Interactive Module

Reflection:

This interactive module will appear within Module 1 of the minicourse, specifically in part 1 of the module where addition and subtraction of fractions using pattern blocks is addressed. This module is more focused on the teaching and less on expanding educator's math content knowledge which means it directly aligns to CLOs 3 and 4:

• Educators will demonstrate how different models can support their conceptual understanding and articulate how those models can support student understanding during classroom instruction.

• Educators will articulate why it is important to spend instructional time helping students understand the underlying mathematics of fraction operations and the use of properties.

The learner is provided with several different interactions to build their understanding and confidence with teaching fraction addition to students. The learner is reminded of the values of the pattern blocks with a quick flash cards activity to support their memory and reduce their cognitive load as they analyze thought cards, explore what different levels of student understanding may look like, and think through student statements and scenarios. Finally, learners are directed to record their thinking in their participant handout as a means of reflection and to keep as an artifact of their learning. Note that in one of the card sliders I opted to put in both the audio track and the text. I did this as a possible way to provide accessibility for that section. In another section, I opted to provided the audio narration only. I have not yet figured out how to provide a transcript in Articulate360 but I do have the script saved in a Word doc for future use. While it's not considered best practices to have the audio and the text, I personally prefer it so I have the option to either read or listen. To leave direct feedback at a particular touch point, you may also review this interactive module. 

I initially started out trying to use Adobe Captivate to create this module. I have used the classic version on numerous occasions and thought it would be relatively easy to learn the newest version. Unfortunately, I struggled for several days with this software before realizing it is most likely not installed correctly on my computer. Because I have to go through my company's tech department for reinstallation, I decided to instead try a free trial of Articulate360 and publish it on Rise360. This was actually a productive alternative as I am currently investigating other course authoring software tools to replace Adobe Captivate Classic within our company. I found Articulate 360 to be easy and very intuitive to use. I opted to not engage in any sort of tutorial but rather just play around to see what I could find. I discovered a lot of tools and functionality that were all placed at very logical touch points. Each time I would think, "I wonder if I can do ____ . . . ?" I was able to easily find a option to answer that wondering. Adding alt text to images was also really easy. I really liked this SaaS and it's now at the top of my list of options to replace Adobe Captivate Classic. 

As a side note, one drawback to Articulate 360/Rise360 is that if their server is having trouble (as it was when I published recently), then the content is completely inaccessible. Publishing to S3 make this content more secure and accessible, I think. I would like to further investigate what other Articulate users have to say about this and whether their platform is usually very reliable or not.