Concept maps help our brains take in information, mostly when there is visual information. The maps help us to see the big picture along with the connected and related data. They also help us focus on planning and making decisions of what we have learned and already know and what still needs to be learned […]
Problem-Based Learning (PBL)
What is Problem-Based Learning (PBL)? PBL is a student-centered approach to learning that involves groups of students working to solve a real-world problem, quite different from the direct teaching method of a teacher presenting facts and concepts about a specific subject to a classroom of students. Through PBL, students not only strengthen their teamwork, communication, […]
Just-in-Time Teaching (JiTT)
Just-in-Time Teaching (JiTT) is an innovative approach to education that integrates real-life and virtual instruction to maximize the efficacy of both. This teaching method is created by a team led by university professor Gregor Novak. This model involves a two-step series of learning activities: Students complete a focused set of activities (e.g., reading from the […]
Using Bloom’s Taxonomy to Write Effective Learning Objectives: The ABCD Approach
Bloom’s Taxonomy offers a framework for categorizing educational goals that students are expected to attain as learning progresses. Learning objectives can be identified as the goals that should be achieved by a student at the end of a lesson. The objectives of a lesson describe the base knowledge and skills we want our students to learn […]
Inclusive Teaching Strategies
What is inclusive teaching and education? Inclusivity in the classroom is a key issue, as students come from a diverse range of backgrounds and bring a variety of learning styles, abilities, and experience to each course. Teachers may find themselves facing complex questions such as “how do I make education more accessible and equitable for […]
Open Source Learning Management Systems (LMS)
Learning Management Systems (LMSs) are becoming a vital part of classrooms in the 21th Century. This is a list of open source learning management systems. By open source we mean that source code of these LMSs are made freely available so users can download, install or modify. The adaptation of a LMS can be very expensive. […]
Definitions of The Addie Model
What is the ADDIE Model? This article attempts to explain the ADDIE model by providing different definitions. Basically, ADDIE is a conceptual framework. ADDIE is the most commonly used instructional design framework and can help educators and trainers build a course or training program. “..the ADDIE Model is merely a colloquial term used to describe […]
Planning for Educational Technology Integration
Why seek out educational technology? We know that technology can enhance the teaching and learning process by providing unique opportunities. However, we also know that adoption of educational technology is a highly complex process. There are several levels of execution that need to occur. It requires knowledge, expertise and experience. Educational technology can be very […]
Wikis in Education: How Wikis are Being Used in the Classroom
What are Wikis? And should you use them? A Wiki can be defined as ‘‘a system that allows one or more people to build up a corpus of knowledge in a set of interlinked web pages, using a process of creating and editing pages” (p.5) (6). Simply put, a Wiki can be defined as a web-based […]
Definitions of Instructional Design
What is instructional design? Instructional design can be defined as the creation of instructional materials, modules or lessons. The instructional design process consists of determining the needs of the learners, defining the end goals and objectives of instruction, designing and planning assessment tasks, and designing teaching and learning activities to ensure the quality of instruction. Instructional […]