Infusing Principles of Learnercentred Learning in IDM Courseware

Infusing Principles of Learner-centred Learning in IDM Courseware Development for the teaching and learning of Electrical Technology By Ng Weng Choh, Lim Ee-Lon i. Media Centre, Ngee Ann Polytechnic And Seah-Liang Shi Ping, School of Engineering (Electrical Engineering Division)

Abstract Various blends of pedagogical strategies and technological affordances have been proposed for the 21 st century learners commonly known as the Net Gen, Gen Y, or Digital Natives. At Ngee Ann Polytechnic, we have conjured our own unique blend of Interactive and Digital Media (IDM) courseware development that is anchored on a solid learning design and infused with Learner-Centered-Learning features. This paper describes our use of courseware, virtual simulations and interactive game for the teaching of Electrical Technology module. Finally survey results will be discussed

New Generation of Learners • “The Net Generation has arrived … combining demographic muscle with digital mastery … who in profound and fundamental ways learn … very differently than their parents” Don Tapscott – ‘Growing Up Digital’ • “Our students as digital natives, will continue to evolve and change so rapidly that we won’t be able to keep up …” Marc Prensky – ‘Don’t Bother me mom – I’m learning’ • “ … today’s teens are recasting the image of youth from downbeat and alienated to upbeat and engaged” Neil Howe, William Strauss – ‘Millennials Rising: The Next Great Generation’

Learner Centered Learning • Shifting the balance of classroom power from teacher to student; • Designing content as a means to building knowledge rather than a ‘knowledge end’ in itself; • Positioning the teacher as a facilitator and contributor, rather than director and source of knowledge; • Shifting responsibility for learning from teacher to learner; and • Promoting learning through effective assessment

Learner Centered Learning - features • Reflective Learners are engaged to examine and interpret experiences to attain new understanding. • Collaborative Learning is a social activity. When content is shared with others who have related interests, a rich pool of perspectives is created. • Exploratory (Research) Learners will be empowered as knowledge producers through meaningful research. • Doing/Producing Relates to providing opportunities for learners to work on meaningful, realistic projects as well as implementing a variety of interactive problems for practice, exercises and tests that aid understanding.

Focus on Learning Design Courseware to • Be interactive, Compelling and engaging • Have a clear articulation of learning design • Incorporate Lc. L features – – Collaborative Reflective Explorative Doing/Producing • Incorporates Lc. L activities

Description of Courseware Development Form & Demo

Survey Results Module: Electrical Technology Topic: Electromagnetism Strongly disagree Qn. Disagree My Learning experience Not sure Agree Strongly agree (%) 1. The activities for this topic were interesting. 4 10 12 66 8 2, The online game helped me to develop a good understanding of the topic. 2 9 23 60 6 3. The e-learning courseware helped me in to develop a good understanding of the topic. 3 6 28 59 4 4. I would like more topics/lessons to be taught in this way. 8 15 22 40 15 The design features of the e-learning courseware 5. The animated illustrations, graphic images, text, learning games, audio narration and video demonstrate the concepts effectively. 4 6 19 61 10 6. The navigation (moving from one page/topic to another), functional features, interface within the courseware friendly and intuitive. 4 4 19 60 12 7. The courseware is easy to access. 3 7 13 58 17