Powerful Learning, Powerful Leadership, Part 1

In the original format for the Blackboard Certification in the GUIA, there was a 3-hour, in-person guided lecture with an assessment at the end. Student could ask question throughout, but it was very traditional lecture based. Didn't make much sense for a course teaching you to use technology.

In the new development, we are using technology throughout the whole orientation, and moving away from a single lecture to a lecture, followed by a semester of continued feedback and a post assessment after their term ended to see if the certification help and how. 

The course starts with a survey of students. We inquire about who they are, what they want to learn, what they are teaching. Their answers guide what areas are focused on throughout the training and in the check in meetings.

 

Throughout the lecture videos of the online element, there are quiz questions that appear to check their reading. Additionally, there are areas throughout each section where they are told to practice in their sandbox courses. Their assessments are submissions of screenshots of what they are doing or journaling. There are few actual quizzes.

The videos and lectures are the informational components. Tools and functions are explained, as well as concepts of teaching online and best practices. We are promoting exploration and play through giving them sandboxes and ample time to try tools and practice making their assignments, meeting with designers, and asking questions outside of their actual course. 

When they go to teach the course, they are given check in and opportunities to have designers come in and review their work, discuss how to improve, and get additional training on new tools or functions they have encountered. 

It is a HIGHLY personalized experience where the students learn, explore, create, apply, and review. Everything is based on their own work except for the overarching principals and mechanics being taught, and technology is being leverage throughout every step.