The Future of Education

This session will discuss ideas for creating an effective learner-centered, inclusive online course with an accompanying OER. Specific practices include those related to course structure, multiple modes of learning, and assessment of learning. Examples will be taken from a course focused on requesting credit for experiential learning; however, these practices can be adapted to courses in any field of study.

Ideas for linking structure with major course concepts will be discussed. Especially for process-based courses, aligning steps in the process with the order of course activities is a key practice. This allows students to directly experience the process they are learning about. The idea is to make an abstract concept concrete, thus helping students engage in learning through an intentional course structure that links content with practice.

Multiple modes of learning will be discussed, such as using a visual course map, creating an appropriate metaphor for the course, and using infographics, videos, and AI interactive activities. All of these modes offer students variety so that they may find a way to engage with the course that resonates with them and provides an alternative to reading text. Multiple modes of learning thus foster inclusivity.

The use of low-stakes learning activities and a labor-based rubric and grading system will be discussed. A learner-centered course breaks down learning activities into smaller, manageable pieces that build upon one another to lead into and lay the groundwork for major assignments.  Self-assessments with immediate feedback, created using AI, offer students a chance to evaluate their understanding and a provide a map for reviewing concepts.  A labor-based rubric has been shown to create a more supportive environment less focused on grades and more focused on student effort and instructor feedback. It also fosters inclusivity by focusing on student effort, something which all students have the same opportunity to pursue.

These learner-centered, inclusive practices will be discussed in terms of helping to make the learning process more accessible, transparent, and inclusive for students.