eLearning Semester 1 - 2019
Tips and Tricks to Maximize Student Engagement
Navigation, Workflow and e-Real Estate
Tips for Improving Workflow and Navigation:
Navigation Bar - Depending on the resolution of the device that you are using, you and your users will see 6-8 icons in the top link of the navigation bar. Keeping this in mind, use the real estate to provide access to the most used icons. Some suggestions include 'Discussions', 'Assignments', 'Class list' (if they can't see this they won't be able to contact you easily), 'locke'r etc. The 'Admin' icon is not visible to students so drag it to the end of your links - otherwise it will leave a blank space in the best real estate are of the navigation bar.
Consider creating a 'custom link' to any other resource, template, URL that your students frequent.
**Remind your students that the inverted chevron in the center of the navbar provides access to more icons.
Instructions:
Activity Feed - Repurpose
Post the first message outlining the purpose, set some norms for its use and allow comments.
In the eLearning course that I moderated, students did a wonderful job of helping each other out by answering questions about navigation and other content related questions. This can reduce the number of emails that you receive all asking the same question. Students can be directed to check the "Course Question" widget before emailing their questions. I made sure to remind the student that the posts would be visible to everyone and to follow the Catholic Code of Conduct when posting. We didn't have any issues with misuse. In addition, remind the students that they should email any personal concerns directly to you and use the "Course Questions" for general questions about the content or navigation.
Podcasts, Blogs and Memes on my...
Memes:
Template created by Alice Keeler. Click here for her instructions.
When you click on the link it will instantly create a copy of the template and attach it to your drive. It will do the same for students.
https://docs.google.com/drawings/u/1/d/18rayS7oGKImN6NmIjQ1Z4L7YKN7ODh3pRHs6Qsibezg/copy
Once you click the link it will allow you to 'copy' it. After you click on 'copy' it will be attached to your drive.
*Our students access their board google apps / drive through their network credentials
studentnumber@educ.dpcdsb.org & network password.
Podcasts:
Create a discussion and have the students use the 'audio' feature to record their podcast.
How to add audio to a discussion in Brightspace.
FYI - there is also a video note feature in the discussion tool that students were given the opportunity to try in the orientation course.
Blogs:
Brightspace has a builtin 'Blog' tool. Edit your navigation bar and add the icon. Students can access the tool through the navigation bar. The easiest way to view student blogs is by accessing them through the 'class list'. Click on the inverted chevron beside their names, and select 'blog' from the drop-down.
Insert Stuff:
Insert Image
Insert pictures from your computer, course file or URL. Try adding an animated image to catch your user's eye.
To learn how to add animated images, click here.
For some curated images click here.
Quick Links
Level Up Student Engagement Through Virtual Classroom, Video Note & Video Assignment
Increase the Effectiveness of your Online Feedback
Interactive Feedback:
Create authentic assessments right in the vLE
Facilitate skills development:
Help learners practise and develop their communication skills, presentation style, critical thinking, and other soft skills.
It allows learners to show you what they’ve learned. You can evaluate how well they demonstrate their skills and apply their knowledge.
Give meaningful feedback:
Teachers can easily grade video assessments and add time-stamped feedback, showing learners exactly where they need to improve.
To see it in action click here
You are welcome to share this link with your students if you would like to.
Brightspace by D2L Support
-Course Activation
-Pulse App
-Network Password Reset tool
Kelly MacDougall - District eLearning Contact
Email: Kelly.MacDougall@dpcdsb.org
Website: https://dpcdsb.elearningontario.ca
Twitter: @MsMacSmyj