eLearning ServiceseLearning Services

eLearning Services was established in 1998 with 4 SPS, current team has 10 Supportive Professional Staff.

The College of Education’s ETRA department provides access to graduate assistants highly skilled in educational technology best practices.

Talented undergraduate students are also hired from computer science and the art department as needed.

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Example: Audio SlideshowsExample: Audio Slideshows

Audio slideshows are the bulk of content presentation in most courses. For our online courses we include branding, supporting images, video, audio, transcriptions, printable PDF of the slides, and easy navigation of slides

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Example: SimulationsExample: Simulations

Simulation-based learning has been a staple of military training, and more recently for college students studying and training in specific subjects including medicine.

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The above are examples of simulations developed by eLearning.

Example: Case StudiesExample: Case Studies

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Case studies are an excellent tool for introducing students to a topic or working through process.

Example: GamesExample: Games

“Game-based learning reflects a number of important skills higher education institutions strive for their students to acquire: collaboration, problem solving, communication, critical thinking, and digital literacy.”

New Media Consortium (2012). Horizon Report: 2012 Higher Education Edition. Found online: http://www.nmc.org/pdf/2012-horizon-report-HE.pdf

eLearning has been developing games to support online courses since 2003.

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Lecture CaptureLecture Capture

Two types of lecture capture:

1. Desktop recordings (with Adobe Presenter)

2. Classroom live lecture recordings (click on a demo to the right)

NIU Digital Convergence Lab and Media Services

This partnership came together to develop a classroom model for distance learning and live classroom lecture capture using a scalable software solution. This classroom includes a follow camera, ceiling mounted directional microphones, speakers, and mixer. Any desktop conferencing and capture software can be used in this classroom.

Synchronous Virtual MeetingsSynchronous Virtual Meetings

Adobe Connect – provides virtual meetings for BOTH Blackboard courses AND business meetings, such as:– Online course collaboration– Department meetings– Faculty meetings– Grant collaboration– Dissertation meetings

Additional capabilities:– Recordable meetings and lectures– Accessible from iPads and Android devices

AccessibilityAccessibility

Online courses developed at eLearning Services comply with the Illinois Information Technology Accessibility Act (IITAA) to accommodate students with disabilities.

Online courses developed by eLearning include:– Transcriptions of all recorded audio– Alternative text for graphics– Text version of games and simulations

We also strive to meet multiple learning styles by providing interactive learning and multimedia, not just text-based content.

Digital Convergence LabDigital Convergence Lab

• Community Engagement - through workshops and camps.

• Experiential Learning Teams – small multidisciplinary team of NIU students work under a faculty coach to design and develop a real product.

• Research and Development – the DCL team supports a faculty, staff, or NIU partner on research and develop of a product usually supported by a grant.

ExamplesExamples

Game-based learning Virtual worlds Mobile app development Kinect camera full body games Interactive windows