Evaluating Sources that Inform Resource Development
Reviewing Academic Literature and Research on Resource Development:
To create effective resources, it’s essential to stay informed about the latest research and literature on resource development. This can include articles from reputable journals, books, and reports from educational organizations. By reviewing these sources, you can gain insights into current trends, best practices, and evidence-based strategies in resource design.
Academic literature and research on resource development provide evidence-based insights into the design of effective teaching and learning resources. By reviewing these sources, you can better understand the principles that underpin successful resource design and apply them in your own practice. Here are some key topics and studies in resource development:
- Multimedia Learning Theory:
The Multimedia Learning Theory, proposed by Richard E. Mayer, explores how people learn from multimedia resources, such as text, images, audio, and video. Mayer’s research suggests that effective multimedia resources should follow several principles, such as the coherence principle (eliminating extraneous content) and the modality principle (using spoken words instead of written text when presenting visuals).
Source: Mayer, R. E. (2009). Multimedia learning (2nd ed.). Cambridge University Press.
- Universal Design for Learning (UDL):
UDL is a framework for designing educational resources and environments that cater to the diverse needs of learners. This approach emphasizes the importance of flexibility, adaptability, and accessibility in resource design to ensure that all learners can engage with the content effectively.
Source: CAST. (2018). Universal design for learning guidelines. http://udlguidelines.cast.org/
- Cognitive Load Theory:
Cognitive Load Theory, developed by John Sweller, is concerned with the amount of mental effort required to process information during learning. This theory suggests that effective resource design should minimize extraneous cognitive load (unnecessary mental effort) and optimize germane cognitive load (mental effort devoted to learning). By applying these principles, resources can better support learners in processing and retaining information.
Source: Sweller, J., van Merriënboer, J. J., & Paas, F. (1998). Cognitive architecture and instructional design. Educational Psychology Review, 10(3), 251-296.
- Technology-enhanced Learning (TEL):
TEL research focuses on the integration of technology in educational resource design to improve learning experiences and outcomes. This field of research encompasses various technologies, such as e-learning platforms, digital games, and virtual reality. By reviewing TEL research, you can gain insights into the effective use of technology in resource development.
Source: Kirkwood, A., & Price, L. (2014). Technology-enhanced learning and teaching in higher education: what is “enhanced,” and how do we know? A critical literature review. Learning, Media and Technology, 39(1), 6-36.
By reviewing academic literature and research on resource development, you can better understand the theoretical foundations of effective resource design. Applying these principles in your own specialist area will help you create resources that effectively support teaching and learning objectives.
You can explore more academic resources that may assist you below:
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Journal of Educational Technology and Society: A peer-reviewed journal that publishes articles on the use of technology in education, including the design of learning resources. https://www.j-ets.net/
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Educational Research Review: A journal that publishes reviews of educational research literature, including articles on resource development. https://www.journals.elsevier.com/educational-research-review
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International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE): A professional organization that provides resources, research, and standards for the use of technology in education. https://www.iste.org/
Analysing Case Studies of Successful Resource Design:
Case studies can provide valuable insights into the real-world application of resource design principles. By examining successful examples, you can learn from the experiences of others and identify strategies that may work well in your own specialist area. Here are a few specific examples of case studies that showcase successful resource design:
- The Flipped Classroom Model:
The Flipped Classroom is an instructional strategy that involves students watching video lectures at home and completing assignments, group activities, and discussions in the classroom. This approach requires the development of effective video resources that deliver content concisely and engagingly.
Case Study: Clintondale High School, Michigan, USA
Clintondale High School implemented the Flipped Classroom model, which led to a significant reduction in the failure rate and an increase in student engagement. The resources created for this model included video lectures, interactive quizzes, and supplemental materials that catered to diverse learning styles. This case study demonstrates the importance of designing resources that effectively convey content and engage learners.
Source: https://www.edutopia.org/blog/flipped-learning-toolkit-flipping-high-school-jon-bergmann
- Gamification in Education:
Gamification is the use of game elements, such as points, badges, and leaderboards, to engage students and motivate them to learn. This approach requires the design of resources that integrate these elements while still delivering educational content.
Case Study: Quest to Learn, New York City, USA
Quest to Learn is a public school that utilizes a game-based learning approach for teaching various subjects. The school’s curriculum is designed around a series of quests, with each quest consisting of various resources, such as simulations, interactive activities, and digital storytelling. This case study highlights the importance of designing resources that not only engage learners but also align with learning objectives and desired outcomes.
Source: https://www.edutopia.org/school/quest-learn
- Incorporating Virtual Reality (VR) in Education:
Virtual Reality (VR) can offer immersive learning experiences that can enhance student engagement and understanding of complex concepts. Designing resources for VR requires a combination of technical skills and an understanding of how to create effective learning experiences in a virtual environment.
Case Study: Foundry10, Seattle, USA
Foundry10, an educational research organization, conducted a study on the use of VR in high school classrooms. The study involved the development of VR resources that aimed to enhance students’ understanding of complex concepts, such as molecular structures in chemistry. The study found that students who participated in VR-based learning showed improved understanding and retention of the concepts. This case study emphasizes the importance of designing resources that leverage emerging technologies to enhance learning experiences.
These case studies demonstrate the value of analyzing successful resource design in various contexts. By learning from these examples, you can apply the principles and strategies used to create effective resources tailored to your own specialist area.
Exploring Sources of Inspiration and Best Practices in Your Specialist Area:
To create effective resources, it’s important to be aware of the best practices and trends in your specialist area. By exploring websites, blogs, and online forums, you can find inspiration and learn from the experiences of other professionals.
Some ways to find sources of inspiration:
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Professional Organizations: Join professional organizations in your specialist area, as they often provide resources, webinars, and conferences that showcase best practices and innovative resource design.
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Educational Blogs: Subscribe to blogs focused on your specialist area, as they often share tips, resources, and best practices for resource development.
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Online Communities: Participate in online forums, social media groups, and other communities related to your specialist area, where educators share ideas and resources for teaching and learning.
In conclusion, evaluating sources that inform resource development is crucial for creating effective learning materials. By staying informed about the latest research, analyzing successful case studies, and exploring sources of inspiration in your specialist area, you can develop resources that are engaging, relevant, and tailored to the needs of your learners.
Additional Resources:
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MERLOT: A curated collection of free and open online teaching, learning, and faculty development resources. https://www.merlot.org/
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Open Educational Resources (OER) Commons: A digital library of open educational resources that can be used as a source of inspiration for your own resource development. https://www.oercommons.org/
