As we kick off the year 2022 and the Spring 2022 semester, we'd like to thank those of you who took our survey in the inaugural issue of The Special, the newsletter dedicated to special programs at UCF. Your input will help us shape the content and frequency of The Special. At this time, you can expect to find a new issue of The Special every other month.
Each issue of The Special will focus on current reminders about special programs, recent and upcoming updates to Webcourses@UCF, and best practices to improve your courses.
In this issue, we invite you to reflect upon your existing special programs courses and plan for new courses. Taking the time to assess your current courses for what works and what doesn't work is a great way to incorporate updates or improve your courses' effectiveness. It also encourages a targeted approach to any new courses you create.
Have a special programs request, update, or issue? Let us know!
The following recent Webcourses@UCF updates are a curated list that pertain to special programs courses at UCF.
Content Import Warning Message
When importing content into your special programs course, you'll notice a new message that appears on the page. This message warns you that importing the same course content twice will overwrite any existing content in the course.
The Notifications page in Webcourses@UCF now displays the date and time for daily and weekly notifications. These notification times are set by default.
On February 1, 2022, UCF IT will implement the "Auto Delete" setting on all UCF Zoom accounts to delete cloud recordings older than 12 months. Be sure to download any Zoom recordings you wish to keep. Contact Webcourses@UCF Support for any questions.
Evaluate Your Special Programs Course with the Kirkpatrick Model
Are you looking for a way to test your course's effectiveness? Maybe you're looking to create a new course but don't know where to start. Consider using a tool like the Kirkpatrick Model. The Kirkpatrick Model—also known as the Four Levels of Training Evaluation—is a four-step model designed to determine your course's effectiveness. An overview of the Kirkpatrick Model and some tips for applying this model to your own courses can be found below.
Level 1
Reaction
This level focuses on the learner's reaction to the course and its relevance.
To apply Level 1, create a survey in your course that asks for learner feedback. Ask specific questions to generate an emotional reaction (i.e., was the material engaging?).
Level 2
Learning
This level helps to assess the learner's degree of learning in the course.
To apply Level 2, make sure any assessments properly measure knowledge retention. Create a discussion to ask learners what content they found most useful in the course.
Level 3
Behavior
This level dives into the behavior of the learners after completing the course.
To apply Level 3, conduct a follow-up survey after the course to measure how well your learners remember the materials. If learners aren't remembering the material, why?
Level 4
Results
This level aims to measure the impact of your course based on outcomes.
To apply Level 4, review your course outcomes and check the grade book to measure learner success. Based on the results, how well is your course achieving those outcomes?
Let's be honest: applying all levels of the Kirkpatrick Model to your special programs course can be time-consuming, but the results can be worthwhile! Evaluating your course against this model can help guarantee your course is accomplishing course goals and promoting student success.
