PDD 2019 Developing an in-house self directed CV support e-learning resource within canvas - Andy Howard
1. Andy Howard, Joint Acting Head, Careers and Employability Centre
Developing an in-house Self Directed CV
support E-learning resource within
CANVAS.
14:55 - 15:40
Room EW1.01
Workshop 4.1
2. Does your institution have self directed e-learning resources?
If so for what areas of work?
Before we start
3. • High and rising demand for CV review
• Pressure on existing provision – especially face to face, and e-
guidance
• Variable attendance at workshops
• Not yet embedded into curriculum on all courses
• Possible template for further e-learning resources
• Possible resource to embed into curriculum or stand free
• Professional development opportunity for the team involved
For us our business case
4. • Which technology to use?
• Necessary time and knowledge resources
• Availability of expertise within the University
• Manageability of deployment
• Uptake and acceptance by students – impact
Known Unknowns
5. Canvas – advantages
• New Sussex LMS from 2018-19
• Easy integration into existing courses
• Straightforward invitation to students (and staff)
• Some students able to access via Canvas app
• Development in-house, no extra licences or
external developers needed
Choice of technology
6. Canvas – challenges
• Not intended as an e-learning technology
• Limited design options
• Less interactivity possible than initial aims
• Little existing in-house expertise
• Bespoke HTML needed
• Imperfect integration between desktop and
app versions
Choice of technology
7. • Interactive – different from website,
paper resources, etc.
• Show don’t tell
• Structured and progressive learning
resource:
• Clear learning outcomes
• Same format for each page
• Testing at end of course
• Confidence quiz at beginning
and end
Key design principles
8. • Appoint team and editor
• Scope the project – few examples
in Canvas
• Choose format and technologies
(esp. Powtoon)
• Develop full working version
• Collect staff and student feedback
• Roll out to students, academics,
etc.
Project process
9. • Project managers Careers Consultants
• Content writers Careers Consultants
• Technical developers Careers Consultants plus Information manager
• Pedagogical adviser Academic Skills Consultant
• Content and presentation advisers Information Team
• Project managers combined all three initial roles – could be separated
Project team
10. • Process detailed above has been followed
through to full working version
• Gained feedback from staff and (some)
students
• Used SurveyMonkey
• Very positive overall
• Students liked use of different media
• Detailed feedback from colleagues
• V 1.1 currently in development
Progress to date
11. • Development time exceeded initial projections
• High quality and limited resources = longer time to complete
• Steep learning curve in Canvas, Powtoon (and some HTML)
Recommendations
• Have a well-defined project team and a named project manager/editor
• Keep a clear structure, with short sections and repetition of key points
• Start with learning outcomes
• Use a range of different media to enhance learning and reduce dominance of text
• Consider appropriateness, simplicity of development, functionality and support when
choosing software
Learning points