Plug and Play Technologies for Course Enhancement

What are we talking about?

Low threshold

"A Low Threshold Application (LTA) is a teaching/learning application of information technology  that is reliable, accessible, easy to learn, non-intimidating and (incrementally) inexpensive. Each LTA has observable positive consequences, and contributes to important long term changes in teaching and/or learning.  "... the potential user (teacher or learner) perceives an LTA as NOT challenging, not intimidating, not requiring a lot of additional work or new thinking. LTAs… are also 'low-threshold' in the sense of having low INCREMENTAL costs for purchase, training, support, and maintenance."

Steve Gilbert, President, TLT Group

Content independent - YOU provide the content

Interactive - Students have something they can DO*

* not all LTA's meet this criterion

Internet available - Just link to the page to provide students with access

How do they work?

Behind the scenes, these applications rely on a variety of programming tools, such as javascript, xml, or server-side CGI scripting. Fortunately, the code that makes the interactivity "go" is mostly hidden from game creators. The one exception is xml driven utilities that lack a wizard-like xml editor. These must be hand edited, and are therefore not for the faint of heart.

Type I: Server controlled

Instructor creates content (usually after registering). The creation process generally includes filling out a form and/or uploading support files, such as graphics, audio, video or Flash.

Students are provided a link to the tool's site. This type provides the least control to the instructor, who must trust to the engine site to maintain their content and allow students to access it.

Pre-requisites:

  • access to appropriate media files or information

example: UBC Timeline , sPresent, Epsilen

Type II: Server-side creation tool, local access.

Instructor creates content using an online tool, but then downloads the resulting files. The files can then be deployed in any way (online, projected from instructors computer, on CD, over a network...).

Pre-requisites:

  • Web space for content - this could be a public_html file, departmental web folder, or WebCT course.
  • Ability to tranfer files to web space - WebDAV folder, SecureShell or other FTP

example:QuizMaster , FlashPower , Annotated Video

Type III: Local creation, local access.

Instructor downloads (and perhaps installs) the creation tool, and uses it locally to produce files, which he then deploys at will. Some type III tools are free, others are not.

Pre-requisites:

  • Computer to which creation tool may be downloaded- often Windows only
  • Web space for content - this could be a public_html file, departmental web folder, or WebCT course.
  • Ability to tranfer files to web space - WebDAV folder, SecureShell or other FTP

example: UD tile sorter, Crossword Puzzle,

Resources

e-learning community list

UD List

Teaching, Learning and Technology Low Threshold Applications Archive

Wish List

Don't see what you want? The PRESENT is looking for the next killer Plug-and-Play toy in this category. If you think you have a great idea, send email to Becky Kinney.