E-learning and E-assessments By Maurice Nkusi Teaching and Learning Unit E-mail: mnkusi@nust.na

Overview Current Learning Trends – Learning Methods eAssessment to Foster Learning – Case of Large Classes eLearning Implementation – Web Presence Strategy

Current Learning Trends Enquiry-Based Learning “The meaning of ‘knowing’ has shifted from being able to remember and repeat information to being able to find and use it.”  (National Research Council, 2007) As entry point, inquiry involves learners: ✦tackling real-world questions, issues and controversies  ✦developing questioning, research and communication skills  ✦solving problems or creating solutions ✦collaborating within and beyond the classroom  ✦developing deep understanding of content knowledge  ✦participating in the public creation and improvement of ideas and knowledge http://www.teachinquiry.com/index/Introduction.html

Current Learning Trends cont. Problem-Based Learning PBL begins with the assumption that learning is an active, integrated, and constructive process influenced by social and contextual factors. PBL is characterized by a student-centred approach, teachers as “facilitators rather than disseminators,” and open-ended problems (in PBL, these are called “ill-structured”) that “serve as the initial stimulus and framework for learning. Group-work is also an essential aspect of PBL for several reasons: Group-work helps develop learning communities in which students feel comfortable developing new ideas and raising questions about the material Group-work enhances communication skills and students’ ability to manage group dynamics groupwork is interesting and motivating for students because they become actively involved in the work and are held accountable for their actions by group members http://web.stanford.edu/dept/CTL/cgi-bin/docs/newsletter/problem_based_learning.pdf

Current Learning Trends cont. Project-Based Learning Project Based Learning is a teaching method in which students gain knowledge and skills by working for an extended period of time to investigate and respond to a complex question, problem, or challenge. Essential Elements of PBL are: Significant Content 21st century competencies In-Depth Inquiry Driving Question Need to Know Voice and Choice Critique and Revision Public Audience

Current Learning Trends cont. Interdisciplinary-Based Learning Interdisciplinary learning emphasizes connections between traditionally discrete disciplines such as maths, science, business, and language arts, rather than limiting learning to one content area at a time. When teaching and learning are organized around themes, problems, or issues, students seek knowledge and skills from a variety of disciplines to provide an expanded and more complex understanding of the topics they are studying.  http://www.ecoliteracy.org/strategies/interdisciplinary-learning

Current Learning Trends cont. System Thinking-Based Learning Systems thinking is particularly well-suited to teaching about the complex challenges that lie at the intersection of Earth systems and human interactions. For example, topics such as climate change, energy, business, health systems, population dynamics and resources use benefit from a systems-based approach. http://serc.carleton.edu/integrate/teaching_materials/systems.html

eAssessment to Foster Learning Different Assessment Tool Formative Assessment (Assessment for Learning) Summative Assessment (Assessment of Learning) Diagnostic Assessment

eAssessment to Foster cont. The eLearning system at NUST has a big spectrum of assessment tools that lecturers can utilise based on the need of the students and the actual context.

eAssessment to Foster cont.

Questions and Answers END