LIVE WEBINAR Enjoyable, Engaging, & Effective: Closing the MS Office learning gap using a mastery-focused pedagogy

Suzanne Fell Maranatha Baptist University Associate Professor  |  School of Business www.linkedin.com/in/suzanne-fell

Then and Now …a generation ago, students Listened to lectures Took notes! Brought textbooks to class

Millennials …are WAY different Digital natives Consumers Desire choices in how & where they learn Multi-taskers

Some things never change Differing learning styles Feedback is essential to learning Practice, practice, practice to get it

Textbook vs TestOut 1-credit MS application courses - separate text/license for each Primary student learning activity: text instruction Assignments: weekly feedback – complete 1x MOS certification Few students (10%) Extra cost 3-credit computer applications course – Desktop Pro Plus license Primary student learning activity: simulations Assignments: immediate feedback – complete ‘til it’s right Desktop Pro Certification / MOS certification prep All students participate Included in license cost

Why TestOut works * Enjoyable Students LIKE all the learning options Video – with or without transcript Audio – adjustable speed Text – read along with video / printables Demonstration

What do you like about TestOut? “It gives us kinesthetic understanding of how to use a computer.” “[It’s nice that] it’s not a massive book that we have to carry around. We are technology people and books are annoying.”

Why TestOut works * Engaging Scenario-based labs / simulations Multiple paths to completion Receive immediate feedback Can get help in text or video format Reinforce critical thinking

Why TestOut works * Effective Pedagogy supports mastery learning Learn/listen/watch Practice labs with help Skills & Challenge Labs Complete labs without help Applied Labs

An online adult learner commented at end of course “Who would have ever thought that I would have been able to go through this class and come out with a very respectable grade.  I went into this course with nothing more than a basic knowledge of working Facebook and typing using Microsoft Word.  I could change font style and size but that is about it.​  I went into this class competing with people who grew up with a computer in their hands and took classes in high school in computer literacy.  My grandchildren receive Apple tablets from their schools in 6th grade that become theirs.  They take that same tablet with them through high school and are therefore down the road miles ahead of me in their computer skills.  I learned typing on a manual typewriter in high school followed by the electric typewriter.  Times sure have changed!”

Instructor Tips Work through the curriculum with your students Set your course policies to enforce proven learning practices Allow open lines of communication with students

Sample Schedule 3-credit course (8/15 weeks shown)

Takeaways Certification Early success =Retention

Paul Miller, PhD Lead Instructional Designer TestOut Corporation

To request free instructor access go to www.testout.com/desktop THANK YOU! All registrants will receive an email which will include: Recording of the webinar Course Outline Lesson Plan To request free instructor access go to www.testout.com/desktop

Q & A