Tool kit for learning keeps expanding
By Meghan Sired
 There are two types of learning that Dr. Norm Vaughan, coordinator
of the Inquiry and Blended Learning (ITBL) program, would
like to see more of at the U of C—inquiry learning and
blended learning. Vaughan is doing his part by helping U of
C professors redesign their courses with those learning approaches
in mind.
Inquiry learning is problem- or question-driven learning
involving critical discourse, self-direction, research methods
and reflection throughout the learning experience. Blended
learning is the integration of face-to-face and online learning
to help enhance the classroom experience and extend learning
through the innovative use of information and communications
technology.
Vaughan, who has won an Elluminate Centre of
Excellence award because of the U of C’s use of Elluminate
Live! technology—a
new tool that creates an “in-the-moment” virtual classroom
on student desktops—recently spoke with OnCampus.
How are U of C professors using information and communications technologies
(ICTs) to improve the quality of the learning experience for their students?
U of C professors are using ICTs as a catalyst to redesign their courses
for inquiry and blended learning. They begin by re-examining the learning
outcomes for their course, then develop a series of assessment activities
to help their students achieve these outcomes and, finally, select the
appropriate ICT tools to support these activities—before, during
and after class time.
How do information and communication technologies improve the quality
of learning?
ICT tools alone do not improve the quality of student learning. But, they
can be used by U of C professors to make a “transformational shift” in
their approaches to teaching—from disseminating information to creating
learning environments that enable students to collaboratively
construct their own knowledge.
How often are these technologies being used at the U of C?
The use of ICT tools such as the Blackboard learning management system,
the Elluminate synchronous communication system, Adobe Breeze,
weblogs, wikis and podcasting are increasingly used at the
U of C. The challenge is to use these tools effectively to
increase student engagement rather than to just efficiently
disseminate information in a passive format such as posting
course material to a website, for example.
What types of classes benefit the most from information and communication
technologies?
All courses benefit, but especially those with high enrolment lecture
sections (for example, classes with more than 100 students). In these large
classes, ICTs can be used to increase opportunities for students to engage
in critical and reflective discourse with their peers and the course instructors—inside
and outside of the classroom.
What is Elluminate Live?
Elluminate Live! is a web-based audio
conferencing software package that enables instructors to have
real-time discussions with students supported with PowerPoint
slides, websites, whiteboard mark-up capability and shared
applications. More information about this tool can be found
at the U of C’s eLearning
Web site: http://elearn.ucalgary.ca/.
Why do you think U of C was named a Centre of Excellence by Elluminate
Live?
For three main reasons: The pioneering work the U of C has done at integrating
Elluminate within the Blackboard learning management system
(i.e., a simple link within the communication section of each
U of C Blackboard course site); the high level of support that
Joanne Carruthers, the Teaching and Learning Centre’s eLearning coordinator,
has provided for professors at the U of C; and the innovative
use of the Elluminate tool within courses that have been redesigned through
the U of C’s
Inquiry and Blended Learning program.
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