Making the HR Toolbox more flexible using learning objects

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Making the HR Toolbox more flexible using
learning objects
customisable
more
using what???
Barry Reeves Chief Learning Design Officer David
Drinkwater Technical Consultant OTEN Resource
Development preview at www.oten.edu.au/hrtoolbox
Click to start
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Process

• Authoring tools
• XML
• Web product
• Pilot

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HR Diploma Toolbox

• For learners enrolled in Diploma in Business
  (Human Resources)
• Learners have some knowledge of HR at Cert IV
  level
• Learners may (or may not) be working in HR
• Combines learning objects with a case study in a
  problem-based learning environment

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Our goals
Easy to use Easy to customise Granular Small
chunks Object oriented Single source,
multi-use Standards focused Software
independent Easy to share
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Our strategy
Learning Objects XML
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Our process Word to XML
ContentGenerator
Word
XML
Media
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Our process XML to output
XML
Transform
.htm
Media
.asp
Design
.pdf
Navigation
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Authoring MS Word
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Markup - XML
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Rendering - Online
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Lets see it in action
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Four design questions

1. Is the learning flexible, in terms of both the
   way learners may engage with the Toolbox, and how
   it may be delivered?
2. How easy and intuitive is the interface?
3. Are learning tasks authentic and relevant?
4. What supports can we (as developers) add that
   will help create a positive experience of online
   learning?

Six answers
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What we learned What we did
Learners were a busy, task-oriented group who liked to be able to go directly to 'must have' information. We simplified the navigation, especially the sequence of screens followed to get to the Project Brief
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2
What we learned What we did
Simplicity and predictability in interface design works. A tree-like menu that reflects navigation familiar to many web surfers learners were only one or two clicks away from information they need
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3
What we learned What we did
A case study is stronger if learners are guided in applying its lessons to own workplace Improved screen layout to show the dual streams of completing the task at STAR and adapting it to the own workplace.
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4
What we learned What we did
A good facilitator adds value to online delivery Learning community develops Prompts for group work attached to each Task Teacher Guide - support for facilitator Plenty of peer review and networking activities
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What we learned What we did
A clear timetable helps focus learners' efforts. Teacher Guide - suggested delivery timetables.
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What we learned What we did
Learner attitudes towards learning in general, and on-line in particular, matter. Supports, scaffolds and features in the product may influence this, but this is a difficult one for developers to address. Customisation will be the key in many cases.
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preview at www.oten.edu.au/hrtoolbox