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Meeting Quality Matters Standards with SoftChalk

Dr. Letitia Bergantz and Dr. Mark Gale

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Agenda

  • Overview of Tools at Athens State University
  • Building and QM Certification of ED 305
  • Teaching Examples of SoftChalk
  • Student Examples of SoftChalk

Athens State University

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Overview of Athens State Tools

SoftChalk

  • Started Using in 2012
  • Campus Site License
  • Used in Multiple Courses

Quality Matters

  • Membership in 2013
  • QM Initiative Started Fall 2017
  • 25 Certified Courses
  • 8 Courses in Review

Athens State University

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Overview of ED 305 Certification

ED 305: Technology and Media in Education

  • Developed Using SoftChalk in 2012
  • 2013 Blackboard Exemplary Course
  • Targeted in Fall 2017 for QM Initiative
    • Previous Awards
    • Integration of Multiple Techs
    • First Course Built with OER

Athens State University

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Pre-review of ED 305

ED 305: Technology and Media in Education

  • Review used 5th Edition Rubric
  • Strong Standards Using SoftChalk
    • Standard 3: Assessment and Measurement
    • Standard 4: Instructional Materials
    • Standard 5: Course Activities / Learner Interaction
    • Standard 6: Course Technology

Athens State University

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Pre-review of ED 305

ED 305: Technology and Media in Education

  • Review used 5th Edition Rubric
  • Standards of Concern
    • Standard 8: Accessibility
  • Overall Assessment
    • Accessibility Adjustments
    • Minor Adjustments

(Objectives, Alignment, Rubrics, etc.)

Athens State University

https://softchalk.com/cloud/accessibility/

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Official review of ED 305

  • Certified on First Review (Score: 96 / 99)
  • Pros Related to SoftChalk
    • Standard 3: Assessment and Measurement
    • Standard 4: Instructional Materials
    • Standard 5: Course Activities / Learner Interaction
    • Standard 6: Course Technology
  • Cons Related to SoftChalk
    • No Mention of Accessibility Issues

Athens State University

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Comments on review of ED 305

Standard 3.5: Opportunities to Track Progress

According to the annotations for Standard 3.5, this is met. Learners participate in peer reviews and discussion forums, as well as self-checks throughout the SoftChalk lessons. I think this is a well designed course in this respect.

Athens State University

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Comments on review of ED 305

Standard 4.5: Variety of Instructional Materials

This is my favorite sort of class because of the variety of materials used. I like that each assignment is completely different, and yet they all tie together. I also like the consistency of using SoftChalk lessons throughout the course.

Athens State University

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Comments on review of ED 305

Standard 5.2: Interaction and Active Learning

“Activities encourage learners’ engagement through different types of interaction” (QM Standard 5.2 annotation); e.g., learner-instructor (final exam individual); learner-learner (final exam group); learner-content (SoftChalk lessons)

Athens State University

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Comments on review of ED 305

Standard 6.2: Engagement and Active Learning

“Tools used in the course help learners actively engage in the learning process rather than passively absorb information. Selected tools such as Google, SoftChalk, etc. help the learner actively engage in the course by building / creating for an immersive learning experience. The course is well-designed to promote learner engagement and active learning.

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Athens State University

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Overall Impressions of ED 305

SoftChalk in ED 305:

  • Faculty: Enjoyed Flexibility in Course Development
  • Students: Enjoyed Interactivity and Cost Advantage
  • Students: Enjoyed Hands-On / Practical Application
  • Reviewers: Enjoyed the Consistency and Engagement

Athens State University

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Development of ED 305

Primary Drivers for Using SoftChalk:

  • Reduce Cost of Textbooks
  • Use of Open Educational Resources
  • Ease of Updating Course Materials
  • Practical Use for Students After Graduation

Athens State University

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Teaching Students with SoftChalk

Focus:

  • Use of OER
  • Demonstrate Use of

SoftChalk Tools

  • Create Professional /

Consistent Feel

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Athens State University

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Teaching Students with SoftChalk

Athens State University

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Teaching Students with SoftChalk

Athens State University

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Teaching Students with SoftChalk

Athens State University

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Teaching Students with SoftChalk

Example:

  • Interactive Labeling

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​

Athens State University

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Teaching Students with SoftChalk

Example:

  • Interactive Timeline

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​

Athens State University

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Teaching Students with SoftChalk

Example:

  • Did You Know Facts Overlay

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​

Athens State University

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Teaching Students with SoftChalk

Example:

  • Hot Spot Activity

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​

Athens State University

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Student Created Examples

Example:

  • ADA Compliant

Image Embedding

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Athens State University

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Student Created Examples

Example:

  • Content Building

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Athens State University

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Student Created Examples

Example:

  • Embedded Quizzes

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Athens State University

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Student Created Examples

Example:

  • Embedded

Quiz Question

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Athens State University

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Student Created Examples

Example:

  • Embedded Essay Question

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Athens State University

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Student Created Examples

Example:

  • Interactive Crossword

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Athens State University

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Student Created Examples

Example:

  • Interactive Crossword (ADA)

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​

Athens State University

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Student Created Examples

Example:

  • Interactive Pie Chart

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Athens State University

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Summary of ED 305 Surveys

Students Said:

  • Enjoyed Interactivity and Cost Advantage
  • Enjoyed Hands-On / Practical Application
  • Appreciated the Low Learning Curve
  • Use in the Field

Athens State University

https://softchalk.com/cloud/accessibility/

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Questions?

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THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME