Mid-South Instructional Technology Conference
Teaching, Learning, & Technology
The Connected Classroom
April 7-9, 2002
Best Practices in Organization Highlighting 360 Degree Feedback
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By: Bonita Barger |
Proceeding
ABSTRACT
How do you organize a course to bridge theory and practice? How do you include on going student feedback? This session highlights one such course that was recognized by a Tennessee Board of Regent /Regents On-line Degree Program (RODP) Panel Review as “one of the models for a well organized online course.” The presentation discusses the pedagogy underlying the course entitled Human Resource Management and demonstrates student-student, student to instructor, instructor to student on going feedback throughout the 12 week offering.
HOW THIS COURSE WORKS
Human Resource Management (HRM) is grounded in multiple learning theories (Dewey, 1933, Kolb, 1984) . I believe that learning is a process formed through curiosity, inquiry, and grounded in experience to create knowledge. The logic is one of practice-theory-practice (Kolb, 1984). The theory here is inspired by the challenge to practice.
THE JOURNEY
This learning journey is simple enough:
- Buy the bundle-includes Managing Human Resources Bohlander/Snell/Sherman with InforTrac College Edition, access code for Thomsonlearning, and CD Roms;
- Set aside 20-30 minute blocks of time anytime to learn the materials and do the assignments;
- Take tests and quizzes when “you are ready”;
- Schedule virtual meeting times with team members to complete assignments;
- Present your deliverables on line; and
- Assess yourself and others.
THE STRUCTURE:
You can think of this course as a series of rooms or blocks. It is designed so you can work in 20-30 minute periods whenever you want. You move between the hard copy textbook, web text, auditory and visual information on CD’s and visit/analyze an organization in your local community.
THE KNOWLEDGE:
The knowledge component is designed in two blocks: Content and Process
The Content knowledge block focuses on the facts, functions, and policies of Human Resource Management. The content is in your textbook, in the re-inforce course content section, and re-view with self tests section.
You “read”, “re-view with self- tests“, and when ready “re-exam with graded tests”.
The Process knowledge block focuses on learning how to learn, working in a team, managing a project and researching an organization. The process is outlined in weeks 1-7 in the re-inforce course process section and in apply with assignments.
You “do” & “apply your knowledge” through transactions with teammates & analysis of an organization.
THE CONTENT:
- READ the textbook.
- RE-INFORCE the chapter material with POWERPOINT PRESENTATIONS.
- RE-VIEW the content in a STUDY ROOM with self-tests to determine your readiness to take the graded tests.
- When you think you are ready, you RE-EXAM with graded quizzes and tests.
THE PROCESS:
- You RE-INFORCE the process material with POWERPOINT PRESENTATIONS in weeks 1-7;
- You LISTEN to the CD lectures;
- You VIEW the sample CD Projects.
- You DO the assignments;
THE FORMAT:
The course homepage has a syllabus, lectures, quizzes, exams, study tools and evaluations all designed to meet the objectives.
Syllabus:
The Syllabus outlines the basic guidelines, policies and procedures for the course.
Lectures:
Content lectures can be found for each chapter in re-inforce course content and on the CD ROMS. These are summary lectures. You’ll need to read the textbook chapters first to understand the summaries. The CD ROM version will allow quicker access.
Process lectures can be found in weeks 1-7 in re-inforce course content and on the CD ROMS. These are summary lectures with my voice highlighting key points.
CD ROM video’s provide mini-lectures highlighting key concepts such as working together on line, ethics, and project management.
Content Quizzes:
Self-test quizzes can be found in your STUDY ROOM re-view with self tests block. You will need your access code attached to the course bundle to enter this room. Follow the login directions.
The STUDY ROOM was designed for you to “test out” how you are comprehending the content knowledge. In the room you will find, chapter summary materials, True/False quizzes, Multiple Choice quizzes, Matching and Application quizzes to PREPARE you for the graded tests and quizzes. In addition, there are flashcards, a glossary and additional web links if you need them. The most exciting feature is the fact that you can visit this STUDY ROOM as often as you like to quiz yourself and determine when you are READY to take the graded quizzes
Content Graded Quizzes: There are 10 timed, graded quizzes. You have only one try and must receive 80% correct to gain a grade. When you are READY, enter the Re-evaluate with graded tests, quizzes, & team evaluation block and take the quiz(zes). The graded quizzes and exams are closed book with no assistance. In taking the course, you are on your honor to “not give or receive help on them”. Consult the Syllabus for specifics. If you have any questions, please contact me.
Content Exams:
There are 3 timed, graded exams. You can take each exam only one time. The score you receive will serve as your exam grade. When you are READY, enter the Re-evaluate with graded tests, quizzes, & team evaluation block and take the exam(s). The graded quizzes and exams are closed book with no assistance. In taking the course, you are on your honor to “not give or receive help on them”. Consult the Syllabus for specifics. If you have any questions, please contact me.
Process evaluations:
Remember that there are 2 knowledge components to this course-content and process.
Quizzes and exams evaluate your content knowledge.
There are also 4 process knowledge evaluations to the course found in the Re-evaluate with graded tests, quizzes, & team evaluation block:
- Team Participation Evaluation,
- Evaluating Potential Projects,
- Team Evaluation, and
- Abelard-Overall Course Evaluation.
1) Team Participation Evaluation is designed to provide your teammates with feedback on how you are working together IN YOUR GROUP. Details can be found in the Syllabus & Process PowerPoint presentation #1.
2) Evaluating Potential Projects is designed to provide the team with criteria to determine if your project is feasible. Details can be found in Assignment #2 and Process PowerPoint presentation #2.
3) Team Evaluation is designed to provide your classmates with feedback on the effectiveness of their deliverables. Details can be found in the Syllabus, Process PowerPoint presentation #1 and Assignment #3.
4) Abelard is designed to provide the instructor with feedback on overall course effectiveness and will be administered at the end of the course.
Assignments:
Apply with assignments block holds 8 assignments designed to assist you and your teammates with doing your project and applying the content and process knowledge.
CD ROM has samples of student projects. BUT these are projects that were created for face-to-face classroom presentation. There are no samples of virtual student projects.
You and your teammates are the PIONEERS. The assignments will direct you in creating your projects. Your challenge will be to present your project (deliverables) on line. YOUR projects will become the NEW STANDARD that could be on the next edition of the CD’s for this course.
Study Tools:
Consider the study tools block on the course menu as your entrance into a MAIN virtual library of resource materials. Remember you also have a smaller customized library (web links) in your STUDY ROOM (Re-view with self-tests) that reinforces content knowledge.
This study tools library has it all--centralized on one page---Library Resources---Help Lines, Business Journals/Magazines---General Human Resource Management/Career Resources---Specialty Business and Compensation Resources.
THE TECHNICAL TOOLS:
Now that you have read about the course structure and learning theory, take time to understand the technical tools that will assist you in navigating the journey.
The Student Tour describes the WebCT's tools and illustrates their default icons.
WebCT Tutor WEBCT Virtual Library Tour
IN SUMMARY:
In summary, you have access to peers, the instructor and materials to complement the text chapters. The flashcards, quizzes, additional web links, threaded discussion, course calendar, chat, e-mail and CD lectures provide a broad based learning environment to gain intellectual capital and apply it in a “real organization”.
I wish you a pleasant journey as you read, reflect and apply your new knowledge of Human Resource Management.
(Print off this roadmap as a reminder of “how the course works”. Keep it with the Syllabus and other hardcopy materials as reference.)
REFERENCES:
Dewey, J. (1933). How we think. Chicago: Regnery.
Kolb, D. A. (1984). Experiential Learning: Experience as the source of learning and develoment. Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice-Hall.