evidence for “reuse”• Cultural and practical factors

University of Wollongong

Learning object rationale: ‘reuse’Assumptions• Teachers want to use

(other people’s) learning objects

• Teachers will be able to find learning objects they want

Gap• Little evidence for “reuse”• Cultural and practical factors

• No single metadata standard for search/retrieval

• Range of applications of metadata

University of Wollongong

Learning object rationale: ‘reuse’Assumptions• Teachers want to use

(other people’s) learning objects

• Teachers will know how to use learning objects

• Teachers will be able to find learning objects they want

• Teachers need support but as yet there are few support tools available

Gap• Little evidence for “reuse”• Cultural and practical factors

• No single metadata standard for search/retrieval

• Range of applications of metadata

University of Wollongong

Project aims

• Develop a framework to guide the reuse of learning objects to create pedagogically sound online learning environments

• Create and investigate tools to support teachers design processes and decision-making

• Investigate standards that can support the tools and process

University of Wollongong

Vision

Smart Learning Design Framework

LearningDesigns Learning

ObjectLearning Object

Learning Object

Learning Object

University of Wollongong

Vision

Smart Learning Design Framework

LearningDesigns Learning

ObjectLearning Object

Learning Object

Learning Object

MPEG -21

University of Wollongong

Vision

Smart Learning Design Framework

LearningDesigns Learning

ObjectLearning Object

Learning Object

Learning Object

Unit of Study (multiple formats)

MPEG -21

University of Wollongong

Learning designs

Tasks SupportsResources

Learning Outcomes

University of Wollongong

Learning Designs Project

• A way to describe the design of a learning experience (the pedagogy) with ICTs

• Facilitate communication amongst educators = ‘pedagogical patterns’ or ‘design patterns’

• Serve as model or template to guide ‘good practice’

University of Wollongong

Representation

• Learning sequence as a representation of a learning design

• Designer identification of task, supports and resources

• Formalism as a visual representation of tasks/ supports and resources

University of Wollongong

The Learning Design Web Site

www.learningdesigns.uow.edu.au

University of Wollongong

Project outcomes: Prototype tools

University of Wollongong

Project outcomes: Prototype tools

University of Wollongong

Project outcomes: Prototype tools

University of Wollongong

Project outcomes: Prototype tools

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are needed to see this picture.

University of Wollongong

Further investigations

• School teachers’ use of problem-based learning design (Webquest)

• University teachers’ use of problem-based learning design (Explore, Describe, Apply)

• Application profile for Australian higher education community

• Integration with learning management system (Janison Toolbox LMS)

University of Wollongong

Conclusion

• Does not eliminate the need for academics to have an understanding of contemporary learning theories and their applications

• But provides teachers with a scaffold to help them design high quality learning environments without investment of excessive amounts of time

• Focus on helping teachers apply their professional and disciplinary knowledge

University of Wollongong

Contact:

Dr Sue Bennett

Faculty of Education

University of Wollongong

sue_bennett@uow.edu.au