THE TECHNOLOGY OF LEARNING-INITIATIVES TO ENGAGE STUDENT LEARNING FROM A HYBRID ONLINE COURSE DESIGN

Digital learning in the United States requires access to the most sophisticated and innovative tools as stipulated by the National Education Technology Plan (NETP) [1]. As technology evolves, solutions for educators to manage instructional content rely on effective course management skills. "When carefully designed and thoughtfully applied, technology can accelerate, amplify, and expand the impact of effective teaching practices [1]." Student learning relies on effective user interface design accessible from Web browsers. Learning management systems are available to students and educators from a variety of vendors offering essential features: lesson modules, interactivity, videos of lectures in real time or time that is asynchronous, quizzes, feedback, attendance records, instructional resource files, PowerPoint presentations, links to upload assignments, and methods of grading. Schools-elementary, secondary, and postsecondary- must be equipped with well- trained support personnel and facilities to strengthen the accessibility and delivery of instruction. Having powerful servers, adequate broadband, and other computer components in place to manage courses with increased efficiency is an essential requirement for success [1]. School computer facilities with well trained staff available to support learners and educators reduces the gap of the digital divide in the United States. The purpose of this presentation is to demonstrate the use of AsULearn, a learning management system for online instructional delivery. ASULearn when combined with face-to-face instruction, offers educators an option for hybrid instruction-extending access to instructional content. Instructional technology specialists at universities throughout the United States customize course content for a Web browser using learning management systems available commercially such as Blackboard, Canvas, or Top Hat or as an open source system, such as the Moodie architecture. As stated at Moodle's Website, "Moodie is a learning platform designed to provide educators, administrators and learners with a single robust, secure and integrated system to create personalised learning environments [2]."