Online Learning Modules

During the past 8 weeks I have been taking a course called Distance Learning.  I have learned a variety of ways to create a hybrid classroom, one where there is a mix of the regular classroom setting and online learning modules, and fully functioning online courses.  One of our project assignments was to create an online learning module with sufficient content, assessments, learning objectives, and rubrics.  While we were creating our online modules we had to think about incorporating one of the Seven Things You Should Know About Learning Technology.  For my project I chose two of the "7 things", Challenge Based Learning and Badges.


Challenge Based Learning is a method that allows students to create their own understandings and develop their own opinions on topics in a collaborative way.  The basic premise of Challenge Based Learning is problem solving.  Challenge Based Learning also strives to incorporate a variety of collaborative tools to support interaction among students.

The OLM I created will use Challenge Based Learning in a few ways. My students will be challenged to debate and defend their opinion on whether they think there should be one universal language.  The goal is to allow students to discuss and debate their ideas through the Edmodo site and its discussion board.  In addition, the kids will be allowed to create videos describing their position and/or have a live debate for other students to view.  Edmodo’s collaborative system is a great arena for all 3 of my classes to work together.  This project is student centered and allows students to formulate their own opinions. According to Educase “The ‘big idea’ is introduced by the instructor, but students discuss and evaluate it, trying to determine its component parts”  This statement is exactly what my goal is for the One Universal Language lesson.

The use of Badges is a method that instructors use to give praise to their students for completing an assignment, mastered a skill, gone above and beyond, etc.  These badges are icons that provide feedback to students for achieving something new.  I have found that positive feedback motivates students and makes them have pride in what they are doing.  The use of badges in an online learning module can be seen by all other students.  This public praise is a wonderful motivator. 

The OLM I created uses Badges to praise students and provide feedback. I have created my own badge called “Great Debator”   The other badge that I have created is called the “Fact Finder” badge, for students who do extra research and provide great facts.  Then, as the educator I responded and awarded the “student” a badge.  Other badges already made by Edmodo that I will use will be the “Good Question” badge, and the “Participant” badge.  You will see a screenshot of my new badges below:

The reason I bring up my Online Learning Module and The Seven Things You Should Know About Learning Technology is that it directly relates to BYOD.  If our students are allowed to bring their devices to school there will be an easy tranistion into a hybrid or fully online course.  Many of our students will take online courses in college and we need to prepare them for that transition.  Even if an OLM is not used, many of the "Seven Things.." can, and should be considered by the educators in our school.