Online courses at West Liberty University utilize a number of different educational technology tools including:
Distance learning is facilitated through the use of SAKAI, a learning management system. Sakai works well with PCs, Macs, and machines using a Linux operating system. Sakai may be accessed on mobile devices, however, some mobile devices may not be entirely compatible (iPads cannot upload files, for example). A dependable internet connection and a browser such as Google Chrome, Firefox, or Safari is all that are required to get started. Some instructors of online courses may require proctored examinations or the use of specific software packages. These are course-specific and generally described in the syllabus. Please contact your instructor for specific information for your course.
TurnItIn is used to address the originality of students, check for plagiarism, and feedback to students. Submissions are checked against a standard repository of student work. Both students and faculty are able to view the resulting report. In Feedback Studio, drag-and-drop QuickMarks, text and voice comments, and automatic grammar checking provide personalized and actionable feedback to students .
LockDown Browser, a Respondus product, is a secure browser that does not allow learners to leave a test or quiz once started in Sakai. Students will complete a one-time download when they first attempt a test that requires it. More information on Respondus Lockdown Browser can be found here.
Hypothesis is an easy to use pedagogical tool that enables students and teachers to have conversations in the margins of digital texts. Using social annotation gives faculty new ways to foster student success by building community, critical thinking, and a deeper understanding of readings. Hypothesis makes reading active, visible, and social.