cybertree

Hypothesis 1
Applying conversation style texts corresponds with more intense learning for beginners.
Hypothesis 2
Using selected still images rather than streaming video can increase learning if the auditory narration quality of the original video is maintained.
Hypothesis 3
Learning materials providing a mix of different media lead to improved learning results.
Hypothesis 4
A balance of skill and challenge managed by the system corresponds with increased learning.
Hypothesis 5
A clear set of learning goals outlined by the system corresponds to improved learning.
Hypothesis 6
Providing a choice between a linear course structure and an open learning environment improves learning results.
Hypothesis 7
Ongoing system feedback about progress corresponds with more intense learning.
Hypothesis 8
High levels of interactivity of a learning environment correspond with a focus of attention on the activities in the learning environment.
Hypothesis 9
Better ease of use of the learning environment corresponds with clearer focus of attention.
Hypothesis 10
A clear increase of the resolution of videos and images leads to increase of learning.
Hypothesis 11
The sequence of the multimedia mix (first text, then video versus first video, then text) affects learning.
Hypothesis 12
Ease of use of the learning environment enables interactivity with the system.
Hypothesis 13
Increased attractiveness of a learning environment enhances flow.
Hypothesis 14
A clear set of learning goals corresponds to improved flow.
Hypothesis 15
Improvement of QoS when delivering various multimedia types can improve the flow experience.
Hypothesis 16
A more intense flow experience corresponds with improved learning results.
Hypothesis 17
A balanced skill and challenge ratio by the user and domain model of the system enhances the flow experience.

This post has been sitting in my dashboard as a draft for a couple of weeks now. Won’t make a draft again - too dangerous to just forget posting it…

It has been a very interesting experience - as well as exhausting and at time frustrating. From what I have seen in the feedback forms so far, most of the participants seemed to have had a good experience. Some seem very keen to continue improving their academic writing skills.There are a lot of pointers in the links I posted during the last few weeks.

Some people were interested in books on the topic; here is a collection I know is available in the DCU library:

Lennart Bjoerk, Christine Raeisaenen (1996) Academic Writing - A University Writing Course

Rowena Murray (2007) Writing for Academic Journals

John M. Swales, Christine B. Feak (2009) Academic Writing for Graduate Students - Essential Tasks and Skills

Here is a book with the “principal requirements of plain English style” and it is available as a PDF online:

William Strunk, Jr.
The Elements of Style

For those who are interested in creating online courses yourself: there are loads of books around. The following are very hands on and I know they are definitely available in the DCU library:

Kathleen Iverson (2005) E-Learning Games - Interactive Learning Strategies for Digital Delivery

Gilly Salmon (2000) E-Moderating: the key to teaching and learning online

Gilly Salmon (2002) E-tivities: the key to active online learning

Gilly Salmon’s books are a bit, hm, matured; but they are still of good help to get started.

A lot of foods I used to eat I do not eat any longer and I’m feeling much better since then. Feeling much better is one thing, life being a lot more difficult another. Nevertheless, I tried a few “classics” in an updated version. Here are the recipes:

 Olive Bread

Ingredients:
250g Wholegrain Spelt Flour
1/2tsp Salt
1tsp Quick yeast
1tsp Honey
175ml Warm Water
3tbsp Olive Oil
75g Pitted olives

1. In a large bowl mix flour, salt, yeast and honey.
2. Add water to teh mixture.
3. While dough is still craggy add the oil and knead until it feels smooth.
4. Leave dough in bowl, covered with a cloth and let rest in a draught free place until double in size or at least notably bigger.
5. Turn dough on a floured surface, add the olives and knead for several minutes.
6.Put it into a 1lg bread tin or place it on an oiled baking sheet.
7. Leave to rise for 25 mins. (I usually just put it into the oven while it preheats)
8. Bake at 220C for 35-40 mins.

Apple Cinnamon Muffins

Ingredients:
300g (2 cups) spelt flour
1 tbs baking powder
2 tsp ground cinnamon
150g honey
2 medium cooking apples, cored, peeled, chopped
125g (3/4 cup) seedless raisins
125g sunflower
2 eggs, lightly whisked
185mls milk (I replaced that with almond milk)

1. Preheat oven to 180C.
2. In a bowl mix all dry ingredients.
3. In another bowl mix all wet ingredients.
4. Combine both mixtures and stir with a large spoon until just combined. It is important that the ingredients are only just combined. If the mixture is over-mixed, the cooked muffins will have a tough texture.
5.  Spoon mixture in muffin pan and bake for 20 mins.

Double the recipe to make between 24-36 muffins. This recipe is for 12, but that depends on how much dough you put in for each muffin.

Guten Appetit;)