Axio Learning Conference

Registration Open

Conference registration table opens; walk-ins welcome.

Pre-Conference: Video Workshop

This video workshop for beginners will cover the basics for creating video to be used in your classroom. Brent and Bryan will demonstrate the steps needed to make a quality video, for example, audio, lighting, and background. You will also learn about the different hardware, software and other tools needed to complete your project. All necessary equipment will be provided.

Conference Welcome

Conference welcome and the annual State of Axio given by Rob Caffey, Axio Director.

Investigating ways to assess AXIO Learning Management Systems as blended/accelerated courses at Colby Community College: Part Two - Feasibility

Through the development and progression of information technologies,
traditional education has moved increasingly into new realms of
pedagogical dispersion. At Colby Community College, the introduction
of AXIO Learning Management Systems, used as blended courses, allows
students to choose how, when, and where to learn. But, in spite of
the technologically focused advancements in learning, the process of
assessment and evaluation is still bound in tradition and is a topic
that does not generate consistent results or protocol. This is the
follow up study to last years investigation into ways to assess
blended/accelerated courses using the Axio LMS. In this
investigation, we consider the question, “ do we want to continue with
this method of pedagogical dispersion or not?” and more importantly
why or why not?

Improving Student Retention: The K-State Online Holmes Method

The K-State Online Holmes Method utilizes the university's online system (Axio Learning) to track and develop programming for multicultural students on academic warning. The new ground-breaking system has helped to successfully retain 93% of the College of Arts and Sciences multicultural students on academic warning. Some of the tools used are message board, Wimba classroom (for group meetings), online chat and tutorials, private and group memos, announcements, assignments and the module system. An innovative online Smart Study workshop was also developed and utilized through the system. The average semester grade point average for the 153 students on the Holmes Tracking system is 2.54 and above.

Open Forum

An open and moderated discussion among Axio community members. We'll candidly discuss the new Axio 5.0 version, possible new features, how to improve current features, and the future of Axio as you envision it. We are pleased to welcome back Dr. Jan Middendorf as the Open Forum moderator.

Metaphors and Methodology: Bringing students into pedagogy

This presentation combines known pedagogy with innovation from student input. Distance learning courses and survey data provide support for including students in the teaching/learning process. Metaphors are used as a learning device to explore various challenges and opportunities for advancing distance education.

• The peanut butter pitfall: Getting students engaged
• Elevator shafts and sticky floors: Turning loose of control
• Cookies in the classroom: Motivating student input
• The Rube Goldberg effect: Learning in motion

The Power of Less: Liberating the Prisoners of Time and Space Redux

Educations' labored notion that longer classes and extended academic years equal more learning imprisons faculty and students by the boundaries of clocks, calendars and classrooms. For many, the measurement of student and instructor performance continues in terms of time and space instead of the competencies that promote and enhance student learning. Continuing this time and space debate deflects from the real issue of instructional quality.

Two years ago, Colby College adopted the idea that the answer was not more class time, but less. We posited that an environment where more engagement and learning occurs would liberate faculty and students from those constraints of time and space. Last year we presented the early findings of our specially trained College faculty who had altered the pace and character of instruction by blending the technology of the Learning management platform for more efficient use of time to promote effective learning while shortening the class calendar by 70% - or simply reducing traditional face-to-face seat time by 30%. In today's economic climate these findings become even more relevant as Universities and Colleges consider reducing time toward degree completion, with ideas such as a three-year bachelor degree.

Embracing learning technology and better management of time in the classroom was only the beginning. To create these new frontier-learning environments, we collaborated with professionals in the performing, literary and digital arts to develop our skills. Another year has passed and our continued success and advancement leads us to conclude that Blended Learning is key to the 21st century classroom. When done well, it can improve student engagement, learning and success. Designing, structuring, and implementing a blended course, isn't simply a matter of moving written material onto the class website. The media-enhanced instruction must be carefully choreographed and engaging. It must reflect the instructor's personality and the best of their delivery style regardless of the delivery platform. Blending emerging technology with the creative arts help our faculty create a rich learning environment that combines the strongest features of traditional and online teaching. Once technology is seen as a normal part of the learning process, ed-tech buzzwords lose relevance, our students are simply learning. In this session we will show the pedagogical benefits and practical advantages of Blended learning with the creative and digital arts.

iStep is our revolutionary pedagogy that blends the performing, literary and digital arts with classroom instruction and technology. iStep stands for instructing Students with technology for educational progress. The S is capitalized to emphasize our focus on students and their needs. iStep is not simply moving the Internet to the classroom, it's moving the classroom to the Internet. iStep pedagogy has multiple components beyond the course structure and delivery platform. Its focus is on instructional quality supported by 21st century tools. The impact on student achievement has been dramatic and consistent across disciplines, our students are simply learning.

The cornerstone of iStep is our iProfessor training. Our iProfessors are proficient in the use instructional technology, coupled with knowledge of 21st century instructional design and delivery. Enhanced by comprehensive, innovative and interactive teaching methods, that apply dynamic principles of the performing, literary and digital arts to the mediated classroom, our iProfessors communicate in the language and dynamic style of our 21st century students. Each of these creative approaches has similarities, but is inspiring with its differences as we learn new ways to approach our craft.

IT Help Desk Open

Representatives from the IT Help Desk will be available for walk-up support.

Service Learning and Student Centered Learning

A variety of strategies and pedagogical projects Dr. Lin uses in college classrooms give special attention to student learning activities that involve the student in everyday, community relevant projects and activities. The primary responsibility for applying knowledge and skills gained through class learning activities rests with each student. Class is not in a box anymore; it is out of the ordinary, an extraordinary adventure in life and learning. View student projects of Dr. Lin and other Colby Community College faculty teaching with accelerated learning at iStep (CCC's Axio Learning instance) and WikiDot. Discuss and explore in the Axio session with Dr. Lin strategies of involving students in service learning activities using the online learning platforms Axio Learning and WikiDot.