The structure of this module is the same as the structure of all modules developed by the e-Learning Design Lab. While the content, activities and assessments will vary, the features of each module will be the same. The structural design of the modules resulted from extensive research by e-Learning Design Lab staff of online courses and web-based supports used in traditional courses. After examining a wide array of online features, a structure was agreed upon and subjected to review by both internal and external individuals experienced in developing online instruction.
You will note in reviewing the conceptual model for the modules that the structure includes four levels:
Level I:
Module Orientation |
Level II:
Module Support |
Level III:
Module Lesson |
Level IV:
Module Review |
Level I: Module Orientation
The Module Orientation level includes features that introduce you to the focus of the modules. The intended sequence is from left to right, however you can review the features in whatever sequence you prefer. Once you have gained experience in working on modules you will determine which sequence works best for you.
Introduction
The introduction uses a story approach to set the stage for the instructional emphasis of the module. The focus is on interventions to assist teachers in meeting the instructional needs of students.
Key Questions
The key questions further specify the content and issues the module is intended to address. They cause you to think about what you will gain from studying the module.
Getting Started
When you first interact with a module you may want some tips on how to best use the resources and different navigation systems. Getting Started provides you with a quick introduction to the parts of the module and the navigation systems that will help you get around in the module.
Structure
The structure feature that you are currently reviewing is designed to introduce you to the organizational structure of these modules. The structure is the same for all modules. For this reason you may choose to review this feature the first time you are assigned to complete a module and skip it when starting another module. Or you may wish to spend more time reviewing the module structure and return to the feature periodically to be certain that you are completing each feature as intended.
Help
Help contains information to assist users in understanding how to use the module and overcome technical difficulties. Careful attention has been given to designing online modules that are user friendly and technically stable. However, the e-Learning Design Lab cannot control all problems that may arise relative to the institution's server or the computers made available to students locally. Participating instructors may want to share information on a local source for technical support.
Level II: Module Support
The Module Support Level contains features you can access that are designed to enhance the instruction offered at the lesson level. These supports are not targeted to specific lessons; rather they represent module level resources that are tied to the lesson level of the module. For example, many of the Level II support features represent the aggregate of parallel features embedded in the lessons. This is true of the Directed Questions and the Glossary.
All Resources
Support Level Readings represent an aggregate of all resources required for the individual lessons in the module. These resources include readings for each lesson. These readings are essential parts of the instruction in the module as well as being useful references that you will want to have available to you as you do the activities in each lesson.
All Activities
The Support Level Assessment contains all of the activities from each lesson. These include assessment and instructional components that will help you demonstrate your master of information in the lesson as well as helping you integrate what you have learned from completing each lesson in the module.
Mater Glossary
A Glossary is presented for each lesson. At the Module Support Level, the Glossary is a composite of the terms and definitions appearing in each lesson within the module. Each entry in the glossary is defined in a manner directly related to its use in the lessons.
Level III: Module Lessons
The instructional lessons are the heart of the module. Most modules will include three to five lessons. Each lesson is an instructional unit. Whereas Levels I and II contain support features that are resources and that relate to the total module, Level III contains the lessons for the teaching components of the module. The features in Levels I and II are informational in nature and noninteractive. They are important to the module but they are not instructional. The lessons in level III are designed to both engage and inform you. They provide the learning experiences. Each lesson is independent, but at the same time interrelated with other lessons in the module.
Instructional Components
The instructional components include the Preview, Preview Transcript Presentation, and Presentation Transcript. Collectively they approximate a multimedia lecture.
Preview
The Preview introduces each lesson. It is much like an advance organizer. You are provided information on what you will learn as a result of completing the lessons. The preview also lets you know if there are readings that you should complete before proceeding to the presentation that is the primary instructional component of the lesson.
Presentation
The Presentation is a multimedia lecture with audio and graphic illustrations. The intent is to retain the features of a quality lecture, but to integrate the features with interactive activities and assessments. This is the primary vehicle for presenting the basic content of the lesson. You are directed during the presentation as to when to complete the activities.
Transcript
The Transcript is a text version of the lecture presentation. Both audio and text versions are presented to accommodate student preferences for alternative modes of instruction. Both formats are used throughout the modules whenever appropriate. The Transcript includes the same illustrations as are included in the audio version.
Lesson Support
The lesson supports are similar to the module supports in Level II except that they focus on
specific lessons. They are designed to prepare you for the instructional component of the lesson. They contain resources that will assist you in progressing through the lesson successfully. While you are encouraged to review the lesson supports before beginning the instructional components you will gain experience in completing lessons and decide on their own preferred sequence.
Glossary
The Glossary within this level includes only terms that you need to understand in order to successfully complete the lesson you are working on. (The glossary in Level II is a composite of all terms contained in the several lessons within the module). You will be able to access individual glossary terms during the lesson presentation and when reviewing other resources.
Resource
Resources include readings for each lesson. You will be able to read the selections from the monitor or make hard copies.
Assessment
Assessments take two forms. One is designed to evaluate your understanding of the lesson. The other takes the form of Directed Questions that are intended as a quick review to allow you to check on your general understanding of the skills, concepts and content covered in the lesson.
Activities
Activities, while also considered as lesson supports, are an important instructional feature of each lesson. Activities will be designed to allow you to apply what you are learning and to practice. Activities will vary in design and in the kinds of responses required.
Level IV: Module Review
After completing all lessons in the module, exercises will be available that are designed to allow you to practice the interventions or applications taught through the module.
Practice
Practice items are designed to allow you to demonstrate that you can apply what you have learned in each of the module lessons.
Evaluation
Evaluation items are designed to help you demonstrate mastery of the concepts of the module. These can be thought of as final examinations that are designed to be evaluated by an instructor.
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