In the ever-evolving landscape of education, the use of technology to enhance student learning has become increasingly important. Western University (WesternU) is at the forefront of this trend, offering a variety of innovative tools that can be used to support and enrich the learning experience. This article will explore some of these tools and discuss how they can be used to enhance student learning.

Learning Management Systems

Learning Management Systems (LMS) such as Elentra, Canvas, LearnDash/TalentLMS, and RealizeIt are excellent examples of tools that can be used to enhance student learning. These platforms provide a centralized online classroom environment where content can be shared, and discussions can take place. At WesternU, Elentra is used by the College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific (COMP), College of Pharmacy (COP), College of Health Sciences (CHS), and College of Podiatric Medicine (CPM), while Canvas is used by the College of Graduate Nursing (CGN) and College of Optometry (CO). RealizeIt is used by the College of Dental Medicine (CDM). For more information, visit the Learning Management Systems (LMS) page on the CETL website.

eLearning Authoring Tools

eLearning authoring tools like Articulate Storyline and Articulate Rise can be used to create interactive and visually engaging learning materials. These tools can help make abstract ideas more visual and understandable, providing a more immersive learning experience for students. WesternU has used these tools to create various eLearning modules, including the Acute Liver Failure and Chronic Liver Failure Virtual Scenario, Canvas Student Training Course, IPE 6000 Mystery Case eModule, and ED Pediatrics Case Study eModule. For more examples of eLearning projects at WesternU, visit the CETL Projects & Innovations page.

Video Conferencing Tools

Video conferencing tools like Microsoft Teams, Microsoft Stream, Zoom, Youtube, and Mediasite can be used to facilitate remote learning and collaboration. These tools allow for video conferencing, recording of meetings and videos, and sharing of content. At WesternU, Microsoft Teams, Microsoft Stream, Zoom, and Mediasite are widely used. For more information, visit the WesternU Tech Support page.

Polling Tools

Polling tools like Poll Everywhere, Poll on Zoom, and Kahoot can be used to enhance student engagement and understanding. These tools allow for real-time feedback and interaction, making learning more interactive and fun. At WesternU, Zoom and Top Hat are used for polling. For more information, visit the WesternU Tech Support page.

Mixed Realities

Mixed realities tools like Virtual Surgery Room, Hololens Dental Project, and Alexa can be used to provide practical application and direct visualization of complex concepts. These tools allow students to simulate patient encounters, and clinical scenarios, and visualize complex structures. At WesternU, the Eye Movement Simulator, Virtual Cranium App, and Vet-Med-Case are used. For more information, visit the CETL Projects & Innovations page.

3D Printing

3D printing can be used to create tangible models of complex structures, making abstract concepts more understandable. At WesternU, the Makerbot Replicator printer and Formlabs Form 2 printer are available for use. These tools can be used to print casts or models of organs, useful objects like masks and display stands, and even machine parts. This provides students with the opportunity to view objects in-person that otherwise would not be available, and even innovate new tools and techniques. For more information, visit the CETL Services page.

Mobile Apps

Mobile apps like Complete Anatomy can be used to enhance student learning by providing a sophisticated display of content that students can study virtually anywhere. WesternU has developed several mobile apps, including the Eye Movement Simulator, Virtual Cranium, and Eye Swipe. For more information, visit the WesternU App Hub.

Online Tools

Online tools like Citation Machine, Jamboard, Miro, Adobe Scan, Lucidchart, and Litchart can be used to support students in developing new skills, visualizing information, and collaborating in real-time. These tools can be used to practice citing, create flowcharts, scan documents into PDFs, and more. For more information, visit the CETL Resources page.

In conclusion, WesternU offers a wide range of innovative tools that can be used to enhance student learning. These tools provide a variety of ways to engage students, make complex concepts more understandable, and support the development of new skills. By leveraging these tools, educators can create a more immersive and enriching learning experience for their students.