In the Fall of 2013, we ran 2 hybrid pilots and 1 online pilot of the course. The grant is for hybrid courses; however, one of the developers was teaching the online section and modified the course for an online section so that we could compare the course formats as well in our data.
Initially we ran into a lot of issues with technology in the classroom. The classrooms were not setup to allow for such a heavy technological focus in teaching. Students were not able to log in to the course at the same time. The technology in the classroom didn't allow students to access the network. We immediately had to make major changes to our course format and push many assignments to be completed outside of class rather than in class. In class discussions and short quizzes or surveys were utilized and all other assignments were moved to online only.
The game and content in the course was setup originally to release after the student viewed certain items or performed certain actions, such as viewing the syllabus or completing an assignment. We found that some students didn't plan their time well and some couldn't find all the assignments. By level 2 we had modified the course to release all course content materials immediately for the week on the date that the course week started. The game continued to have release restrictions specific to actions taken by the student, although we dropped down the game challenges from 4 to 1 or 2. We found students were more successful and motivated to complete the game and level by doing so.
Initially we ran into a lot of issues with technology in the classroom. The classrooms were not setup to allow for such a heavy technological focus in teaching. Students were not able to log in to the course at the same time. The technology in the classroom didn't allow students to access the network. We immediately had to make major changes to our course format and push many assignments to be completed outside of class rather than in class. In class discussions and short quizzes or surveys were utilized and all other assignments were moved to online only.
The game and content in the course was setup originally to release after the student viewed certain items or performed certain actions, such as viewing the syllabus or completing an assignment. We found that some students didn't plan their time well and some couldn't find all the assignments. By level 2 we had modified the course to release all course content materials immediately for the week on the date that the course week started. The game continued to have release restrictions specific to actions taken by the student, although we dropped down the game challenges from 4 to 1 or 2. We found students were more successful and motivated to complete the game and level by doing so.