Curriculum Development Project

Analysis: As schools were shut down during the Covid-19 pandemic, educators were forced to pivot to virtual learning with little to no time to plan or prepare. It was apparent that there would be a steep learning curve to become proficient with virtual learning tools such as Google Meet, Zoom, Microsoft Teams, etc. In addition, all curriculum needed to be accessible and shareable in a digital format with virtual instruction.

Design and Development: As a solution, an e-learning enrichment curriculum was designed and developed using Articulate Rise and Articulate Storyline 360. Two main curriculum resources were utilized as SME's: Primary Education Thinking Skills (PETS) for grades K-3, and Advanced Curriculum from the Center for Gifted Education at William & Mary for grades 4-8. The initial design of the e-learning curriculum was drafted using Google Slides as a storyboard and interactive prototype.

Implementation: Building nine separate e-learning enrichment curriculum projects while also delivering instruction at the same time was very challenging. All of this was accomplished in addition to my responsibilities as Academically Gifted Program Coordinator and Testing Coordinator for the entire K-8 charter school.

Evaluation: After one year of implementation there were some positive results and some areas for improvement within each curriculum. The students were engaged with the e-learning format and interacted well with the customized Storyline elements in a virtual learning environment. Some areas for improvement appeared as a few links to external resources to supplement the curriculum changed or were removed from YouTube and other internet sites. The pilot implementation revealed the need to update the curriculum on a yearly basis to check all external links and resources to ensure the availability of the content. In addition, in grades K-3 it was apparent that some of the structure of the lessons allowed students to move ahead and view solutions before developing the solutions on their own. Minor editing in the e-learning content will ensure the students engage with the activity before having access to the solutions.

Here are some examples of custom interactions from the K-3 curriculum created in Storyline for e-learning engagement. Experience the full e-learning enrichment curriculum below!!!