About This Project
This project is funded by an SIU Foundation Faculty Development Grant.
The purpose of this project was to test the utility and usability of the learning record store (LRS) within a university setting. LRSs are a database where data about learners’ activities and accomplishments are stored (see Figure 1). Using a very simple Noun + Verb + Object format, data from apps can be funneled into an LRS to show knowledge, skill, competency, etc. For example, “Craig [Noun] submitted [Verb] project report” [object]. In this case, a Microsoft form (if that was the method of submission) would send the submission details to the LRS. Later, a report could be generated to highlight how competent Craig is at project management based on all the aggregated statements.
Data collected from the proposed study sought to answer the following research questions:
The purpose of this project was to test the utility and usability of the learning record store (LRS) within a university setting. LRSs are a database where data about learners’ activities and accomplishments are stored (see Figure 1). Using a very simple Noun + Verb + Object format, data from apps can be funneled into an LRS to show knowledge, skill, competency, etc. For example, “Craig [Noun] submitted [Verb] project report” [object]. In this case, a Microsoft form (if that was the method of submission) would send the submission details to the LRS. Later, a report could be generated to highlight how competent Craig is at project management based on all the aggregated statements.
Data collected from the proposed study sought to answer the following research questions:
- What LRS data are effective for instructional design and delivery in higher education? [Finding: data is difficult to extract without costly subscriptions, so not recommended.]
- What training resources are needed for educators to effectively use an LRS? [Finding: Too many options and tech requirements/expertise needed to use tech are limiting factors for widespread faculty adoption. Focus therefore should be on instructors using the Learning Management System (D2L) effectively.]
- Do Open Digital Badges increase student engagement in curricular and co-curricular activities? [Finding: Yes. This should be a focus at SIU and does not require an LRS.]
Introduction to xAPI - Resources
If you need an introduction to xAPI and LRSs, here are two easy-to-inderstand resources:
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My Approaches to Teaching
I use a competency-based approach to teaching that draws on three techniques: Scaffolding, PBL, and Gameful Learning. The project is part of my goal to build and use EdTech systems and processes that any faculty can use.
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Presentations
The following videos are part of presentations, which were delivered as part of panels or stand-alone presentations at Association for Talent Development workshops or at the National Communication Association Annual Conference (Training and Development Division)
NCA Presentation Slide Deck
| Download the Slide Deck |
Advanced On-Line Learning Methodology_EngstromCraig.pdf by Craig Engstrom
Department Outcomes
Research Report: OJ Duncan, my advisee, conducted the following research on Digital Badging and its impact on student learning.
| Research Report on Digital Badges |
This project led to innovations in the curriculum (new offerings for recruitment and retention) and improved student learning outcomes.
| cmst-credential-ad.pdf |
Prior to using the EdTech and processed designed during this project, the final assessment was in the ~3.4 range for students across all categories, showing only marginal improvement in learning outcomes. This number is now in the high ~3.8 range.
CMST101-Objectives.pdf by Craig Engstrom
Certificates / Badges I Was Inspired to Earn While Completing Project
Click the badge to see the credential.
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Courses & Successes Exploring xAPI
The CMST 101 course has been reviewed by educators using the OSCQR and OLC QCTIP scorecards.
- CMST 101 - Public Speaking
- CMST 280 - Business and Professional Communication
- 95% Retention Rate
- Scalable: Hybrid/flipped; Online only (synchronous/asynchronous)
D2L Tools I ♥ w/ xAPI
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#1 - Intelligent AgentsHands down, intelligent agents change the game for student immediacy and instructor productivity. I use them to do the following and more:
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#2 - 3rd Part Tools & AppsD2L has a massive inventory of apps and partnerships and allows integration with external learning tools via SCORM and Tin Can (xAPI) as well as basic HTML embedding in nearly every content area.
My favorite tools are the following (and more):
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#3 - Badges + xAPIStudents LOVE earning badges! Some of the custom badges in courses include:
According to research my graduate advisee, OJ Duncan, has conducted on the use of badges in CMST courses, it increases student motivation. |