A growing number of textbooks are (optionally) packaged with web-based materials called Course packs or E-packs. Mostly, I am not impressed. However, like most temptations in the world of computer assisted instruction, there are some cool items. I suspect though that these cool items are not used much by students. It's awesome to have a sound assisted glossary (especially for medical terminology courses), but I wonder how often they are used.
Some E-pack notes.
1. Many publishers host some of the e-pack files on their own server. If you don't want that, you will need to talk with your textbook rep. Sometimes they will accommodate this request and give you all the files.
2. Many publishers use e-packs as a means to ensure students are buying new books. They will require students to purchase access codes to view the course materials. Ask your textbook rep. And test your course as a student!
3. You will need to spend time filtering and possibly reorganizing material. Testbanks will contain questions that are poorly worded, or cover materials you find less important. These questions were not necessarily created by teachers.
4. Giving students tons of prefabed materials can have a negative impact on motivation and interest in your course. Keep asking yourself how these materials are increasing interaction, and how they help prepare students for what they will eventually do with these skills and knowledge.
No comments:
Post a Comment