Module 4 Response

This week I had the opportunity to disucss the benefit of using Facebook in the learning process at http://incitefultechnology.blogspot.com/2010/10/tools-techniques-and-technology.html#comment-form

I had an opportunity to discuss the importance of a quick response from an instructor and/or when to use fellow students as primary points of contacts at http://aimee-educ7102.blogspot.com/2010/10/graphic-organizer.html#comment-form

Module 4

The graphic organizer below reflects how students can bring the technological tools used outside the classroom into the educational process

The advancements in technology is changing the dynamics of culture and education.  The tools that are used for pleasure can also be used in the classroom to advance and stimulate the learning process. 

Siemens (2008) discusses how content can be taught utilizing common tools such as course material, such as lectures, online articles and course related blogs.  Anderson (2008) discussed the importance of personalizing the course material to relate to a student’s individual experiences.  Anderson (2008) discusses the importance of establishing communication and Siemens (2008) focuses on the means of communicating once established.  Common tools that can facilitate and enhance communication in the classroom are Skype, Instant Messenger and chat rooms.  Darrington, Barryhill, and Swafford (2006) discuss the importance of establishing small groups to share information and solve issues.  Common tools that can support collaboration are blog sites and wikis.  

I agree with the authors that utilizing common tools in the classroom can enhance a students learning experience.  This method allows students to be comfort with the technology and focus on their learning process.  Student are also more inclined to take the opportunity to learn about the classroom content while further gaining experience with technologies they already enjoy. 

References

Anderson, T. (2008). Teaching in an online learning context. In T. Anderson (Ed.), The theory and practice of online learning (2nd ed., pp. 343–365). Edmonton, AB: Athabasca University Press.

Durrington, V. A., Berryhill, A., & Swafford, J. (2006). Strategies for enhancing student interactivity in an online environment. College Teaching, 54(1), 190−193.

Siemens, G. (2008, January). Learning and knowing in networks: Changing roles for educators and designers. ITForum.

Siemens, G. (2007, September 18). 10 minute lecture – George Siemens – Curatorial teaching [Online Web log post]. Retrieved from: http://learnonline.wordpress.com/2007/09/20/10-minute-lecture-george-siemens-curatorial-teaching/

Module 3 Blog Responses

I responded to two blogs this week, http://aimee-educ7102.blogspot.com/ blog I responded with techniques that lead to a positive collaborating experiences.  At http://dorsetts-tech.blogspot.com/,  I shared the importance of creativity in online learning assignments.

Module 3 Blog

How to assess collaborative learning communities..
As online learning programs continue to grow at rapid rates, it is important that much work be put into the assessment of these programs to ensure they remain well respected and sought after.  Siemens shares the issues that educators and learners experience in the assessment of collaborative learning after having been in an individual assessment model for such time.  There are various methods that educators can use to assess collaborative participation. I feel that the methods that will bring about the maximum contribution from students should be applied.  Swan (2004) discusses the importance of clearly stating the weight of online participation to ensure that students are participating. I think this method will also help with assessments, depending on the weight of participation and substance involved a grade scale can be used. 

Those students that are not eager to participate..
Students need to understand the importance of collaborating with one another to bring about social change. I think that once learning truly accepts that this is where we are in society they will be inclined to want to contribute with one another in a learning environment. Siemen's discussed the benefit of brining in industry experts to relate to students and give them practical advice that they can apply to their work and learning environment is helpful.  This is a great example of collaborating with one another to share and expand on knowledge bases.  IF a student is not participating their members should try to determine why and offer them support. I have experienced bright students first hand that are eager to participate but not familiar with what is required and the significance of their contribution. Once they understand this they tend to want to participate. 

Siemens, G.. (n.d) “Assessment of Collaborative Learning” Laureate Education, Inc. Retrieved October 11, 2010.

Siemens, G.. (n.d) “Learning Communities” Laureate Education, Inc. Retrieved October 11, 2010.

Swan, K. (2004). Relationships between interactions and learning in online environments. The Sloan Consortium.

Module 3 Storyboard

Introduce the Association for Educational Communications and Technology and welcome the audience.   Topic – Collaborative Online Learning for High School	Video of myself welcoming the audience and an applause graphics.
Open with the topic of the Importance of Multi-media technology in online learning.	Show facts on online learning and show images of the various types of multimedia media technology such as videos, Skype, ect.
Support information of multimedia technology	Picture of the founders of multimedia technology   Definition of multimedia technology The evolution of multimedia technology (history)
Overview of Distance Education	Description of distance education Show a screen shot of the online program portal and various uses of multimedia technology
Best Practices for using multimedia technology	Short 30 second videos from 2 students and 1 teacher describing how they have utilized multimedia technology to improve their learning experience.
Current status of multimedia technology	Study of New multimedia technology uses and the impact on students.  Give real live example Skype and YouTube has enhanced learning experience. Point out the impact of social network on the use of multimedia technology
Problems and solutions	Format, optimization (show pictures of various media trying to cross over a bogged down network.
How we can apply multimedia technology to distance learning	Power Point list Skype Video Stream of SME’s presenting course work to students over the Internet
Introduce the? Guest Speaker?	Show pictures of the speaker and list their credentials.

Module 3 Storyboard

Introduce the Association for Educational Communications and Technology and welcome the audience.   Topic – Collaborative Online Learning for High School	Video of myself welcoming the audience and an applause graphics.
Open with the topic of the Importance of Multi-media technology in online learning.	Show facts on online learning and show images of the various types of multimedia media technology such as videos, Skype, ect.
Support information of multimedia technology	Picture of the founders of multimedia technology   Definition of multimedia technology The evolution of multimedia technology (history)
Overview of Distance Education	Description of distance education Show a screen shot of the online program portal and various uses of multimedia technology
Best Practices for using multimedia technology	Short 30 second videos from 2 students and 1 teacher describing how they have utilized multimedia technology to improve their learning experience.
Current status of multimedia technology	Study of New multimedia technology uses and the impact on students.  Give real live example Skype and YouTube has enhanced learning experience. Point out the impact of social network on the use of multimedia technology
Problems and solutions	Format, optimization (show pictures of various media trying to cross over a bogged down network.
How we can apply multimedia technology to distance learning	Power Point list Skype Video Stream of SME’s presenting course work to students over the Internet
Introduce the? Guest Speaker?	Show pictures of the speaker and list their credentials.

Module 2 Responses

THis week I had an opportunity to respond to following blogs:

Collaboration in Distance Learning - Sharing is Caring

http://incitefultechnology.blogspot.com/

The Next Generation of Distance Education - Part 3

http://cybergogue.blogspot.com/2010/09/next-generation-of-distance-education_22.html