Interactive and Engaging Module Sites: The RASA Model

Abstract

E-learning has emerged as one of the fastest moving trends in today's education. In Taylor's University, Taylor's Integrated Moodle e-Learning System (TIMeS) is the learning management system (LMS) that instructor uses to deliver and manage learning course content. In this platform, an innovative model known as R.A.S.A model was introduced. The content in TIMeS is framed into four parts for easy navigation: R.A.S.A. (Resources, Activities, Supports, and Assessments). The resources part provides the students with multiple learning resources. These resources are visually engaging and contain high level of interactivity. This motivates the students and promotes learning. The e-Learning is designed in both facilitated and self-paced activities. This means that the students can learn it at anytime and anywhere. The simulation and scenario-based activities create a learning environment that ``simulates'' the real world. This engages the student's intellect and imagination, allowing them to learn by doing. The game-based activities create a fun and motivating experience and enable students to construct knowledge by playing. The e-Learning activities are supported by synchronous and asynchronous communication tools. Students can use discussion forum, online discussion board, and social apps such as Facebook to comment, reflect, socialize, and exchange ideas. This facilitates collaboration and knowledge-sharing among students. For assessment, a variety of student response systems (SRS) are used to provide real-time feedback. A student survey was conducted to investigate the effectiveness of this model. Results showed high level of student engagement and improvement in learning after implementation of R.A.S.A model in module site. The module site won the ``Oscars'' for TIMeS Awards in 2015 as the most active module site in Taylor's University. In summary, the design of RASA and the integration of technologies in this module site could serve as a target for future massive open online course (MOOC).