Mash-ups: More on MyOpenMath

MyOpenMath has great potential for use in developmental math classes, and it is an OER (Open Educational Resource) to boot! Learn how Julie Pfaff has used it in her ABSE classes by reading her blog post. It is possible to create courses on MyOpenMath and export them as Common Cartridge files, which can be imported to Moodle using LTI (learning tools interoperability). This allows an instructor to combine MyOpenMath content and exercises with their own instructional resources and activities in the Moodle platform. In addition, MyOpenMath exercises that are integrated into Moodle via LTI feed directly into the Moodle gradebook for seamless integration of MyOpenMath content within a Moodle shell.

David Lippman, creator of MyOpenMath, explains the process of how to export a MyOpenMath course as a common cartridge file and import it into Moodle, activating exercises with LTI in his video.  Below you will find an image of MyOpenMath exercises integrated in a Math 10 course; the puzzle piece icon in Moodle designates "external tools," and in this case, the exercises are fully integrated into Moodle.

Robust applications such as MyOpenMath were once only available from textbook publishing companies; now, such resources are not only free online but also provide instructors with the possibility to create their own "mash-up" of OERs and instructor-developed resources within a single platform. Opportunities abound.

Screenshot of MyOpenMath homework activities in Moodle

Upcoming SoftChalk Trainings

There will be several SoftChalk webinars in the month of February, and these training opportunities or "short courses" last just one hour and are conducted online, so instructors can easily participate from virtually anywhere.

SoftChalk provides faculty with an opportunity to create interactive practices and lessons, which can be used in online, hybrid, or traditional face-to-face courses. SoftChalk can be a great tool to add to your repertoire as it is relatively easy to use. Check out the Math Placement Preparation site and Academic Learning Skills' grammar modules to see examples of interactive SoftChalk lessons.

Learn more about the upcoming webinars.

"What types of content will you use?"
Image by Giulia Forsythe

Math for everyone!

Faculty members at Lane have developed a variety of resources for students to use to help prepare to take the math placement test. These are available for everyone, and they include a Moodle shell with practice problems for each section of the placement exam, an online interactive practice site accessible by students and community members alike, and a review focused on Math 10 replete with videos and exercises.

Edzell Arts Arithmetic

State of Oregon Dev Ed Redesign

Check out what is going on at the state level -- the Department of Community Colleges and Workforce Development has convened a task force to analyze best practices in developmental education redesign and make recommendations for their implementation. View the website to find out more. 

Thanks to Susan Reddoor of Academic Learning Skills and Ben Hill of Mathematics for representing Lane in this important endeavor!

Image by Felix Burton

Grammar for everyone!

Lane's Academic Learning Skills Department now provides free, interactive grammar modules online. These are available to everyone! Students may wish to use the modules before taking a placement test or while taking more advanced writing courses to brush up on their skills. Come share in the fun! After all who doesn't need a little grammar review once in a while?

photo by Katie Krueger

Snowbound finals! Going online with exams...

After 2.5 snow days and many final exams delayed, instructors may wish to consider making exams available to students online. Here is a very brief video outlining the basic steps for adding a quiz or exam on Moodle, and the video may also be viewed on YouTube

Moving Forward with Innovation in Dev Ed at Lane!

Lane's Academic Learning Skills Department (ALS) has achieved some noteworthy success with students. For instance, of students in Lane's Achieving the Dream cohort who placed 1-3 levels below program level writing, 43% completed their program level writing whereas only 33% of students who placed directly into program level did indeed complete that program level writing within three years. Furthermore, 48% of students who placed 1-2 levels below completed program level writing -- 15% more than those who placed directly at program level. Students who placed into developmental writing were more likely to achieve success in program level writing, particularly if they needed only one or two dev writing classes!

Building on this current success with students, the department has developed a plan to redesign the developmental writing sequence, reducing coursework to a maximum of two quarters. On December 4, 2013, LCC's Curriculum Committee approved ALS' two new courses: WR087 and WR097 for this initiative. While Lane currently has a three term, 13-credit developmental writing sequence, the new sequence will allow students to accelerate through preparatory writing in two terms or less with 9 developmental writing credits and a co-requisite course providing 3 college transfer level credits. The new courses will integrate grammar, critical reading, writing, and basic information literacy skills to help prepare students for WR115 and beyond.

Faculty are moving forward with this exciting new project! Curriculum development is already underway with no less than sixteen faculty members collaboratively developing sample units and modules for the new courses. Undoubtedly, resources shared through the DIG Co-Lab faculty fellowship will prove invaluable to this innovation as well.

"Change,"  image by Wiertz Sebastién