In many ways the crux of educational technology, utilization connects the learner with the relevant materials and launches the content into action. Regardless of modality, learners must be granted access to the essential resources and supported in their learning endeavors.
"Media utilization is the systematic use of resources for learning."
—Seels & Richey, 1994, p. 46
VT TLOS Fall 2020, Spring 2021
To prepare undergraduate teaching assistants (UTAs) in the Pamplin Engage program, TLOS delivered an all-day training workshop at on three essential teaching tools: Canvas, Kaltura, and Zoom.
In addition to delivering a 2-hour session on Canvas, I developed the following module in Canvas to give TAs the opportunity to practice with the tools. In the module, they are encouraged to search for pertinent information in the VT 4Help Knowledge Base. (The module has been copied over to my personal Canvas site to allow FERPA-compliant sharing.)
"Diffusion of innovations is the process of communicating through planned strategies for the purpose of gaining adoption."
—Seels & Richey, 1994, p. 46
VT TLOS - Summer/Fall 2020
The Canvas CORE is a set of 5 primary tenets to help instructors design a strong course in canvas. The CORE was created by TLOS in Summer of 2020 to guide instructors through the pivot to online learning. The goal of the initiative is to encourage instructors to go beyond simply uploading slides to the Files section, and instead consider a more learner-centered approach.
As part of the strategy for this initiative, I was tasked with designing and developing the Canvas CORE workshop through the Professional Development Network. I also delivered this workshop (initially with support from Daron Williams, and then independently) 6 times in the fall semester. I sought to invoke the Usefulness, Success, and Caring aspects of the MUSIC Model in order to motivate instructors.
The attendance for the Canvas CORE was fairly low in the fall semester. To attract more instructors to the content, I collaborated with Danielle Thacker to merge her "Getting Started With Canvas" workshop with the Classic Canvas CORE workshop to create the (New) Canvas CORE.
"Implementation is using instructional materials or strategies in real (not simulated) settings. Institutionalization is the continuing, routine use of the instructional innovation in the structure and culture of an organization."
—Seels & Richey, 1994, p. 47
VT TLOS - Summer/Fall 2020
Below is an instructor guide for the Canvas CORE. This enables any TLOS employee to understand the objectives and methods used in the workshop at a glance so they may easily recreate it themselves. Both the Canvas CORE and Zoom CORE are initiatives which encourage best teaching practices across Virginia Tech, so the content needs to be adaptable and sustainable.
CMR Institute – Spring 2022
As an eLearning provider, CMR Institute strives to cultivate a strong learning culture in our customers’ companies. Our clients are commonly other training leaders who share this vision and aim to create impactful programs embedded in the flow of work. In this webinar with myself and Michelle O’Connor, we present practical tips and strategies for building effective learning pathways.
"Policies & regulations are the rules and actions of society (or its surrogates) that affect the diffusion and use of Instructional Technology."
—Seels & Richey, 1994, p. 47
EDIT 5224 Learning Message Design - Fall 2020
On the right is a slide from the "How to Make PDFs Accessible" lesson I developed. This particular slide demonstrates legal requirements to consider when creating accessible content online.
EDIT 5614: Digitally Mediated Learning - Spring 2020
As part of the Open Educational Resources (OER) created for the A. Linwood Holton Governor's School, I built a simple text-based module in Canvas on web accessibility best practices.
Web accessibility was a new concept to me at the time, so this project involved considerable research into the UDL Guidelines and WCAG Standards--both critical to know to improve the learner experience and abide by legal requirements.