Lesson Learned

Throughout this course, we have been exposed to many multimedia tools and applications. We have learn to communicate through skype, create and apply the use of wikispaces, develop a multimedia presentation, and write blogs. Many of these new technologies were unfamiliar to me prior to this course. I now feel like I can do so much more and share it with my colleagues and students. My eyes have been opened to ideas I never new existed, from iPod use in an educational setting to synchronous communication.  Now that the knowledge is there, I can only move forward to increase knowledge of others and take my student beyond the traditional educational setting and into the 21st century. The future is upon us with what we only could have imagined a few years ago. We can now provide our students with open access to so much via the Internet. We can also expose them to what only privileged students knew with tools like streaming video and laptops. Students are now using different tools to learn what use to take much more time to access. The possibility of learning in our pajamas is now. No more dragging to classes with lectures in large halls with 100+ peers all about to fall off their chairs. Instead we can learn at our own pace and be a part of an online learning environment with peers across the continent and even the world. How cool is that!

-Jolandra

Simulation and Games

It is interesting how far technology has come. We can now use these life-like simulations to gain experience in school, careers, and even driving. There are so many excellent sites out there for these educational purposes. We can gain so much from exposing children to experiences they may not get in the real world. There are even simulations of brain surgeries and social work to help train people in their careers. Like in a blog posted about simulation games in education, a blogger posted information about a simulation about social work. Take a look at http://blog.core-ed.net/derek/2007/03/simulation_games_for_the_class.html. He noted, “These simulations are engaging in different ways. They’re especially useful for developing critical thinking, and exploring ideas and concepts at a deeper level than a superficial read of a magazine or text book article – especially when engaged in as a part of a classroom group activity. Like all good simulations – they’re intended to teach not through the imparting of lots of information, but through the understandings developed through the process of participation, problem solving and decision making” (Wenmoth, 2007). This is just one example of all the excellent simulation available for educational purposes.

-Jolandra

Learning Objects & Educational Repositories

Who knows what the future will hold. If in ten year, educational repositories, learning objective, and LMS/LCMS technologies are readily available, education will change for the better. Educators will have access to teach their students from different perspectives. With open access to all educators, there will be so much potential to expand what is currently only exposure. There will be the opportunity to instantly share ideas and communicate with parents and students instantly. Having equal and free access will increase cross-curricular teaching and development of expanded curricula. Students could download homework or find resources that are not available at the school level. Hopefully the increase of equal and free access to educational materials will not make non-educators feel teachers are not longer needed. Although the technology will expand out possibilities, that human contact is a resource no technology could ever replace!

LMS and LCMS: What do they mean?

LMS and LCMS are very important to some institutions. Whether it is an educational facility or a business, once a LMS is in place it practically helps the institution to exist.  This week I found an educator who realized how important his Moodle was to his everyday schedule. He reflected on what happened when the Moodle was down. Here is a link to the entire blog post: http://dstfccc.wordpress.com/2009/03/19/the-day-moodle-died/

I never realized how important such a system could be to a learning environment. But after reading the blog, I began to compare it to people’s dependency of their cell phone. It is like their whole world revolves around the cell phone. The same was with this educator’s use of the Moodle. He could not function or teach his course properly. His interaction with the students was almost nothing. He had a hard time even creating an alternate lesson for that day. He even reflected that the use of the Moodle was so important, his colleague refused a new job because the company did not have a Moodle. These tools are now the “in” thing that is very necessary for an efficient method of management. Will this lend itself to a new existence? Will we change our entire thinking? It amazes me how these tools that rely so heavily on the technology and whether the server works that day, is slowly becoming the end all to be all for course management. What will we think of next?

-Jolandra

Wireless Technologies

In today’s society, wireless technology is becoming the norm. We are starting to see the use of wireless networks from computers and laptops to printers. This new phenomenon has also impacted the educational realm. On college campuses large and small, wireless technology exist in one form or another. This week, I responded to a blog about the wireless technology on a small college in my home town of Charlotte. Please click on the link below to read more.

http://campustechnology.com/articles/2008/11/small-college-makes-big-leap-in-wireless.aspx

I believe wireless technology on college campuses is become a requirement. Having the access points is essential for the students to get the Internet anywhere on campus. It also helps with keeping them linked to the technology resources they need to be successful in school and prepare them for the future. The author stated, “Wireless, Bowman concluded, has simply become ‘less of a convenience and more of a necessity…. When you visit a college now, any parent wants to know if the college has wireless. It’s not an option, it’s a necessity’ ” (Briggs, 2008).

Reference:

Briggs, L. (2008). Small college makes big leap in wireless. Campus Technology. Retrieved April 24, 2009, from http://campustechnology.com/Articles/2008/11/Small-College-Makes-Big-Leap-in-Wireless.aspx?Page=1

Synchronous Learning Environments

Is this type of environment conducive to on-line learning? Check out the blog from the link below. This educator provides experiences from synchronous learning that provided students with various forms of instruction.

http://clc.yale.edu/2009/02/24/virtual-classrooms-synchronous-learning/

My personal feeling is this provides students with the benefits they are missing from face-to-face instruction. I see the possibilities of instant feedback and necessary explanation of a particular lesson. I sometimes feel I miss something and need help. In a previous course, the professor offered designated time for students to interact with him to help explain difficult information from the on-line course. This environment was very helpful because the explanations helped me and my peers complete assignments without the frustration of trying to figure it out on our on. In addition, this type of forum provides real time instruction. On the contrary, given the students who have selected on-line courses do it for time convenience. When using the synchronous methods of instruction, students have to be available at a designated time. This can be a weakness of this type of learning environment. How can instructors ensure learners are present and interactively involved. However in the blog above, the writer did mention using methods that did not include video to put participants at ease. The use of a combination of messages and voice gave participants the choice without the intimidation factor. Another weakness mentioned in the blog included the need to make sure all technology features are working correctly. The forum would strongly depend on the function of technology. Although I am for the synchronous learning environment, I believe combining it with an asynchronous learning environment would mane a better course.

-Jolandra

New Technologies

There are many new technologies that impact our educational system in today’s society, from podcasting to teaching and learning through instructional television. Students have many opportunities to learn in different ways. Many of the new technologies are allowing students to learn at a distance. The use of iPods are becoming more popular for students to review lessons and lectures while commuting or going about their daily business. While others are learning online at their own pace.  How does this affect our future and the traditional face-to-face courses? Will they become obsolete? This is a question that both intrigues and concerns me. Ngu (2002) defined online learning as,

Learners who follow online instruction are expected to engage in a self-paced learning strategy (Fischer & Scharff, 1998); and in addition, they are expected to engage in a variety of online communications such as asynchronous (or synchronous) interaction with other learners and instructor, virtual field trips, email, and voice communication through internet audio streaming (Wang, Hinn, & Arvan, 2001; Kumari, 2001; Carr-Chellman and Duchastel, 2000; Fischer & Scharff, 1998). The nature of collaborative learning within the online course design normally encourages group participation to generate online group project or ideas to solve an issue. (paragraph 3)

Ngu described face to face instruction as,

In contrast, face-to-face instruction requires academic staff to give lectures and have students attend face-to-face tutorial. This face-to-face instruction requires lecturers to engage in interpersonal contact, social contact, and non-verbal communication with students. It is possible that direct contact with the instructor in traditional face-to-face settings may still contain some stigma that prevents students from communicating freely with their instructor. (paragraph 3)

Although both methods are engaging, which is most preferable and benefits the students the most? According to Lester and King (2009), “Course format appeared to have no impact on perceived knowledge gained. The averages were virtually identical for both online and face-to-face students” (p. 15). Students perceptions changed but the end results were the same. Does this mean we can do away with face-to-face instruction without any discord? In my opinion, both methods are beneficial and should be continued. Students should have a choice in their preferred learning environment. Some prefer interacting with people face-to-face. Whereas, others may want the convenience of working at their own pace on their own time with an online learning environment. The use of new technologies can have a great impact on technology. But which method of instruction should  be up to the students. (I am referring to those who select their own educational path, post secondary of course!)

References:

Lester, P., & King, C. (2009). Analog vs. digital instruction and learning:
teaching within first and second life environments. Journal of Computer-Mediated Communication, 14(2). Retrieved April 10, 2009, from http://commfaculty.fullerton.edu/lester/writings/face_sl_study.pdf

Ngu, B. (2002, November). Online instruction versus face-to-face instruction at UNIMAS. International Journal of Educational Technology, 3(1). Retreived April 10, 2009, from http://www.ed.uiuc.edu/IJET/v3n1/ngu/index.html

Open and Online Learning Environment

There are so many options out there for open and online environments. One blogger posted “The Internet is a virtual classroom. You can read about any topic you desire. You can take online tests and quizzes to track your progress. You can access free worksheets and lesson plans” (Robbins, 2009). As discussed in EDUC 8823 course study notes (“Open and Online Learning Environments”, 2009), “Open and online learning environments . . . cover a wide variety of technologies and strategies for learning. The ideal open learning environment is a truly constructivist environment in which the learners interact with the tools to research, learn, solve problems and create new knowledge.” The blog reflect how the Internet can serve as this learning environment. Learners can learn a vast amount of information. The blog provides examples of various virtual classroom resources that can be accessed with through the Internet. These sources include online reference resources, online activities, and online tutors. Robbins (2009) stated, “The Internet provides a virtual classroom that you can access from your own home, school, or library. The virtual classroom never sleeps, so you can find an answer to your question any time day or night. The Internet classroom is waiting. Are you ready to be its student?” (¶ 7). Check out this blog in its entirety at http://internetwebsitemarketing01.wordpress.com/

References:

Open and online learning environments. (2009). [Study Notes]. Retrieved March 30, 2009, from http://sylvan.live.ecollege.com/ec/crs/default.learn?CourseID=3350983&Survey=1&47=3792931&ClientNodeID=984645&coursenav=1&bhcp=1

Robbins, K. (2009). The internet provides a virtual classroom. Retrieved April 3, 2009, from http://internetwebsitemarketing01.wordpress.com/

Blogs and Wikis

Are blogs good technology tools that provide educational benefits? Wikipedia (2009) defined a blog as “a type of website, usually maintained by an individual with regular entries of commentary, description of events, or other material such as graphics or video” (paragraph 1). Although it allows individuals to express their ideas about various topics, it is also an avenue to discuss educational issues and concerns. Blogging can be used for different purposes, “to reach individual with critical information, to express opinions, to teach students writing skills, or simply as an outlet for personal frustration” (Catalano, 2005, paragraph 4). Many educators find blogging as an avenue for discussing innovative ideas and sharing with peers with the same concerns. Although I had not experienced blogging in the past, this experience alerts me that it is more than a gripe session of varying opinions.

Can wikis be useful tools in education? Arreguin 92004) stated, “wikis provide unique collaborative opportunities for education” (paragraph 1). In my experience with Walden, wikis have been an invaluable tool. Groups have been able to collaborate on assignments without being online at the same time. It is an interactive tool with the ability to post and edit together as if we were sitting together face-to-face. Wikis are more than just a tool to post information, they are “web based forums and discussion is that of multiple contributors” (paragraph 3). This forum is not only useful with higher education classes but can be integrated into k-12 courses as well. Students can increases their writing skills as well as practicing editing strategies. These forums allow technology to connect and promote collaboration among peers.

References:

Arrequin, C. (2004). Wikis. In B Hoffman (Ed.), Encyclopedia of Education Technology. Retrieved March 30, 2009, from http://coe.sdsu.edu/eet/articles/wikis/start.htm

Catalano, F. (2005, December 1). Why blog? THE Journal. Retrieved March 30, 2009, from http://www.thejournal.com/articles/17616.1

Wikipedia. (2009). Blog. Retrieved March 30, 2009, from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blog

New Technologies

Looking at the numerous blogs available, I stumbled upon a new innovative way to learn. Click on the following blog to explore “siftables” http://leekraus.blogspot.com/2009/02/new-learning-tool-siftables.html. In this blog, the siftables are presented and demonstrated. If we open our minds to new possibilities, this is just one of the results. These little tools can open limitless opportunities for students to learn from elementary to high school. It is an amazing tool!

-Jolandra