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As a computing<\/a> professor with over 20 years of experience, I\u2019m always searching for ways to continuously engage and motivate my students in the ever-changing educational landscape. In recent years, I\u2019ve found that my students have a wide range of computer skill levels. I am continuously striving to ensure everyone has a positive experience. Incorporating SAM Paths<\/a> in my courses has allowed me to provide both a positive and personalized learning experience for each of my students.<\/p>\n SAM Path is an adaptive learning assignment that consists of sequential combinations of exams and trainings. The three possible combinations are as follows:<\/p>\n Each SAM Path is customizable. An instructor can select which tasks they would like to include. There are a variety of scheduling options that allow them to tailor the SAM Path to their specific needs. These include setting time limits, randomizing questions, modifying exam scenarios and allowing multiple attempts of an exam.<\/p>\n There is no right or wrong way to use a SAM Path. You can add SAM Paths to a traditional computing course at an interval that is appropriate for your course (weekly, by unit or by module). In a non-computing course, such as data analytics, you can implement SAM Paths that meet your needs. For example, create a SAM Path with Excel tasks that students will be required to use for a data analytics exercise.<\/p>\n I will take this time to share how I\u2019ve been using SAM Path. The sequential combination I prefer is Pre-Exam > Training > Post-Exam. The scheduling options I use are as follows:<\/p>\n Students in my courses appreciate the personalized nature of SAM Paths. It allows them to work through each SAM Path at their own pace and current computer application skill-level. If a student is well-versed in a particular Office<\/a> application, it allows them to complete the SAM Path quicker. It only requires them to complete training on tasks that they didn\u2019t know how to properly complete, since they already demonstrated their knowledge in the Pre-Exam.<\/p>\n The Pre-Exam also provides students with a benchmark to understand what their current skill-level is with a specific Office application. Many are surprised and humbled that they\u2019re not as well-versed in an application that they originally thought they were. This results in students becoming more engaged with the material.<\/p>\n Students also appreciate that they\u2019re provided with an opportunity to learn how to complete incorrect tasks without penalty. They\u2019re given a chance to demonstrate that they\u2019ve achieved that skill<\/a>. From an instructor perspective, I can also run a report on the Pre-Exam scores to gauge what the current skill-level of my class is, so that I can make appropriate adjustments to my lesson plan. If there was a certain task that students struggled with, I can ensure I reinforce that learning in my lesson.<\/p>\n I have used SAM Paths in my courses for several years. It\u2019s important to ensure students understand each component of the SAM path and the scheduling options that you\u2019ve selected. An effective way that I have done this is by adding the following components to my course:<\/p>\n SAM Paths have been a welcome assignment type in my educational toolkit which has resulted in motivating and engaging my students. If you are a new or experienced SAM user<\/a>, I would encourage you to consider adding SAM Paths to your courses. You won\u2019t be disappointed!<\/p>\n Written by Eva Turczyniak, Professor, Pilon School of Business at Sheridan College<\/em><\/p>\n \n <\/div>\nWhat is a SAM Path?<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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How to Use SAM Path<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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SAM Path benefits for students<\/strong><\/h2>\n
SAM Path best practices<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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Explore more SAM content<\/a> for your computing course<\/a> and check out our SAM Paths flyer<\/a> for additional information on this feature.<\/h2>\n