The Importance of Incorporating ELearning in Classrooms

and
An Introduction to SmartBuilder

Lauren Trovarello
Post University
EDU 623

Overall Project Design

The Importance of Incorporating ELearning in Classrooms and An Introduction to SmartBuilder
Environment
Palinscar et al (2001) noted the importance in guided inquiry, so learners will have
ample access to the learning event both in the training session and at home. In the
session the information and processes will be modeled by the instructor for the
whole class, as the learners follow along.

Design choices:
White, and Black (RGB Color Mode)
White #255 (color for background of the entire presentation)
Black #000 (Color for all fonts within the presentation)

Audience
K-8 teachers at La Paloma Academy in Tucson, AZ.
Learning Objectives
1)After completing the PowerPoint portion of the instructional event pertaining to
ELearning itself, learners should be able to identify 4 of the 6 benefits presented of
incorporating ELearning into their classrooms.
2) After completing the PowerPoint portion of the instructional event pertaining to
ELearning itself, learners should be able to identify 5 design factors to consider
when creating an ELearning module.
3) After completing the SmartBuilder training, learners should be able to create a
simple learning module including text, images, and video in SmartBuilder.
4) After completing the SmartBuilder training, learners should be able to correctly
publish, share and post on a website their SmartBuilder module.

Font styles, sizes, colors (include font style name, size, and color for each element):
Page Headings: Arial Bold 24 pt BLACK #000
Body Text: Arial 16 pt BLACK #000
Messages and Feedback: Arial Black 24 pt BLACK #000
Navigation Text: Arial 16 pt BLACK #000

The first portion of the learning event will be a PowerPoint discussing the importance of Elearning and giving learners some information about design aspects and benefits of Elearning. The second portion of
the learning event will take place in SmartBuilder. The instructor will first show (via live walk through) how learners sign up for a SmartBuilder account. Once everyone has signed up, the instructor will show
learners how to build a simple module in SmartBuilder (live so learners are completing tasks as the instructor does). Learners will also be guided through the how-to areas of SmartBuilder so they know where
to go once they feel comfortable completing more complicated tasks in the future.

References:
Palincsar, A. S., Walgreen, J., Walgreen, C., Magnusson, S. J., Collins, K. M., & Cutter, J. (2001). Making science accessible to all: Results of a design experiment in inclusive classrooms[Abstract]. Learning Disability
Quarterly, 24(1), 15-32.

Content Slide #1
Video: What is Elearning?
Learners will watch the YouTube video from GIZ Academy called, What is Elearning? A Simpleshow Part 1, on the
projector board as the instructor plays it.

Video Source: GIZ Academy, (September 30, 2013). What is elearning? A simpleshow part 1. Retrieved from
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p3St51F4kE8 .

Proposed image or graphic for this slide

Image obtained from:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0cdAEx_i_T
gwi3eIvly_Wg

Video, What is Elearning? A Simpleshow Part 1, introduces learners to Elearning. Video requires speakers to be turned on in order to hear the audio included in the video. Video is animated, audio with images
displayed.

Allow for discussion and questions after information is reviewed to ensure comfort of learners with this topic, and to ensure understanding.
Learning Objectives:
1)After completing the PowerPoint portion of the instructional event pertaining to ELearning itself, learners should be able to identify 4 of the 6 benefits presented of incorporating ELearning into their
classrooms.

Content Slide #2
The Importance of Incorporating ELearning in Classrooms
Benefits of Elearning:
Student participation increases. Kids these days live for technology. It only makes sense to utilize their love for
technology in the classroom if you really want to get them engaged.
Learning becomes student-driven. Teaching in the digital age is becoming less about directly transferring knowledge
and more about showing students how to sift through vast amounts of information to find the knowledge they
need. Students have more authority over their own learning. They can pose questions and do research instead of just
listening to lectures.
Student collaboration and communication increases. Collaboration is key to engagement in todays classrooms.
Elearning allows students to interact virtually with teachers and work with other students on assignments, projects and
content creation.

Proposed image or graphic for this slide

Reference:
Saponaro, T. (2014). 6 benefits of BYOD in the classroom. Retrieved August 7, 2016
from https://elearningindustry.com/6-benefits-byod-classroom.

Image obtained from:

http://www.riosalado.edu/programs/elearning/Pa
ges/k-12.aspx.

No narration. Instructor will discuss the 6 benefits of Elearning with learners, expanding on any areas they may find questions.

Allow for discussion and questions after information is reviewed to ensure comfort of learners with this topic, and to ensure understanding.
Learning Objectives:
1)After completing the PowerPoint portion of the instructional event pertaining to ELearning itself, learners should be able to identify 4 of the 6 benefits presented of incorporating ELearning into their
classrooms.

Content Slide #3
The Importance of Incorporating ELearning in Classrooms
Benefits of Elearning:
Cost Savings. Creating modules in SmartBuilder is free, and with students accessing modules at home or on their
personal devices, the school saves money on tech costs.
Personalized instruction. All students can learn and excel at their own pace. Students spend countless hours outside
the classroom on their mobile devices. So, why not use that to our advantage?
A new way of learning. Incorporating student-owned devices into the curriculum has helped transform direct
instruction methods into project-and inquiry-based learning opportunities. This pedagogical approach helps students
learn by doing and gives them ownership of their education.

Proposed image or graphic for this slide

Reference:
Saponaro, T. (2014). 6 benefits of BYOD in the classroom. Retrieved August 7, 2016
from https://elearningindustry.com/6-benefits-byod-classroom.

Image obtained from:

http://www.riosalado.edu/programs/elearni
ng/Pages/k-12.aspx.

No narration. Instructor will discuss the 6 benefits of Elearning with learners, expanding on any areas they may find questions.

Allow for discussion and questions after information is reviewed to ensure comfort of learners with this topic, and to ensure understanding.
Learning Objectives:
1)After completing the PowerPoint portion of the instructional event pertaining to ELearning itself, learners should be able to identify 4 of the 6 benefits presented of incorporating ELearning into their
classrooms.

Content Slide #4
Video: Universal Design for Learning
Learners will watch the YouTube video from Long Story Shortz called, Universal Design for Learning, on the projector
board as the instructor plays it.

Video Source: Totzke, P., (November 11, 2013). Universal design for learning. Retrieved from
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jTesLcx3VmE.

Proposed image or graphic for this slide

Image obtained from:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0cdAEx_i_T
gwi3eIvly_Wg

Video, Universal Design for Learning, further discusses benefits of incorporating Elearning. Video requires speakers to be turned on in order to hear the audio included in the video. Video is animated, audio with
images displayed.

Allow for discussion and questions after information is reviewed to ensure comfort of learners with this topic, and to ensure understanding.
Learning Objectives:
1)After completing the PowerPoint portion of the instructional event pertaining to ELearning itself, learners should be able to identify 4 of the 6 benefits presented of incorporating ELearning into their
classrooms.

Content Slide #5
The Importance of Incorporating ELearning in Classrooms
Elearning Design Tips:
Pay attention to focal points.
The ultimate goal of is to draw attention to the most important elements of the Elearning course and to make the
subject matter more relevant for the learner. As such, you'll want to have a clear idea of which elements should be
prominent on each page, so that you can guide the learner through the module.
There should always be a reason for every resource used.
Each and every resource that you use in your graphic design should be there for a specific reason. Choose images and
graphics that are on-topic and relevant, rather than those that are merely aesthetically pleasing. The issue is that there
is such an abundance of fonts, graphics, borders, and royalty free images available today that it can be tempting to use
as many as possible, in the hopes that it will make the eLearning course more eye-catching and immersive. However,
the opposite is often the case. Choose just a handful of font types, borders, textures, and layouts and then use them all
throughout the eLearning course in order to create a streamlined and organized learner experience.
Harmony instead of chaos.
Using fewer graphic design elements is key. You should stick with a specific color palette and style so that you can
minimize learners confusion. Don't crowd the pages or slides of your eLearning course with a confusing array of
images. This will only create a sense of chaos and clutter, which will take away from learner motivation and interest.

Proposed image or graphic for this slide

Reference:
Pappas, C., (2014). Top 10 graphic design tips that elearning professionals should be familiar with. Retrieved August 7,
2016 from https://elearningindustry.com/top-10-graphic-design-tips-for-elearning-success.

Image obtained from:

https://community.articulate.com/articles/t
op-tips-elearning-freelancers.

No narration. Instructor will discuss the Elearning design tips with learners, expanding on any areas they may find questions.

Allow for discussion and questions after information is reviewed to ensure comfort of learners with this topic, and to ensure understanding.
Learning Objectives:
2) After completing the PowerPoint portion of the instructional event pertaining to ELearning itself, learners should be able to identify 5 design factors to consider when creating an ELearning module.

Content Slide #6
The Importance of Incorporating ELearning in Classrooms
Elearning Design Tips:
Consider readability over aesthetic appeal when choosing fonts.
The font should convey the overall tone of the eLearning course, but it should never steal the show. For example, if
you're attempting to create a professional look and feel, then the font styles you choose should be clean, crisp, and
minimalist. Ultimately, the readability of the font should be paramount.
Create balance, but don't be afraid of empty space.
There's absolutely nothing wrong with white space on the screen. In fact, as the learner will be reading the eLearning
content from left to right, make sure that you include the most pertinent information on the left hand side of the
screen and then balance the page with images on the right, as these images aren't meant to inform, but to help the
learner more effectively absorb the key bits of information.
Avoid expanded blocks of text.
To avoid cognitive overload and make the information more digestible, keep your blocks of text narrow and break up
larger blocks into bullet points or smaller paragraphs. Large, run-on text-blocks make the learners disengage and take
them out of the learning experience, given that they simply aren't able to acquire and retain the knowledge in an
effective manner.

Proposed image or graphic for this slide

Reference:
Pappas, C., (2014). Top 10 graphic design tips that elearning professionals should be familiar with. Retrieved August 7,
2016 from https://elearningindustry.com/top-10-graphic-design-tips-for-elearning-success.

Image obtained from:

https://community.articulate.com/articles/t
op-tips-elearning-freelancers.

No narration. Instructor will discuss the Elearning design tips with learners, expanding on any areas they may find questions.

Allow for discussion and questions after information is reviewed to ensure comfort of learners with this topic, and to ensure understanding.
Learning Objectives:
2) After completing the PowerPoint portion of the instructional event pertaining to ELearning itself, learners should be able to identify 5 design factors to consider when creating an ELearning module.

Content Slide #7
The Importance of Incorporating ELearning in Classrooms
Elearning Design Tips:
Patterns can help to establish a relationship between concepts.
Patterns can often create a sense of order, and establish a relationship between core ideas or concepts within a
module. What you can do is to find a pattern for the headings, subheadings, and key information. For example, you can
show in italics the key words of each page in the module. This way, the learners will realize that these are the key
pieces of knowledge that they'll need to learn and remember.
Contrast keeps learners engaged and interested.
Contrasting colors and shapes will help the learners to stay focused and immersed in the eLearning course. For
example, if you choose two font colors that complement one another, this will enhance the overall design of the
module, as well as it will appeal to the learners visual sensibilities. By providing contrast, you can also highlight
important aspects of the curriculum or draw the learners eyes to a concept that they need to mentally absorb.
Keep navigation simple and straightforward.
One of the most basic, yet powerful, graphic design tip for eLearning is keeping navigability streamlined. Don't hide the
NEXT button just for the sake of design, or create symbols that are so innovative and creative that the learners wont
be able to realize that this is in fact a navigation icon. Learners should be able to navigate through the eLearning course
without any frustration or confusion involved. This also goes for links. Always ensure that links are noticeable on the
page (and active!), instead of being hidden amongst the various other design elements.
Reference:
Pappas, C., (2014). Top 10 graphic design tips that elearning professionals should be familiar with. Retrieved August 7,
2016 from https://elearningindustry.com/top-10-graphic-design-tips-for-elearning-success.

Proposed image or graphic for this slide

Image obtained from:

https://community.articulate.com/articles/t
op-tips-elearning-freelancers.

No narration. Instructor will discuss the Elearning design tips with learners, expanding on any areas they may find questions.

Allow for discussion and questions after information is reviewed to ensure comfort of learners with this topic, and to ensure understanding.
Learning Objectives:
2) After completing the PowerPoint portion of the instructional event pertaining to ELearning itself, learners should be able to identify 5 design factors to consider when creating an ELearning module.

Content Slide #8
The Importance of Incorporating ELearning in Classrooms
Elearning Design Tips:
Harmonious design must never be sacrificed for creativity.
It's always a good idea to get creative when designing your eLearning courses and presentations. However, creativity
should never come at the price of disorganization or lack of cohesiveness. The graphic design tools and elements you
use must always convey the overall message of the eLearning course, and serve the learning objective. Each piece
should fit into the overall look and feel of the eLearning course, and help the learner to more easily acquire the skills
sets and knowledge that you are offering. So, be creative and innovative, but also ensure that things are kept as simple
and straightforward as possible for the sake of the learners.

Proposed image or graphic for this slide

Reference:
Pappas, C., (2014). Top 10 graphic design tips that elearning professionals should be familiar with. Retrieved August 7,
2016 from https://elearningindustry.com/top-10-graphic-design-tips-for-elearning-success.

Image obtained from:

https://community.articulate.com/articles/t
op-tips-elearning-freelancers.

No narration. Instructor will discuss the Elearning design tips with learners, expanding on any areas they may find questions.

Allow for discussion and questions after information is reviewed to ensure comfort of learners with this topic, and to ensure understanding.
Learning Objectives:
2) After completing the PowerPoint portion of the instructional event pertaining to ELearning itself, learners should be able to identify 5 design factors to consider when creating an ELearning module.

Content Slide #9
An Introduction to SmartBuilder
Signing Up:

Proposed image or graphic for this slide

Image obtained from:

https://www.smartbuilder.com
Lets take a moment to sign up for a SmartBuilder account. Once at the site, our first step is to click the Sign Up button at the top right of the screen. You will then enter the necessary information , then click the
sign up button below. Once everyone has successfully signed up please give me a thumbs up so I know we can move forward. If anyone needs any help please raise your had if your neighbor cannot help you.

Allow for discussion and questions after information is reviewed to ensure comfort of learners with this topic, and to ensure understanding.

Content Slide #10

An Introduction to SmartBuilder
Navigating SmartBuilder:

Proposed image or graphic for this slide

Image obtained from:

https://www.smartbuilder.com
Instructor will show and talk learners through how to create a new page by logging in, clicking launch SmartBuilder, and clicking Create New Lesson. Everyone will create a lesson titled: SAMPLE, then clicking OK.
Instructor will show learners where to click to create a new page, name each page SAMPLE 1, SAMPLE 2, etc. Instructor will describe where to click while showing where to click along the way. Learners will be
shown how to insert a text box, an image, a YouTube video, create navigation buttons, and save, publish and share. The text typed will be SAMPLE TEXT, the images inserted will be any sample image accessible
on the desktop of the computer (all computers have pre-loaded images for teachers free use), the YouTube video will be at the discretion of the learner (to add a fun aspect to this event), and navigation buttons
will be the standard buttons, though learners will be shown how to rename the buttons to say Next and Back with appropriate actions for each.
There is no specific script for this portion as instructors may have different issues or questions arise, and they may use whatever descriptive wording is effective in helping learners navigate to the areas they are
supposed to click on while watching the instructor do so on the projected screen.

Allow for discussion and questions as they arise to ensure comfort of learners with this topic, and to ensure understanding.
Learning Objectives:
3) After completing the SmartBuilder training, learners should be able to create a simple learning module including text, images, and video in SmartBuilder.
4) After completing the SmartBuilder training, learners should be able to correctly publish, share and post on a website their SmartBuilder module.

Assessment Slide #1
Now Go Create!
Now that you have some familiarity with SmartBuilder, practice in your own time and create a module applicable to
your classroom within the next 2 weeks, publish, then share this module with the instructor for review. This module
must include text, images, and video.

No question text

Please reach out to a member of the team who has experience with SmartBuilder, access the hot to section of SmartBuilder, or reach out to the instructor with any questions.

Learning Objectives:
1)After completing the PowerPoint portion of the instructional event pertaining to ELearning itself, learners should be able to identify 4 of the 6 benefits presented of incorporating ELearning into their
classrooms.
2) After completing the PowerPoint portion of the instructional event pertaining to ELearning itself, learners should be able to identify 5 design factors to consider when creating an ELearning module.
3) After completing the SmartBuilder training, learners should be able to create a simple learning module including text, images, and video in SmartBuilder.
4) After completing the SmartBuilder training, learners should be able to correctly publish, share and post on a website their SmartBuilder module.