(550g) Optimizing National Dissemination and Use of Low-Cost Desktop Learning Modules

Low-Cost Desktop Learning Modules (LC-DLM), developed at Washington State University (WSU), are hands-on modules that are used in conjunction with traditional lectures, such that students can see for themselves the real-world effects of the concepts and theories that they are learning in class. Prior work at WSU has demonstrated that LC-DLMs are effective at increasing students’ understanding of the concepts. We have taken steps to spread the use of these LC-DLMs to other universities and have developed a combination of technological tools, as well as a national “hub and spoke” method in order to facilitate the use of these DLMs at other institutions. We have developed a comprehensive webpage that includes online video demonstrations, worksheets, assessments, and frequently asked questions to stimulate implementation of LC-DLMs and minimize potential barriers to adoption. Additionally, hub coordinators have attended the first dissemination workshop at WSU and will take the training and information they received to advance LC-DLM use at their home institutions. At least one workshop will be held each year at a different “hub” institution, where individuals from “spoke” institutions will learn how to use LC-DLMs effectively in their classroom from hub coordinators and representatives from WSU. Lessons learned from workshop coordinators and feedback from participants, such as the need for clear step-by-step instructions and different strategies for developing a control group, will be shared to assist others in developing parallel strategies for propagating the use of new instructional approaches.