Tool URL: http://www.uvu.edu/otl/docs/flex_studio_brochure.pdf
Institution URL: http://www.uvu.edu
The FlexStudio Brochure can be downloaded and used as a tool for designing a workshop series for your faculty.
SETTING:
NA
Appropriate for two-year: Institutions
Two-Year Institution Size:
Appropriate for four-year: Institutions
Four-Year Institution Size:
This tool provides a solution for institutions who need to increase the number of high-quality online and blended courses offered.
GOALS / EXPECTATIONS:
To implement an efficient process for the rapid development of high-quality online and blended courses and programs.
To empower faculty to become educational designers for all modes of delivery.
To provide faculty with recognition for their work in redesigning courses for online or blended delivery.
To offer a research-informed methodology that can be used as a common approach to course design and redesign.
FlexStudio is a research-informed workshop approach to course design and redesign. The FlexStudio methodology was informed by the Carpe Diem model of course design that is currently in use throughout the UK and in parts of Australia. It draws on best practices related to Backwards Design, Communities of Inquiry, Social Learning Theory, Designing for Student Success, and Students as Partners. After implementing FlexStudio, UVU experienced a 244% increase in online course design projects in just 6 months, i.e. from 27 projects to 93 projects. The workshop format provides a scalable way to support and empower many more faculty at once, while at the same time creating an interdisciplinary community of practice for faculty who are redesigning their courses.
MAJOR CHARACTERISTICS:- Research-informed course design methodology;
- Workshop approach for faculty from across the disciplines;
- Key strategy for efficient development processes, particularly in a high-growth situation;
- Provides evidence of curriculum enhancement activities for faculty;
- Provides important recognition for faculty (i.e. a Certificate);
- Downloadable brochure provides 1) background information and 2) process flowchart
- 'Contact the FlexStudio Team' provides link to team leaders who can advise others in your institution.
FEATURES:
- Number of faculty supported in the course design and redesign process
- Number of courses designed or redesigned each year
- Number of faculty who complete the series and receive a certificate
PERFORMANCE MEASURES:
NA
ACHIEVED OUTCOMES:
Within 6 months, UVU experienced an increase of 244% more course design projects, since the implementation of this tool.
IMPACTS:
More flexible learning options for students
Feedback from participants and iterative improvements are required.
RESOURCES AND COSTS NEEDED:
Instructional Design Team
Physical Space
Learning Resources (available from the 'Contact the Team' link and the website)
COSTS
Instructional designers (how this tool is an efficiency-gaining strategy)
Future plans include disseminating the model and associated resources as OER, so that more institutions can adopt or adapt the FlexStudio approach.
LINKS:
www.uvu.edu/otl/
Bethany Alden-Rivers
Assistant Vice President, Teaching and Learning
Utah Valley University
800 W. University Parkway
Library 5th Floor, LI 510
Orem, Utah 84058
Phone: 3855398128
bethany.alden-rivers@uvu.edu
SUBMITTED BY:
Bethany Alden-Rivers
Assistant Vice President, Teaching and Learning
Utah Valley University
800 W. University Parkway
Library 5th Floor, LI 510
Orem, Utah 84058
Phone: 3855398128
bethany.alden-rivers@uvu.edu