On line learning modules

OFFER STUDENTS A CLEAR and organized method for interfacing with course content with on line learning modules. The use of learning modules in an on line course allows students to more easily navigate through the course material and prompts instructors to follow sound instructional design for their online course.

What is a learning module?

A learning module is an organized "packet" of information that includes elements such as objectives, assessments, content, assignments or activities. Typically, learning modules are designed so that students move through the content linearly. However, depending on what content is included in the learning module, instructors or designers may decide that the order in which students encounter the material doesn't matter.

Why use learning modules online?

Educational content on the internet is rapidly increasing, but many on line courses do not reflect sound instructional design principles to deliver their content (Schank, 1998). Instead the course is merely a repository of textbook information in electronic format. When content is delivered modularly, there is more opportunity for sound instructional design principles to be implemented for the content's delivery. More specifically, when learning modules are used in an online course:

The content is organized into groups of information with correlated learning objectives to be achieved for that module.
The instructor can decide the sequence and pace with which the students encounter the course material online.

Students know what to expect from week to week, so they can establish a routine and a level of comfort in the course.
Instructors achieve course portability, making it easier for them to move the course content across different platforms.
Various types of assignments and activities can be used for different groups of students.
Various types of media can be included to accomodate the variety of learning styles in the class.

A student encountering a sequence of learning modules that move him through the course content.

A student accessing information in a repository-style content delivery system.

What might be included in a learning module?

A. Pre-test: Include a short assessment for your students at the start of the learning module. This allows teachers to measure acheived learning objectives, and also allows teachers to know where to focus their teaching efforts (Rocco, 2007).

B. Objectives: Present the learning objectives to your students. Students need to know the goals of the learning module as they begin to interface with the content (Janicki & Liegle, 2001).

C. Reading: If the course is supplemented by a textbook, give them the pages in the book that correspond to the content they'll be encountering in the electronic learning module.

D. Activities: Provide a variety of activities that allow the students to interact with the content. Use individual or group work activities and encourage the interaction between students

E. Discussion: Give students an opportunity to interact with the instructor and with the other members of the class.

F. Additional Resources: Provide students with ways to find out more about the information presented in the module.

G. Post-test: A content-acquisition assessment lets the teacher and the student know if the learning objectives have been achieved (Rocco, 2007).

How are learning modules delivered?

Delivery of learning modules can be as simple as a series of HTML pages that are linked to each other in sequence. If sequence doesn't matter the learning module can be presented in a concept map layout where students determine the order that they visit the content.

In a linear learning module, content is delivered in a specific sequence.

Concept Map of a Nonlinear Learning Module

In a nonlinear learning module, students interact with the content in the order that they decide.

If the course has been developed from within a course management system (CMS), the instructor may have additional tools for creating and delivering learning modules to students.