Abstract:

The purpose of this presentation is to demonstrate the use of AsULearn, a powerful tool for hybrid instructional delivery. Instructional technology specialists at universities throughout the United States customize course content from a Web site using the open source capability of the Moodle architecture. As stated at Moodle’s Website, “Moodle is a learning platform designed to provide educators, administrators and learners with a single robust, secure and integrated system to create personalised learning environments.”

Educators at Appalachian State University (AppState), use AsULearn, based on the Moodle platform to augment their course design with many useful features. These include maintaining a grade book, grading rubrics and marking guide, and many more features that makes this course management system appealing.

For learners living in areas prone to harsh or strong wintery weather conditions, computer technology is a reliable means to continue their education. Advancements in hardware and software capabilities as well as the affordability of broadband access and cloud storage is supporting academic effectiveness. The availability of content to a larger audience of learners is possible using online delivery support structures such as Moodle.

Throughout the academic year there are times when weather causes the cancellation of classes at AppState. This occurs unexpectedly between November and March. The “Winterize Your Course” training program encourages educators on the campus of Appalachian to develop lessons for online delivery. The training is offered as a course accessible from AsULearn, with face-to-face instructional support option.

AsULearn has become an essential tool to support faculty in organizing, maintaining and distributing course content to students. The most recent version of Moodle is 3.8 improves the organization and accessibility of course content.

Moreover, the Office of Educational Technology published a report, Reimagining the Role of Technology in Education: 2017 National Education Plan Update. This report provides educators with a national vision encouraging educators to use technology to support learners. Recommendations from this study include the practice of blended instruction. AsULearn provides flexibility in designing hybrid classes or blended instruction courses to effectively bridge the gap in learning caused by extreme weather conditions.

Keywords:

Hybrid online instruction, blended instruction, Moodle, instructional delivery, project-based instruction.