Interactive Learning Systems Institute

August 2-4, 2010
Institute Overview

Rapidly advancing technology provides exciting opportunities for enhancing interactive learning environments and effective curricula. The use of technology as an effective learning tool is in its infant stages. Innovative strategies must be developed, refined and then assessed for their ability to increase the quality of distance learning.

The design of an Interactive Learning System (ILS) involves integrating technology with the Learning Process Methodology to create curriculum that facilitates the learning of content and the development of learning skills.

An ILS curriculum goes well beyond the traditional classroom with applications for: distance learning, supplemental instruction, instructional computing, self-study, and "on-line universities." This institute will help participants meet the challenge of designing ILS systems to achieve learning outcomes in various contexts.
Institute Objectives

Course Design & Interactive Learning Systems

  • Provide a stimulating on-line environment for educators interested in crafting quality curriculum for learning and using computer technologies.

  • Practice integrating learning methodology and learning theory into the design of curriculum.

  • Develop and link assessment strategies in a creative, interactive learning activity.

  • Identify and assess key learning skills that students must develop when using technology in course work.

Interactive Learning Systems:

  • Define the key components of an ILS (enhancing the design process) along with criteria for measuring the quality of each component (enhancing the assessment process).

  • Assess current on-line courses and technologies based on a set of established criteria.

  • Explore how to effectively use an ILS in teaching and learning processes to improve the quality of learning and personal growth of all students.

  • Explore how to effectively use technological tools to enhance the quality of teaching and
    learning processes. This includes support of student learning requirements, faculty teaching processes, designing quality curriculum, and improving assessment systems.

  • Study the relationship between an ILS, the facilitator, and the learner in various contexts to determine how each impacts and influences the quality of a teaching/learning environment.

Facilitating Learning From a Distance

  • Learn how to increase the use of cooperative and collaborative learning.

  • Identify ways to incorporate Process Education philosophy and active learning approaches.

  • Improve intervention techniques in on-line environments.

  • Explore how to effectively communicate in the online environment with respect to:

    • content presentation

    • assessment and evaluation feedback

    • growing a student’s independence

    • e-mail versus threaded discussion

  • Discuss the implications of design structure on student/faculty workload.

 Institute Topic Areas

Course Design

  • understanding the curriculum design process

  • using the Learning Process Methodology

  • building a knowledge map

  • developing themes for a course

  • designing a course syllabus

Facilitating Distance Learning

  • facilitating an on-line learning community

  • assessing learning in on-line environments

  • facilitating on-line cooperative learning

  • using synchronous communication (e.g., chat rooms, video conferencing, etc.)

  • using asynchronous communication (e.g., threaded discussions, e-mail, etc.)

Activity Design

  • exploring different types of activities

  • designing a classroom activity

  • writing quality critical thinking questions

  • creating methodologies

Assessment

  • using the Assessment Methodology

  • assessing the quality of an activity

  • creating a course assessment system

  • designing a course evaluation system

  • designing quality performance criteria

Tools and Resources

  •  Web design tools

  • course management systems (e.g., Blackboard)

  • photo and sound editing

  • interactive learning tools

  • graphic and animation tools