Thursday, July 11, 2024
During InstructureCon 2024, I was able to attend a session titled “App Smash Bros: Merging Innovative Ed-Tech for a Virtual 360 Syllabus Quiz”. The session was presented by a dynamic team from Florida International University (FIU), that included Instructional Design Consultant Jeni Lopez, Instructional Design Associate Brian Chico, and Maikel Right, the Associate Director of Instructional Learning Technologies. Here’s a recap I made with the help of Co-Pilot for those who couldn’t make it.
Meet the Presenters
The session kicked off with a light-hearted introduction. The presenters, self-described as the “gremlins slash dragons” of the Learning Design Innovation Team, brought a refreshing mix of humor and expertise. Despite the absence of their colleague Aaron (who tore his Achilles in a basketball mishap), the team delivered a compelling presentation.
The Challenge: Engaging Students with the Syllabus
One of the key challenges addressed was the perennial issue of students not reading the syllabus. The team shared relatable anecdotes about the frustration of students missing crucial information and the subsequent barrage of questions. This set the stage for their innovative solution: a virtual 360 syllabus quiz.
The Solution: A Virtual 360 Syllabus Quiz
The team leveraged a combination of tools to create an engaging and interactive syllabus quiz. Here’s a breakdown of their approach:
- AvatarCam: This tool allowed the presenters to create real-time avatars and record messages for students, adding a personal touch to the virtual experience.
- H5P: Known for its versatility in content creation, H5P was used to develop interactive activities like flashcards and drag-and-drop exercises. These activities were linked to QR codes placed around the campus.
- PlayPosit: This tool enabled the integration of interactive videos and 360-degree content. Students navigated through a virtual campus, completing activities and learning about resources as they went.
The Execution: A Hybrid and Online Experience
In the hybrid course, students physically navigated the campus, scanning QR codes and completing activities. For the fully online version, the team recorded a 360-degree video tour of the campus. Students interacted with the video through PlayPosit, answering questions and receiving guidance from virtual avatars.
The Results: Increased Engagement and Zero Syllabus Questions
The results were impressive. The interactive syllabus quiz not only engaged students but also eliminated syllabus-related questions. Students reported feeling more prepared and confident about the course, and the feedback was overwhelmingly positive.
Lessons Learned and Future Improvements
The team candidly shared the challenges they faced, including technical limitations and the need for more time to refine the project. They also highlighted the importance of collaboration and the potential for further enhancements, such as faster video playback and improved audio integration.
Shared Resources
- Presentation Slides: https://view.genially.com/6660718bdfde0300144ebcdf
Final Thoughts
This session was a fantastic example of how innovative technology can transform the learning experience. The FIU team’s creativity and dedication to student engagement were truly inspiring. If you’re looking to revamp your syllabus and boost student interaction, I highly recommend exploring these tools and techniques.
If you were able to attend the session, or would just like to contribute to the conversation, feel free to share your thoughts or experiences with innovative student engagement activities in the comments below.
