Getting Started for Beginning Word Reading

		SECTION ONE: The module design This multimedia tutorial is designed to assist you in navigating the modules. The tutorial is accompanied by some graphics that will further orient you to the design and structure of the modules. At first glance the modules may seem complex. However, once you are familiar with the structure of the modules and the available navigational options, you will more easily understand the modules and control your learning experience.

		The structure of each module is identical. While the content, activities, and assessments vary, each module contains the same four levels: Orientation, Support, Lesson, and Practice. Let's look at each level to understand its purpose.

		The orientation level includes materials that introduce the module you are about to complete. The Introduction explains the instructional emphasis of the module. The Critical Questions specify the content and issues the module is designed to address. These questions prompt you to think about the content of the module. The Content Map indicates how this module fits into the larger context of the modules in the content area. The Structure section expands on the materials of this tutorial, describing each feature of the module. It may be helpful to read the Structure section the first time you complete a module and then skip it when working through subsequent modules. The Help section will assist you in overcoming technical difficulties.

		Think of the support level as containing materials designed to SUPPORT the instruction offered at the lesson level. Each section of the support level is designed to assist you as you work through the lesson content. The Syllabus is much like a typical course syllabus. It provides a comprehensive outline of the module. The Readings are collected here for easy access, but are most useful when read as part of the lessons, where they appear either in abstract or full text format. The Research section briefly discusses the research literature pertaining to the module topic. The Directed Questions section is a composite of all the questions used in each lesson of the module. You might use the directed questions as a source of review AFTER you have completed the module. You may prefer to use the questions as a pretest. You are not expected to correctly answer the questions before completing the whole module. The Glossary is also a composite of the terms and definitions that appear in each lesson within the module. It is designed to be referenced as part of a lesson. The Support Level Assessment is similar to a final exam designed to assess your overall understanding of a module. The Assessment can also be a valuable tool in the future should you wish to check your understanding of what you have learned through the module.

		The Lessons are the heart of the module. Each lesson is an instructional unit that provides learning experiences designed to engage and inform. Each lesson is independent, yet interrelated with other lessons in the module. The number of lessons within modules varies from three to five. Each lesson has three levels: Supports, Instructional, and Assessment. At the lesson level, the Supports section focuses on a specific lesson. Hence, the Outline indicates what is covered in the lesson, while the Notes provide a summary of the key points in the lesson. The Glossary and Readings include only the terms and references used in that particular lesson. The Instructional section delivers the lesson content. The material is presented via a multimedia presentation similar to this tutorial. The Preview introduces each lesson, like an advance organizer. The primary vehicle for presenting the basic content of the lesson is the Presentation, a multimedia lecture with audio and graphic illustrations. Both audio and text versions are available to provide choices for alternative modes of instruction, however, we encourage you to use the media presentation. The Presentation Transcript is a text version of the lecture presentation that includes the same illustrations as the audio version. The Activities Section allows you to practice what you are learning. Most of your time will be spent in the Lesson level. After you complete a lesson, you need to assess what you have learned. Two methods of assessment are available for each lesson. The Directed Questions evaluate your understanding of the lesson in a non-threatening manner. After you answer each question, compare your response with the exemplary answers provided. The Assessment, comprised of multiple-choice questions, is instructional in nature as well, designed to provide you feedback on your performance. You can check your own assessments and then, if your instructor requires you to do so, email your work directly to him or her. You can also print hard copies of the assessments for your personal records.

		The last level is for Practice. The practice exercises vary in type, allowing you to practice the interventions or applications taught through the module.

		Now let's review the four levels and their purposes. The Orientation level provides introductory information to acquaint you with the material you are about to study. You will likely only visit the Orientation level once. The Support level is designed to assist you as you complete the lessons. Don't attempt to isolate the Support level material from their lessons. They are designed to work together. The heart of the module is found in the Lesson level. After you have mastered the content presented in the lesson, you can put your skill into action in the Practice level.

		SECTION TWO: Navigating the modules Now you understand the purpose of the four levels, let's examine the options available to navigate through them.

		There are four basic paths through the module: Entry Page (Home page) Table of Contents (Contents) Forward and Back Arrows Via the level (i.e. Orientation, Structure, Lesson, Practice) you wish to access All four paths are easily accessed from the navigation bar at the top of each page. The navigation bar tells you where you are, and provides navigational options for the module.

		The middle of the bar tells you which lesson and section of the module you are accessing.

		The right side of the bar contains the navigational path for moving page by page. The right hand arrow moves you forward one page, the left-hand arrow takes you back a page. Between the forward and back arrows is the page number you are currently accessing plus the total number of pages in the module.

		In short, the navigational bar at the top of each page is all you need to take you around the module. Let's review the information available there: The most comprehensive view of the module is via the table of contents (Contents), which is accessible from every page and allows direct transition to any page in the module. Note that from the Table of Contents all four levels are visible: Orientation, Structure, Lesson, and Practice, as is every section of each level.

		SECTION THREE: Putting it all together You have now completed the first two sections of the Getting Started tutorial. Now let's practice together a method for working through a module. Once you complete a module in the designated order, you will find the navigational method that works best for you.

		My first step is to go to the Orientation level to read the introduction. The brief overview of the module's content lets me know what to expect from the module. Next, I return to the Table of Contents then select the Critical Questions. I read the questions to ascertain the focus of the lessons.

		Next I go into the Support level, and open the syllabus. I decide to print out the syllabus to keep as a handy reference as I work through the module. I skip over the rest of the Support, since I know that the material collected there is to support the lessons, and besides, I'm anxious to get started!

		I return to the Contents and select Lesson 1. I view the outline and the notes to see what I am going to learn in this particular lesson. I skip the glossary, since I will use that as a tool to look up terminology that is unfamiliar to me. Next I go to the readings, read the abstract, print out the citations, and trek off to the library to locate the article.

		When I return, I'm ready to go straight to the lesson 1 preview and then the presentation. I open the module and go straight to the Contents, then directly to the link I want: Lesson 1 preview. I note that there is a handout for this lesson, so I print it out and keep it beside me. Now I'm ready to listen to the audio lecture. I begin the lecture by clicking on the "Play in RealPlayer" button. If you have problems, you can go to the help page by clicking on "Contents" tab on the navigation bar and then "Help".

		During the lesson, the instructor refers to a term I don't understand, so I make a note of it, and later check it in the glossary.

		After I complete the whole lesson, I return to the Contents then click on activities. I read the questions in the activities and click to respond.

		I then type in my response and click on respond button to see my answer and the sample response.

		I then compare my answer with the one provided. I find that I did well. Now, I'm ready to respond to the next question. I close the response window. Then I return to the main activity page and finish the rest of the activities.

		My instructor requires me to email my activities to her. I return to the main activity page and click on "View/submit all responses" button at the bottom of the page. I see that all of my responses are shown in the window.

		I check all my responses on the window and I'm ready to fill out the mailer form at the bottom of the page. I'm careful to enter my email address correctly, as well as that of my instructor! I then complete the second activity, check my response and send it off to the instructor.

		Next I complete the directed questions. There are five questions in this lesson. After I complete each question I check my answer with the one provided. I then email my answer to my instructor. I can email each one individually, or wait and send them all together at the end of the exercise. Finally I complete the assessment, which is a multiple choice test.

		I have now completed the first lesson of the module. I have four more lessons to do! Afterwards, I complete all five lessons.

		I return to the Support level assessment, and complete the final assessment. This assessment covers material from ALL the lessons in the module, so I am a little apprehensive about how well I will do. I return to the Support level and review the glossary to make sure I have understood all the terms. I look back over the directed questions, which help me to review the material covered in the lessons. Finally I complete the assessment from the Support level.

		You have now completed the "getting started" tutorial; you're ready to explore the modules on your own.

Beginning Word Reading