Learning+Outcomes

=The Learning Outcomes I see for //Preparing for Learning @ WB University//=

Note: WB University is a online, corporate learning portal used by individuals who wish to gain certification for installing WB's product. The portal supports many technologies; however, the content development staff is limited to one individual (me), so text, images, and quizzes play a strong role. Collaborative activities are not possible for several reasons: no learner cohorts and no facilitation resources. Management is also biased against group activities as effective learning, and lumps collaborative activities as "group activities." I haven't persuaded them otherwise, yet. So, while I have listed some collaborative uses of technology, in reality I cannot implement them. Shaping content for learning styles is about as far as I can push technology into our courses. = ****Learning Outcomes Supported by Technology**** =
 * ~ Desired Learning Outcomes (What?) ||~ Rationale (Why?) ||~ Relevant Activities (How?) ||~ Potential Uses of Technology ||
 * 1. Learners have a clear knowledge of the steps for completing the WB Certification Program || So they know what is required to gain the desired certification || read or listen to explanation || LMS (read), podcast, webinair ||
 * 2. Learners are acquainted with how to use the WB University online learning portal || So that learning in the courses is not hampered by the lack of experience with the technology of the LMS || Flash screen capture demonstration; read or listen to explanation || Flash screen cast, LMS (read, deliver screen cast), webinair ||
 * 3. Learners have clear knowledge about why learning goals are important and how to define them || To create motivation for completing the WB Certification Program || read/listen, reflect, create goals, collaboration with friends/family when appropriate || LMS (read), podcast, word processor, discussion, blog ||
 * 4. Learners have strategies and tactics that may help overcome learning barriers, and have a successful online learning experience || Many WB University learners come from less-than-successful learning backgrounds, and may not have had any coaching in building learning skills. Prior bad experience may prevent success || read/listen, use guided exercises/templates re: reading, note-taking, learning from images, study location and habits || LMS (read), podcast, word processor, website resources, discussion, blog ||
 * 5. Learners know their learning style (VARK) and what strategies and tools work with their dominate styles || Strategies and tactics may be more successful if a learner know how to use them within the context of their learning style. || quiz/interview, read/listen, reflect || online quiz, website resources, LMS (read), podcast, discussion, blog ||


 * ~ Teaching/Learning Feature(s) ||~ Activities the Feature Supports (How?) ||~ Activities’ Academic Driver(s) (Why?) ||~ Desired Learning Outcomes (What?) ||
 * ~ Online Quiz || Interview, inquiry, matching against a learning theory model || Knowing learning style provides effective strategies and tactics, as well as personal awareness || Outcome #5 ||
 * ~ Podcast || Support for aural learners; support for mobile learners || Learners may have weak reading skills, or want to listen while doing some other activity || Outcomes #1, 3, 4, and 5 ||
 * ~ Flash screen cast || Using a three-step process of showing, guiding, and doing, the screen casts guide the learner through the WB University portal features and procedures for online learning || To prevent confusion once a course has begun; to maximize the learning opportunities by knowing how to access supporting materials; support for verbal (visual) learners || Outcome #2 ||
 * ~ LMS || Online, asynchronous content delivery; reading content; link to website resources || Hands-on experience supports the kinesthetic learners for the Flash screen cast; supports self-paced learning || All ||

Instructor Comments
Table 1: Very clear, reasonable learning objectives. I think the screen capture activity is a great way to achieve learning objective #2. I’m a little unclear about objective #3 and the activities and technologies supporting this. Is this something like a commercial explaining why the WB Certification Program is going to be beneficial? I’m just not getting this one and I’m not seeing how the activities apply. I like the guided activities that help achieve objective #4. For objective #5 (learning styles), will they be quizzed on which learning style they seem to prefer? Kindof like a questionnaire? This is another one that needs a little more information. (But now that I read table two, I think this is making more sense…)

Table 2: Very creative application of technologies. Academic drivers align well with the learning outcomes.