INVITED SPEAKER

Open Content and Lean Teams: Rethinking Distance Course Design

Dr Paul McKimmy
University of Hawaii-Manoa, USA

Abstract

The design of distance courses, especially online courses, is practiced in a variety of approaches. Especially within higher education, instructors working alone or with largely unstructured resources are the norm for developing new courses. With the continuous growth of available open content and the growing movement toward open access scholarship, free and accessible digital content has ushered in new opportunities for course-development. Course design models are not limited to craft (isolated instructor-driven development) or systems (a specialized team) approaches. The lean team approach is viable, wherein one or more subject matter experts partner with a small team of technology and design specialists. Lean teams can leverage the inputs of their subject matter experts and the free and accessible digital content ushered in by recent surges in open content participation. The results can be effective in comprehensively addressing learning objectives, containing costs, maximizing flexibility and reuse of course materials, and improving the overall learning experience for students. Issues of intellectual property, copyrights, faculty compensation, and academic cultural expectations are tied to such changes in development practices. This presentation will consider these issues and reflect on the experiences of the Distance Course Design and Consulting team, a lean team tasked with course design at University of Hawai`i-Manoa since 2008. Re-usability, accessibility, and open resources have become central themes.

Biography of the Invited Speaker

Dr. Paul McKimmy is Director of Technology and Distance Programs at the University of Hawai`i-Manoa College of Education. He is also a tenured Full Specialist in Educational Technology. Dr. McKimmy teaches graduate and undergraduate courses, works with faculty to develop online and hybrid programs and is responsible for the implementation of instructional technology within the College. He is a Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer, Apple Certified Technical Coordinator, and Certified Distance Education Professional.