Global IDD: Flexibly Accessible Learning

Project Introduction:

The Global IDD project, initiated by Dr. Janette Hill (PI) and Dr. Ikeson Choi, launched a pilot study in the spring semester of 2018 in two graduate courses in LDT, EDIT 6170 and EDIT 6210. The purpose of the project is to design and implement a flexibly accessible learning environment which allows the learners to choose among three different learning modes from week to week to meet their daily schedule. Innovative use of technological tools, such as web conferencing and desktop recording tools along with cameras and mic-speaker systems, has the great potential to provide higher level of flexibility and ensure comparable learning experiences regardless of students' attendance mode. It is promoting dynamic interaction and communication between the participants, flattening the hierarchy so that everyone is an equal contributor to the learning process.

With the students' needs, technological affordance, and diverse pedagogical strategies in mind, the team work hard to design a sustainable strategic plan for the faculty members if they opt for this delivery method for their future classes. We are creating instructor manual, TA manual and student manual to lead them into this new territory.

Global IDD project is also part of the EDIT 6210 course. Besides the original three team members--Elliot, Jeonghun and me--Enid and Pat join the team as they take this course.

My Contribution:

During the preparation and design phase of the project in Fall 2017, I participated in testing all the technological tools and created student manual for Zoom. I took part of the project management responsibility to coordinate the professors and team members, scheduling meetings and taking meeting notes, etc.

In spring 2018 when it is actually implemented in two courses, I fully function as the project manager as Elliot has been busying focusing on the technological aspect during the class. We set up the cameras, mic-speakers, tables and chairs before the class, and have tested something new almost every week, with the help of OIT staff Jeff. After several iterations, the use of technological tools for the classes are more smooth, stable and flexible. I have learnt a lot in this process.

Formative evaluation is extremely important for this project because it takes a rapid prototyping approach. I play the major role in evaluation. I designed and distributed the exploratory survey and mid-term evaluation survey using Qualtrics. I also did the data analysis for both surveys. At the time of writing, I'm in the process of creating the final evaluation for both courses. We are also preparing to interview the instructors and selected students. Jeonghun created the interview protocols. I wrote the consent form and interviewee recruitment letter.

On the research part, I undertake most of the literature review task. I downloaded and shared many articles related to blended synchronous learning, trying to find out what others are doing to promote the hybrid format of delivery system and what we can do to make our project different or even better than these attempts. I have also read books and articles about learning environment design, online collaborative learning, self-determination theory, Community of Inquiry, along with the required readings of EDIT 6210, which helps us to ground the project in theoretical bases.

CIS Poster

CIS Rewards and Recognition Day for this year fell on March 20th, 2018. The poster session encourages all CIS graduate students to share their research. The Global IDD team also submitted a poster to demonstrate this project. I helped with the data analysis, description of the figures, and the overall design. Our poster won the second place in the event.

AECT Proposal

Global IDD team submitted a proposal to the AECT 2018 Conference to be held in Kansas in October. I co-ahthored this proposal together with Dr. Janette Hill, Elliot Kim and Jeonghun Oh to prepare for a 30-minute concurrent session of the Design & Development Devision. If it is luckily accepted, I'll have the privilege to be a co-presentor at the upcoming conference.