Research: Based on an understanding of learning object authoring tools, locate two learning object authoring tools (free or fee-based). Link to the tools in your blog.
Answer: How might each tool be used in an online classroom? What features should an online teacher look for in a learning object tool?
When selecting a tool to author online learning objects, there are a few factors that I believe teachers should consider:
Educaplay - This "freemium" tool offers users the ability to author learning objects of various types including quizzes, interactive maps, crossword puzzles, dialogues, video quizzes, and more (see below). The free version allows users to create activities, collections, and groups, as well as get reports on their activities. However, their viewing experience will have ads, and they will not be able to assign their activities to their groups exclusively; anonymous users can complete them as well. HTML5 formatting is also only available on certain plans. In my experience with the site, I believe I would definitely be purchasing a paid plan, as some of the video ads that played before my content would load were borderline inapproprpriate.
Any of these tools would be great formative assessments because they appear to all be self-grading, providing immediate feedback to the learner and making tracking easier on the instructor.
Symbaloo Learning Paths - This authoring tool allows teachers to create interactive lessons or lesson plans that are tailored to students' interests or abilities. Using a series of connected "tiles," students are presented with various learning objects such as videos, documents, questions, articles, and educational games that guide them through customized learning paths. Students may be presented with 1 set path, or with multiple paths to choose from. Questions and quizzes may be set to provide immediate feedback based on input or selected answers.
The learning path will generate real-time statistics for teachers, which may be used in assessment and future planning. The platform promotes collaboration among educators by allowing users to upload their own learning paths to the Marketplace, where they can also browse learning paths created by other users. I mentioned in a previous post that I had used these for a webquest. Below is another example of a learning path created by another user.
These would be great for presenting information on a process, for differentiating learning activities, and for providing remediation and enrichment.
Answer: How might each tool be used in an online classroom? What features should an online teacher look for in a learning object tool?
When selecting a tool to author online learning objects, there are a few factors that I believe teachers should consider:
- Is this tool accessible across all student devices and operating systems?
- Is this tool a relevant and meaningful tool?
- Does the learner have some control over how they access and interact with the content, or is prescribed in another sit-and-get format?
- Are their decision points in the course/interactive that require learners in integrate the content in the module with prior knowledge and/or information from another source? (CRITICAL THINKING)
- Does the tool provide features for immediate feedback?
I believe I'd say that before I would personally pursue a learning object authoring tool, I'd ensure I could confidently answer "yes" to all of the questions above. Below are some examples that I believe make good options for authoring learning objects.
Educaplay - This "freemium" tool offers users the ability to author learning objects of various types including quizzes, interactive maps, crossword puzzles, dialogues, video quizzes, and more (see below). The free version allows users to create activities, collections, and groups, as well as get reports on their activities. However, their viewing experience will have ads, and they will not be able to assign their activities to their groups exclusively; anonymous users can complete them as well. HTML5 formatting is also only available on certain plans. In my experience with the site, I believe I would definitely be purchasing a paid plan, as some of the video ads that played before my content would load were borderline inapproprpriate.
Any of these tools would be great formative assessments because they appear to all be self-grading, providing immediate feedback to the learner and making tracking easier on the instructor.
Symbaloo Learning Paths - This authoring tool allows teachers to create interactive lessons or lesson plans that are tailored to students' interests or abilities. Using a series of connected "tiles," students are presented with various learning objects such as videos, documents, questions, articles, and educational games that guide them through customized learning paths. Students may be presented with 1 set path, or with multiple paths to choose from. Questions and quizzes may be set to provide immediate feedback based on input or selected answers.
The learning path will generate real-time statistics for teachers, which may be used in assessment and future planning. The platform promotes collaboration among educators by allowing users to upload their own learning paths to the Marketplace, where they can also browse learning paths created by other users. I mentioned in a previous post that I had used these for a webquest. Below is another example of a learning path created by another user.
These would be great for presenting information on a process, for differentiating learning activities, and for providing remediation and enrichment.
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