Using Lynda.com at CSU

Lauren Kalash

Rosa Martey

Candace Ryder

Pete Seel

Don Zimmerman

Professional Development Institute, January 5, 2011

Colorado State University

Purpose of today’s sessionWelcome to all – a very diverse audienceHave faculty discuss their use of

Lynda.com modules in CSU coursesGoal 1 – encourage faculty use of Lynda

modules in labs (and to keep up)Goal 2 – have students use Lynda modules in

course labs and at homeGoal 3 – encourage life-long learning by

students, staff & facultyRecent usage stats are here

Top 12Lynda Modules

Title Views

Access 2010 Essential Training 2702

Photoshop CS5 Essential Training 2157

Photoshop CS5 for Photographers 1716

Dreamweaver CS5 Essential Training

1621

XHTML and HTML Essential Training

1293

Final Cut Pro 7 Essential Training 832

Illustrator CS5 One-on-One: Fundamentals

768

Creating a First Web Site with Dreamweaver CS5

656

Python 3.0 Essential training 514

ASP.NET Essential Training 496Web Site Strategy and Planning 449

Project 2010 Essential Training 488

At CSU - as of November 30, 2010…

We need to expand staff, faculty, and student usage beyond these programs

Background:

Lynda Weinman is co-founder and publisher of a series of Hands-On Training software books

Started producing videos to support the textsToday – 57,000 video tutorials at Lynda.comIndividual subscriptions are $25/month or $250/yearCSU is paying $35,000 for a university-wide site

license from July 1, 2010 to June 30, 2011Need to encourage use to justify renewal of the

license for 2011-2012 -- and beyond

Disparity in Entry-level Skills:Common problem in teaching digital skills is that

some students are already experts in software use -- and some are just beginners

Much depends on experience with computer technology and software in their high school

Key point use of Lynda.com for lab instruction is that advanced students aren’t bored and beginners are not hopelessly lost in learning software skills

Speakers will talk about this issue today…

Speakers (in order):Lauren Kalash on using Lynda.com modules

in her Agri 320 courseRosa Martey on using the modules in JTC

211 Computer-Mediated Visual Communication

Candace Ryder on using the modules in her BUS 150 course (enrollment = 300+)

Using modules in JTC 335 Digital Photography for remediation -- Pete

Don Zimmerman on promoting faculty and student use at CSU

Lauren Kalash College of Agricultural Sciences Lynda.com modules used in Agri 320 courseSaves students moneyOffers unlimited and searchable accessConvenienceCustomizationEmpowers students and faculty for lifelong learning 

Rosa MarteyDepartment of Journalism and Technical Communication

Lynda.com modules used in JTC 211 Computer-Mediated Visual Communication course

Part of major re-design of the course for fall 2010

Lynda for CMC LearningJTC 211: Computer-Mediated Visual

Communication Photoshop Dreamweaver HTML Premier

Lynda videos as core student learning tool GTA support, guided exercises, reviews

Dramatically increase student control and tailored learning

Emphasize using tools to learn Rather than “spoon-feeding” information

Lynda for Self-Directed Learning

Students select videos on specific skillsCertain topics required

Earn points for completing exercises125 points required in module

Beginner lessons qualify you for

intermediate, then advanced, etc.

Flexibility encourages self-challenge

Measure output Short essays, quizzes, etc.

Questions progressively harder

Lynda Use OutcomesFlexibility in learning styles

Visual, aural, text (transcripts) Able to move among learning approaches on

their own

Flexibility in learning content, pacing Selection of levels Focus on most helpful topics

Decreased pressure on GTA preparation Reference points Self-training

Higher self-efficacy Average 25% increase among passing students

on computer learning self-efficacy measures

Candace RyderCollege of Business

Uses Lynda.com in BUS 150 course

Use in JTC 335 Digital Photography

The course does NOT have a prerequisite, but all JTC majors have learned Photoshop basics in Rosa’s JTC 211 Visual Communication course

Learning gap in Photoshop? Why would they forget?Student required to review the related Lynda moduleA common problem with any photo – Shadows in a

photo are too dark and the highlights are too brightTool in PS Elements 9: Shadow/Highlights AdjustmentModule in Correcting Photos (80 min.) is brief: 2:42Assessment – show me in lab that they understand

how to use the proper tool effectivelyMay actually create a Photoshop Rx form…

One final key point:

To access the modules make sure you enter through the CSU portal to Lynda.com using your eID and password at

http://lynda.colostate.edu/A live link is here

Don Zimmerman Department of Journalism and Technical Communication

Was key faculty person involved in seeking University Technology Fee funds for the Lynda.com license

Comments and Questions…?