Media literacy for librarians

Client: The University of Canberra.

My responsibilities: Instructional design (storyboarding, mock-ups, prototypes, full build), learning management system configuration (Canvas), graphic design and animation, scenario development and team training.

Tools used: Canvas LMS, H5P (interactive activities), Canva, MS Word, Miro.

Duration: Six weeks.

Summary

The challenge

Creating the Media Literacy for Librarians course presented several significant challenges. With a limited budget, we could only utilise free tools to develop interactive online learning activities, ruling out industry-standard tools like Articulate and Captivate.

I had to lead and train a team of five educational designers who, despite their experience, had minimal skills and knowledge in contemporary online learning techniques and technology. Additionally, the two subject-matter experts (SMEs) we collaborated with were academics burdened with heavy workloads, which severely limited our access to their expertise.

One of my primary responsibilities was to consult with these academics to effectively plan, structure, and build a course that would integrate seamlessly with the university's learning management system, Canvas, and maximise its potential.

The solution

To address these challenges, I utilised H5P, a free and versatile tool for creating interactive content. I developed a series of screen-recorded training videos that demonstrated modern online learning interactive activities and detailed how to create them using H5P technology. This initiative not only equipped my team with the necessary skills but also ensured the consistent quality of our course content.

Leveraging my planning, scheduling, and communication skills, I efficiently coordinated with the educational designers and SMEs to align our efforts and ensure the timely completion of the project. This approach enabled us to overcome budget constraints, skill gaps, and limited access to subject-matter expertise, ultimately resulting in a robust and engaging online course for librarians.

Video: Sample walk-through of project [67 seconds]

My process

Asynchronous online poll

Asynchronous online polls offer several advantages in online learning environments. They provide flexibility, allowing learners to participate at their convenience, which is particularly beneficial for those with varying schedules or in different time zones. This inclusivity increases overall course accessibility. Additionally, the time given for reflective thinking often leads to more thoughtful and well-considered responses. Asynchronous polls also facilitate easy data collection and analysis, helping educators gauge understanding and make necessary adjustments to the course content.

However, there are some drawbacks. The delayed feedback can slow down the learning process, and the lack of real-time interaction may lead to decreased engagement. Misinterpretation of questions or poll results is possible without immediate clarification, and learners need self-discipline to participate without the prompt of a live session. Asynchronous online polls are best used in flexible learning environments, for complex topics requiring deep reflection, as formative assessments, or as supplementary engagement tools.

They should be avoided when immediate feedback and high engagement are crucial, when clarity is an issue, or when learners may lack motivation to participate independently.

Compare to expert response

The Compare to Expert Response interaction type in online learning has several benefits. It allows learners to measure their understanding against expert insights, providing a benchmark for quality and accuracy. This interaction fosters deeper learning by encouraging students to critically analyse their responses and understand expert reasoning. It also enhances self-assessment skills, as learners can identify gaps in their knowledge and areas for improvement.

However, there are some potential downsides. If not carefully designed, this interaction can intimidate or discourage learners who feel their responses are significantly inferior to expert answers. It may also lead to over-reliance on expert opinions, reducing learners' confidence in their independent thinking. Additionally, creating high-quality expert responses can be time-consuming and may require significant effort from instructors or subject-matter experts.

The Compare to Expert Response interaction is best used in scenarios where detailed feedback is essential for learning, such as in advanced courses requiring critical analysis or professional skill development. It is also beneficial for formative assessments, helping learners track their progress and understand expert perspectives. However, this interaction should be avoided in introductory courses where students may lack the foundational knowledge to engage with expert responses effectively, or in situations where immediate, personalised feedback is more appropriate.

Video: Learning interaction examples

Reflections and learnings

Leveraging Free Tools Effectively

One of the most significant learnings from the project was the potential to leverage free tools effectively in the creation of high-quality online learning experiences. Despite initial concerns about the limitations posed by our budget, using H5P demonstrated that cost-effective solutions could still offer robust interactive capabilities. The process of researching and mastering H5P not only expanded our toolkit but also challenged us to be more resourceful and innovative. This experience underscored the importance of adaptability and the value of open-source technologies in educational design, fostering a mindset that prioritises creativity and problem-solving over reliance on expensive, industry-standard software.

The Importance of Comprehensive Training

Training the educational design team was a pivotal aspect of the project. Initially, the team had limited experience with contemporary online learning techniques and technology. Developing and delivering a series of screen-recorded training videos was crucial in bridging this gap. This experience highlighted the importance of comprehensive training and continuous professional development. By investing time in upskilling the team, we not only enhanced the quality of the course but also empowered the designers with new skills that they could apply to future projects. It reinforced the idea that effective instructional design requires a commitment to learning and growth, both for students and educators.

Balancing Academic Collaboration with Time Constraints

Working with subject-matter experts (SMEs) who had extreme workloads presented a unique challenge. Limited access to these academics required careful planning and efficient use of their time. This situation taught us the value of strategic consultation and the importance of clear, concise communication. By maximising our limited interactions with SMEs, we ensured their expertise was effectively integrated into the course. This experience highlighted the necessity of balancing academic collaboration with time constraints, emphasising the need for flexibility and efficient project management. It also underscored the importance of developing structured frameworks that allow for the seamless integration of expert knowledge into course design.

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