SELF INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS (SIM)

by:

Assoc Prof. Dr Azidah Abu Ziden

WORKSHOP'S OBJECTIVES

At the end of the workshop...

Participants will be able to identify the structure of their SIM
Participants will be able to develop their SIM for their ODL course
Participants will produce at least ONE full developed SIM and present

SYNOPSIS

Open Distance Learning (ODL) has recently become the choice of many Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in Malaysia. The HEIs are embarking on ODL for their programs to open- up to more flexible teaching, learning and delivery of the programs. The online workshop will focus on key issues in the design of self-instructional materials (SIM), including an awareness of the distinctive features of SIM, characteristics of the target audience, and coming to grips with the resources and constraints within which one must work. SIM is one of the important components of ODL, whereby it offers self-directed learning to students with minimal support from the instructors. Guidelines for the development of SIM will be presented that may be used as an individual guide for educators in developing their SIMs. The workshop will first cover the theoretical parts of designing and developing SIM. Then the practical parts (hands-on) will be covered. At the end of the two days workshop, it is expected that each of the participants will produce SIM for at least one topic of their courses.

ABOUT OPEN DISTANCE LEARNING

ODL 12 MARCH 2023.pptx

TABLE 4

Training Table4.pptx

WHAT IS SELF INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS (SIM)

PREPARING ODL STUDENTS FOR SELF-DIRECTED LEARNING

CHARACTERISTICS OF SIM

Self-Explanatory
Self-Contained
Self-Directed
Self-Motivating
Self-Evaluating
Self-Learning

ESSENTIAL PARTS OF SIM

The essential part of SIM are:

Structure/outline of the SIM
Course Description and Objectives
Selection of content
1. Creating Content/Interactive content
2. Creating interactive activities
Assessments
Alignment with Learning Outcomes - Throughout all the above excercise

Self-directed learning preparation for students

Step 1: Assess readiness to learn

Students need various skills and attitudes towards learning for successful independent study such as:

Students life skills, study skills, independent, planning skills, problem solving skills, technical skills, etc.

Step 2: Set learning goals

Goals for the unit of study
Structure and sequence of activities
Timeline for completion of activities
Details about resource materials for each goal
Details about grading procedures
Feedback and evaluation as each goal is completed
Meeting plan with the advising instructor
Agreement of unit policies, such as a policy on late assignments

Step 3: Engage in the learning process [without you be with them]

Students should also consider answering the following questions:

What are my needs re: instructional methods?
Who was my favourite instructor? Why?
What did they do differently from other teachers? Students should reflect on these questions throughout their program and substitute “teacher” with “advising instructor”

Step 4: Evaluate learning

Students also need to understand their approach to studying:

A deep approach to studying involves transformation and is ideal for self-directed learning. This approach is about understanding ideas for yourself, applying knowledge to new situations and using novel examples to explain a concept, and learning more than is required for unit completion.
A surface approach involves reproduction: coping with unit requirements, learning only what is required to complete a unit in good standing, and tending to regurgitate examples and explanations used in readings.
A strategic approach involves organization: achieving the highest possible grades, learning what is required to pass exams, memorizing facts, and spending time practicing from past exams.

HOW WOULD YOU DESIGN YOUR SIM?

To create a great learning experience for your students, you’ll want each course to accomplish one learning outcome. Break your modules into digestible short sections that include:

Introduction: Start your course with a warm welcome message that sets your expectations for your students.
Chapters/Sections: Chapters are sections of the course that contain one sub-learning outcome each. The number of chapters will depend on the course and desired outcomes for students.
Lessons: Lessons are parts of a chapter and help your students achieve a sub-outcome of the chapter. You can have as many lessons as needed to achieve the outcome you are wanting your students to achieve. Include both lessons that teach the why and how of your topic and learning supports such as downloads, quizzes, surveys, and assignments.
Conclusion: This should come after the last learning objective is reached by your students and provides them with the next steps.

YOUR INSTRUCTOR

Associate Professor Dr Azidah Abu Ziden is a Senior Lecturer in School of Educational Studies, Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM). She is currently the Director for the Academic Excellence Divison, Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Higher Education Malaysia. Her research interests are in the area of Instructional Design (E-learning & M-learning), Educational Technology, ICT & Multimedia and 21st Century Learning. Dr Azidah has received various award including University of Canterbury Research Award (2004-2006), Most Innovative Content Award, USM (2012) and the Teaching and Supervising Award, USM (2016). She has also received various awards in teaching and learning competition nationally. As a National E-learning Master Trainer, she conducts trainings to lecturers/educators in the area of instructional design, e-learning approaches and tools, as well as new approaches of teaching and learning nationally and internationally. Dr Azidah was the recipient for the prestigious Anugerah Akademik Negara, 2017 (Teaching Award). She has also been awarded Anugerah Ketokohan USM (2017). Her was also the recipient of a Gold Award for Best Learning Model (Blended) in Learnx Impact Award 2018 in Melbourne Convention Center, Australia.

Email: azidah@usm.my/ azidah@mohe.gov.my

Assoc. Prof Dr Azidah Abu Ziden

ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE DIVISION, DEPARTMENT OF HIGHER EDUCAATION,

MINISTRY OF HIGHER EDUCATION, MALAYSIA

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