Brief description of services

1. eLearning Services
eLearning Services was established in
1998 with 4 SPS, current team has
10 Supportive Professional
Staff.
The College of Education’s ETRA
department provides access to graduate
assistants highly skilled in educational
technology best practices.
Talented undergraduate students are
also hired from computer science and the
art department as needed. Learn more

2. Example: Audio Slideshows
Audio slideshows are the bulk of content presentation in most courses. For our
online courses we include branding, supporting images, video, audio,
transcriptions, printable PDF of the slides, and easy navigation of slides
View demo

3. Example: Simulations
Simulation-based learning has been a staple of military training, and
more recently for college students studying and training in specific
subjects including medicine.
View demo View demo
The above are examples of simulations developed by eLearning.

4. Example: Case Studies
Case studies are an excellent tool for introducing students to a topic or
working through process.
View demo View demo

5. Example: Games
“Game-based learning reflects a number of important skills higher
education institutions strive for their students to acquire: collaboration,
problem solving, communication, critical thinking, and digital literacy.”
View demo View demo
eLearning has been developing games to support online courses since 2003.
New Media Consortium (2012). Horizon Report: 2012 Higher Education Edition. Found online:
http://www.nmc.org/pdf/2012-horizon-report-HE.pdf

6. Lecture Capture
Two types of lecture capture:
1. Desktop recordings (with
Adobe Presenter)
2. Classroom live lecture recordings
(click on a demo to the right)
NIU Digital Convergence Lab and Media Services
This partnership came together to develop a classroom model for distance
learning and live classroom lecture capture using a scalable software solution.
This classroom includes a follow camera, ceiling mounted directional
microphones, speakers, and mixer. Any desktop conferencing and capture
software can be used in this classroom.

7. Synchronous Virtual Meetings
Adobe Connect – provides virtual meetings for BOTH Blackboard courses
AND business meetings, such as:
– Online course collaboration
– Department meetings
– Faculty meetings
– Grant collaboration
– Dissertation meetings
Additional capabilities:
– Recordable meetings and lectures
– Accessible from iPads and Android devices

8. Accessibility
Online courses developed at eLearning Services comply with the Illinois
Information Technology Accessibility Act (IITAA) to accommodate
students with disabilities.
Online courses developed by eLearning include:
– Transcriptions of all recorded audio
– Alternative text for graphics
– Text version of games and simulations
We also strive to meet multiple learning styles by providing interactive
learning and multimedia, not just text-based content.

9. Digital Convergence Lab
• Community Engagement - through workshops
and camps.
• Experiential Learning Teams – small
multidisciplinary team of NIU students work under
a faculty coach to design and develop a real
product.
• Research and Development – the DCL team
supports a faculty, staff, or NIU partner on
research and develop of a product usually
supported by a grant.

10. Examples
 Game-based learning
 Virtual worlds
 Mobile app development
 Kinect camera full body games
 Interactive windows