Robust (and Backward) Instructional Design for an Online Information Literacy Course

Online information literacy courses have been taught for credit at The Ohio State University for over a decade with only minor or technology-driven changes. A small team of librarians within the Teaching & Learning Unit overhauled the course using the latest research and emerging trends in information behavior to create a more engaging, evidence-based class. Preparation for and development of the new course also included workshops and consultations with various departments on campus, including the University Center for the Advancement of Teaching, the Center for the Study and Teaching of Writing, and the Digital Union (a learning technology department). In this presentation, the team leader will describe how they used the backwards design process and other frameworks to build the best online course possible. Additionally, the pedagogical theories and philosophies that served as foundation for the design will be briefly discussed. Attendees will learn in an open dialogue the granular details of the inherently ill-structured online course design process, recommended best practices, and potential pitfalls

Concepts to Remember for Preservice Teachers when Working with English Learners Students during CalTPA Cycle 1

The Community of Practice Q2S Enhancing Pedagogy where I participated focused on “Supporting and Mentoring Teacher Candidates during Teaching Performance Assessment”. This CP discussed and shared information on best pedagogical practices for teaching, supporting, and mentoring preservice teachers as they engage in identifying students with specific academic needs before planning, delivering, assessing and reflecting on tasks required by the state-mandated assessment (CalTPA). This test is required for certification. My contributions to this CP resulted in this reflection/handout. The most salient topics were Implementing Effective Instruction, which means being able to know and apply Standards-based Instruction, SDAIE methods, Lesson Planning, Differentiating Instruction for ELs, Engaging English Language Learners in Critical Thinking Skills, Incorporation of Technology for New Teachers, Building Resources lists, and continuing learning with Professional Development Opportunities

an account of best practices

Quality assurance activities that are carried out in the Sri Lankan university system since 2002 were introduced to the alternative higher education sector in 2010. External quality assessment reviews of Higher National Diploma (HND)programme offered in eleven Advanced Technological Institutes (ATIs) located in different regions of the country were carried out to identify the best practices, strengths and weaknesses and make suitable recommendations to improve the quality of those programmes. The aspects reviewed were curriculum design, content and review; teaching, learning and assessment methods; quality of students, their progress and achievements; use of student feedback; peer observation; skills development; and academic guidance and counseling. The objective of the present study was to determine whether there are regional differences among ATIs when best practices that are in place in different HND programmes are considered. Best practices identified by the reviewers in external quality assessment review reports of HND programmes in Accountancy, Agriculture, Business administration, English, Information Technology and Management conducted in Ampara, Dehiwala, Jaffna, Kandy, Kegalle, Kurunegala, Labuduwa and Trincomalee ATIs were analysed using Principal Component Analysis to determine whether there are regional differences among ATIs with respect to best practices that are in place in each programme. Results indicated that the good practices identified by reviewers in different HND programmes do not depend on the location of the ATI, the ethnicity of the majority community and prevalence of deterrent factors such as armed secessionist conflicts in the area. Differences in the resources available and the motivation and dedication of the staff may have contributed to the differences in the good practices that are in place in different ATIs

Questioning the Use of Opaque Web Practices Among Low-Cost Airline Carriers

Modest attention has been given to the subtle ethical issues of ¿best practice¿ on the Internet, such as the exploitation of Web technologies to inhibit or avoid customer service. Increasingly, some firms are using Websites to create distance between themselves and their consumers in specific areas of their operations, while simultaneously developing excellence in sales transaction completion via selfservice. This paper examines findings from a study on the self-service Websites of low-cost airline carriers (LCCs) in Ireland. The LCCs¿ adoption of technology has meant more efficient flight options and enhanced price transparency within the industry. Yet despite advances, a number of LCCs use their information systems in a conflicting manner when managing customer interactions. The ¿opaque¿ Web practices many LCCs employ appear to be intentional in design and are contrary to the ethos of designing a ¿good system¿. Accordingly, the LCC sector has come under greater scrutiny for engaging in ¿unfair practices¿ and violating consumer protection law. The paper notes the teaching of information systems development (ISD) and marketing assumes ethicality in their practice. While these business disciplines are central to the success of self-service Websites, there is a gap between the disciplines¿ theoretical ideals and their practice.peer-reviewe

Step Up to the Plate! Using Multimedia Content and Game Winning Strategies for Implementation

The working memory, also known as cognitive load, has a limited capacity and course learning materials should avoid overload. There are content development strategies using visual and auditory channels to maximize learner efficiency and minimize distractions for long-term memory development (Clark, Nguyen & Sweller, 2006). For example, diagrams with embedded labels next to the graphic they describe can lower the working memory demand. Multimedia e-learning materials abound and should be designed with sound educational theory (Clark & Mayer, 2011). Guiding this interactive session are two people with a shared interest for using technology to help students learn. One is a faculty member with a passion for assisting students understand complex processes utilizing innovative teaching strategies at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. The other presenter is an instructional designer with extensive experience creating adult learning in both corporate training and higher education. They will use an entertaining case study approach, based upon their practical experiences, showing how to enhance existing or new course content. Participants will summarize the importance and impact that design can make on a learner’s ability to process large quantities of information more effectively. Exemplars will illustrate best practices that add value to the learner’s experiences

The Effect of Human Resource Management Policies and Practices on Organizational Performance in Selected Tertiary Health Institutions Cross River State, Nigeria

This study examined the effect of recruitment and selection, training and development policies and practices on tertiary health institutions performance. The study became necessary due to the perceived poor implementation of human resource management policies and practices in tertiary health institutions. Specifically, the study was designed to examine the effect of recruitment and selection practices, training and development on University of Calabar Teaching Hospital’s performance. Literature review was based on the selected variables for the study. Two research questions and hypotheses were formulated to guide the study. Taro-Yamane’s (1967) estimation equation was adopted to determine sample size for the study. Questionnaire survey was used as instrument for data collection while descriptive statistics was used to determine their frequencies, percentages, means and standard deviations. Also, simple linear regression model was adopted for data analysis and test of hypotheses at 0.05 significant levels using Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 20. The result of the analysis revealed statistical significant relationship between the three studied variables and tertiary health institutions performance. Based on the above findings, it was concluded that, the quality of employee hired, type of training and motivation given determine performance in tertiary health institutions. Sequel to the above, it was recommended among others that regular and relevant training programmes such as information and communication technology, overseas job related seminars, conferences on current health management issues etc. for both medical and non medical personnel be carried out in order to put employees’ at par with  their counterparts  on  global best practices, provide adequate working facilities, ensure regular payments of salaries, arrears, overtime, good hazard / call duty allowance and regular staff promotion that would make workers’ carry out their duties effectively towards efficiency and growth of tertiary health institutions in Cross River State Keywords: Human Resource, Management, Policies, Practices and Organisational Performance