Holy Hannah - Thoughts on Module Two

Well.
This may be just a tiny overexaggeration, but wow, this online course creation is no joke. I've been using Moodle for 5 years now for both Thrive (formerly FYF) and FDN 111 (formerly FYF).  Because both of these courses are designed to be a students' first look at Trinity, I have always been very conscious about the appearance and thoroughness of what I put on Moodle.  In fact, I've always added extra links, PDFs, and supports to connect students from Moodle to places on Trollweb or the Trinity webpage that they should be familiar with.

But now as I try to think about taking FDN 111 from F2F and into an OL format, the details just keep piling up!  And, perfectionist that I am, I keep thinking of how something should or could be done better, or more clearly, or more visually appealling.  However, due to limited time in taking this course and the desire NOT to double up on work, I've given the class a halfway done, partially complete, and somewhat there idea of the direction I'm moving in.  Go ahead and check out the VoiceThreads...I didn't fully do them all!  Look at the PowerPoints...none are updated or consistent in space or time.  Download that syllabus...it's partially being built for next fall and obviously the F2F version and not appropriate for this class.

What this week DID do for me.


1. Gave me a very realistic understanding of how much MORE work will need to be done to make this a workable OL course (IF I even get the green light to ever do something like this).  I realize that my video skills need work and I need to really think about how to prepare and use the VoiceThread content.  I still need to think through some activities and assignments that are more interactive and work to mirror as closely as possible what we do in the class sessions.  

2. Gave me some new tools for using Moodle.  I enjoyed learning the "easier" way to put together a grade book, which was very helpful, if only I had watched that video before diving into my course creation.  I have gained a much better understanding for how new Moodle works, which is timely becuase I'm currently creating Thrive courses.  I've discovered some new things that Moodle can do, which is only going to help me create better Moodle pages in the future, not just OL courses.  

3. Made me more convinced that an OL version of Transfer Orientation COULD work - or maybe could become hybrid somehow.  I am constantly thinking of how we can be more hospitable to all students, particularly the non-traditional aged ones.  In addition, I think that our Adult Program needs a unified orientation for all of their students (I know, stay in your lane, Emily), and this could be a great way to do it!  With tools like these, we should no longer be locked into the idea that there is only one way to help our students transition into Trinity.

4. This will NEVER be an option for Thrive.  Never. 

So, there it is.  Let's see what next week brings us. 

P.S. We will have access to these courses after this month, yes?  I'd sure love to keep building what I already started rather than starting from scratch!  I feel like I might need to have  a completed sample to sell this idea to the curriculum committee at some point...

Comments

  1. TrollgeekMay 17, 2019 at 6:47 AM

    Emily, I'm impressed with what you have done so far and with your plans. I think that as you figure more out, you realize all the great things you could be doing, but then you run out of time - been there.

    I agree that a lot could be done with orientations using online tools and resources, especially for adult learners. That doesn't mean we should replace the in person component, but I think we can enhance what is done, and maybe replace some of the presentation type activities.

    You will continue to have access to what you created. When you official Moodle shell is created, you can (quite simply) import this course into it. Just know that you will have to relink your VoiceThreads, but that goes pretty fast.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. MLEMay 17, 2019 at 1:39 PM

      I called an online orientation company just out of curiosity - saw it at a conference. Their basic package to create an online program (not including the yearly subscription) starts at $17,000 and goes up to close to $70,000!!! With that in mind, though my time is money too, my time costs a whole lot less than that!

      I will have to redo all of the VoiceThreads anyway, as they are using outdated powerpoints and syllabi, but it's good to know I wouldn't have to start all over if we ever went in this direction.

      Delete
  2. sjurgens33May 17, 2019 at 9:40 AM

    Em - I agree that creating a new online course is exhausting! Especially for someone who has had a huge love/hate (emphasis on the alter) relationship with Moodle in the past. :)
    But I do agree that I am learning so much more about Moodle and how it can support ALL of my classes. I won't go so far as to say 'i like it' yet, but it is already helping me in my FTF classes because of this OL101 class. So i'd say that's a win!
    I love your drive and concern for our students well-being and seeing that perspective in how they are welcomed to this campus! I know that you will create something PERFECT :) for them!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. MLEMay 17, 2019 at 1:36 PM

      Thanks! I do like that this new Moodle has a little more flexibility -- either that, or I'm just discovering things that I never did before becuase I'm trying to get it be more flexible! I'm thankful that I have an intern who is helping me with the Thrive moodle shell right now...he has seen things that other professors have done in his classes and has given me some great ideas for the visual aspects and usability of Moodle. Yeah for Digial Natives!!!

      Delete
    2. Beth DMay 17, 2019 at 3:05 PM

      I am enjoying getting to be a student in classes. That is one of the things that always seems trickiest for me so I am well familiar with the "role switch" function in the old Moodle... what are the students seeing and how does it compare to what I'm seeing?

      I think it is great that you have a student intern who can give you suggestions based on what others have done. I feel like we often spend a lot of time rediscovering the proverbial wheel. Getting ideas from others is one of the things I'm enjoying about this class.

      Delete
  3. JSchemperMay 19, 2019 at 1:15 PM

    Emily,
    I agree with your comments. Creating a new course in Moodle is both exhausting and rewarding. It is a lot of work and sometimes a lot of trial and error too, but once it is "done" (is anything ever really done?!?) it is so rewarding. In the nursing dept we use Moodle for everything, but I have been mostly self taught or teach each other. That being said, I am still learning new things in this course and it is great to learn to about the updated Moodle. Your page looks great and it is evident that you have put so much time into it. Great job!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Liz RMay 20, 2019 at 4:47 PM

    Emily,
    I'm right with you. I've used Moodle in F2F courses and in a hybrid course last spring. However, now I'm thinking about a 100% online course in the fall and the details and planning seem ever so important and a bit overwhelming. I'm still learning new tools, which comes with considerations on how best to use each. Hopefully by the end of this week I'll have more direction on the format and structure of the course.

    ReplyDelete

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