Distance Learning

Description of Technology Plan

Executive Summary

Online Course Development
Introduction to Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) and Mediation

One of the fastest growing trends in educational technology is Distance Education and online learning. Studies have shown that technologies were not significantly different from regular classroom learning in terms of effectiveness.

This artifact is a distance learning course accessible on Blackboard LMS. The requirements for this project included building a course with one completed lesson as part of a learning module.

The distance learning module I created is an introductory course to Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) and Mediation. The learning module was set up in Blackboard LMS as an asynchronous online course. A syllabus, guideline, and course schedule for the entire module was created and included. Other facets of the course include collaborative opportunities such as case study evaluations, course wiki, and a student discussion forum. Elements to support learning objectives are visual supports such as infographics, a recorded lecture presenting the facets of the “Opening Statement”, and subject matter resources and media.

Course Blackboard Appearance

Course Syllabus

Above are the links to the artifacts. The first link "Course Blackboard Appearance" is a PDF document incorporating a visual as how it appears in Blackboard. The 2nd link is the course syllabus providing an excellent outline and example of expectations within a distance learning environment. I have also recorded a screencast providing an approximately 5 minute narrated overview of the course and accessibility.

Course Materials

Instructional Presentation

My recorded instruction providing the fundamentals of creating an opening statement. I built a visual presentation using the Web 2.0 tool Prezi. I then recorded a screencast providing instructional information for the lesson. The students are to utilize this and other included materials throughout the course.

This artifact demonstrates my ability to utilize presentation software to create a recorded instructional resource that aligns with the lesson objectives.

Instructional Infographic

Following specific visual principals selection, organization, and integration, I developed an infographic as a supporting resource quickly providing information on the differences between mediation and litigation.

This demonstrates my ability to select tools and create visual graphics following design principles that support learning outcomes.

I have a strong background in the development of marketing materials from design, pre-press through to print and web uses.

My software experience includes Adobe PhotoShop, InDesign, Framemaker, and Acrobat, as well as, a large variety of Web 2.0 tools.

Project Reflection

I have been a mediator for approximately four years in civil, domestic, and warrant court cases. When this project was assigned, I wanted to develop a course in a familiar subject matter. There were challenges developing a course on mediation being taught at a distance, primarily because most states require a applicant to have taken part in a certain amount of mediations before become registered. I had to get creative with the collaboration and mediation requirements while keeping the course practical and relevant. This project incorporated my skills in instructional development with a new experience building a course on a learning management system. It provides examples in my use of technological support materials, instructional skills, my knowledge of adult pedagogy, as well as, my skills in developing instruments for assessments and course evaluation.