This abstract was submitted to the OpenEd conference:
http://openedconference.org/
August 12 – 14, 2009 – In Vancouver, BC
We will describe our experiences supporting self-regulated learning through newly developed outcomes-based open learning tools at the University of Michigan Medical School.

The University of Michigan is developing an outcomes-based approach to medical education, ranging from clinical experiences by first-year students to lifelong learning portfolios. The model is to create a fluid ecosystem of dynamic and innovative tools integrated into and coordinated by Sakai using IMS Learning Tools Interoperability. The underlying principle of the program is self-regulated, outcomes-based learning where students manage their own plan-learn-assess-adjust cycles with help and guidance from faculty mentors. The students are tracked against competencies and learning objectives throughout their education. We are developing new learning tools to support this educational model and approach. Instead of looking for a general one-size-fits-all solution, the team is taking a very agile approach to building tools that meet the needs of the faculty, students, and institution. The focus is on quickly creating useful and usable learning tools, getting the tools in the hands of the students, and obtaining feedback. Tools are conceived, designed, developed, deployed, and used in learning activities in a 10-15 week cycle of idea to production. Sakai is used to manage the course and launch these new tools using IMS Learning Tools Interoperability. Placing this effort further in the context of open education, the system allows users to view, comment, and interact with learning objects outside of traditional LMS constructs. This reinforces open education concepts as, instead of importing copies of learning objects into an LMS, we link to the shared, open learning object. We ran short tests within the Medical School curriculum this past academic year. Over the summer of 2009 we will support a pilot deployment and share the results through this presentation. Our future plans include adding these learning tools to our OER publishing platform at https://open.umich.edu to facilitate open learning communities beyond our enrolled students.
Speakers
Charles Severance, Clinical Assistant Professor, University of Michigan School of Information
Michael Bleed, Senior Applications Analyst, University of Michigan Dental School
Ted Hanss, Director, Enabling Technologies, University of Michigan Medical School