These slides introduce the history and progress made on the Online Learning Orientation Tool, a product intended to teach students the soft skills needed to be successful in an online learning environment. The purpose of this presentation is to share the current state of the project and elicit feedback from audience members for continuous improvement.

1. OLOTOnline Learning Orientation Tool
Rebecca Stimson, Senior Writer
Justin Bruno, Research Associate

2. History and Design of OLOT
• Designed over a decade ago
• Web-based
• Is Universal (not specific to
content provider or vendor)
• Helps students
– Understand what online learning
entails
– Obtain skills and knowledge key to
success

3. Modules of OLOT
• Knowing What to Expect
-Type of work, costs, requirements, etc.
• Technical Skills You’ll Need
-Browsers, file management, e-mail, etc.
• Learning Skills You’ll Need
-Learning styles, interest, motivation, study skills
• Managing the Day-to-Day
-Online course elements, etiquette, communications

4. http://media.mivu.org/OLOT/pdf/OLOT_Packet.pdf
Content At-a-Glance

5. Project Overview
• Updated content with revisions from current mentors
• Created new delivery tool
• Considered the Online Learner Readiness Rubric
that identifies students’ strengths and weaknesses
- Use of interactive assessment to direct students based on
need

6. Long-Term Goals
• Increase competency-based functionality and integration of
rubric and OLOT
• Create tutorials and strategy guides of most popular module
lessons
• Create a professional development module for mentors
• Develop tutorials on OLOT enhancements
• Explore adaptations for students with special needs and
other accessibility components

7. Current Effots
• Redesign landing page for public launch
• Devise badging system and completion
certificates
• Launch beta version with selected schools,
RITS groups, and ISTE collaborators
• Add narration and Camtasia elements
• Continue developing assets and capacity
• Gather pilot user feedback from mentors and
students

8. Phase 2
• Incorporate beta testers’ feedback
• Initiate public announcement of
enhancements
• Revisit and revise goals
• Develop training module for mentors and
facilitators
• Explore out-of-state use

9. OLOT Walkthrough
1. Go to:
http://media.mivu.org/olot/index.html
2. Click “Knowing What to Expect” from the
module list at the bottom of the page.
3. From the left-hand menu, click “Unit 1:
Online vs. Traditional”
4. Use the “Next” button at the bottom right
of the page to navigate.
5. Be prepared to share your feedback
after going through the unit.

10. Your Feedback, Please

11. Chance to Offer Feedback
If you have a specific skill or expertise and would
like to contribute to this project, please let us
know!
• Content additions
• Development of assets
• Design input
• Anything else?

12. Thank You!
Email: mvlri@mivu.org
Phone: 517.664.5474