So, where do the MODL students go? How does all of this interactive learning magic get managed?
Good question. We couldn’t have an innovative, new teaching paradigm without some sort of new Web portal. Each MODL CPLS must create a branded portal to manage students and the Distance Learning classroom experience. This classroom course portal is a critical communication point between the instructor and students. The portal will act as the hub for all class activities, including the class schedule, launching links for live class sessions, links for E-Learning and scenarios homework, links to the follow-up assessments, support information, and more.
Fortunately, we have created a MODL Class Portal template for you. It is part of Toolwire's “Class-in-a-Box”. Check it out below.
In this example, we are viewing MODL 2785 in a 5-week format. If you are teaching in a 5-Day format, simply replace the term “Week” with “Day”. Under each Week (or Day) are the two corresponding 4-hour Modules. Simplicity is important. In our example, all 10 modules are laid out on one page, and each module has a start date when the (G)ATHER session kicks things off.
When a student clicks on a specific module’s Start Date, it launches the Module page. This detail page provides all of the G*E*A*R assignments in one place.
In our example, we clicked on Tue, Feb 13th - the Start Date for Module 1-2: Creating Databases and Database Files. At the very top is the LiveMeeting link for the (G)ATHER session. Underneath are the dial-in details for the audio conference. Everything is recorded so that the students can come back at a later date… and review content they didn’t quite catch the first time. Or if they miss the session, they can always come back and review it before the next (G)ATHER event.
From the (E)XPAND perspective, students always get access to the books or the eLearning that they need - anytime, anywhere. In our example, the portal tells us that we need to complete our Module 1-2 reading assignment before Tuesday, February 20, at 4:30 p.m. That’s the next (G)ATHER session - and the official end of this 4-hour GEAR cycle.
Next, students must (A)PPLY everything they just learned. To this end, the portal provides a simple link which directs students to the Web hosted scenarios. These “Day-in-the-Life” scenarios are available 24x7 from Toolwire - Microsoft’s experiential learning partner. All you need is a Browser and an Internet connection.
Finally, the (R)ECEIVE FEEDBACK link provides access to the 10-minute module assessment.
So there you have it … all of the MODL assignments, materials, and links in a single Class Portal. And of course this is available to your students 24x7. Check out the FREE “Class-in-a-Box” at https://partner.microsoft.com/global/distancelearn.
If you want to create your own MODL Class Portal from scratch, a complete functional specification document is available on the secure MODL CPLS website.
