Joshua
Davenport
Orin
Carpenter
Friday, August 14, 2015
Friday, August 7, 2015
Wednesday, August 5, 2015
Monday, July 27, 2015
Module 5 Moving Towards Dynamic Technologies
When moving towards dynamic technologies, it is
important to remember that static technologies can be used alongside using
dynamic technology. For instance, emails are still being used to correspond
with instructors and students, but Skype and blogs are also being used to
communicate. Dynamic technologies do offer new ways of producing content by
using the internet and other such devices as iPads and apps to be included in
the way students learn. Handheld devices are given way to how students learn in
the lower and upper level elementary. I have worked and volunteered in many
elementary schools and iPads were used in every classroom. The apps that are
available for students to use is huge and gives the teacher a choice and
variety that can cater his or her students’ needs.
Collaboration in the online learning environment
becomes or has become a big deal. It used to be that you had to set up a time
and meet your group members at the library or a coffee shop and hope they
showed up. Now, collaboration can be done from the comforts of home. Google
Docs, Skype, and an application like Edmodo can be all be used at the same
time. It gives the student more access to his or her group members and gives
the students more of choice of how to communicate.
I do want to say that discussion boards,
textbooks, and podcast are still being used. It still is sometimes a
requirement for students to participate in discussion boards and buy textbooks.
I think these static technologies will still be around for a while, but with
ebooks and online libraries becoming more popular, it is only a matter of time
before these static technologies are obsolete.
In the end, it all depends on the instructor and
how he or she wants to design and implement their online classroom. I think it
is important to make sure that every student is given the resources to succeed
in academia. If this means that textbooks need to be around a little longer,
then it should be. I think a variety of static and dynamic technologies is
beneficial in the success of students, especially in a distance education.
Saturday, July 25, 2015
Wednesday, July 22, 2015
Module 4: Engaging Learners with New Strategies and Tools
When
creating strategies and tools for online learners, it begins with creating a
learning environment that is open, supportive, and respectful (Durrington,
Berryhill, & Swafford, 2006). The online learning environment needs
to promote a trust between instructor and classmates. The online learner needs
to feel wanted and does not want to be ridiculed because of thoughts and ideas
that the learning might divulge. One of the ways an instructor can promote
students to want to engage in online learning, is to have a syllabus that
clearly defines expectations, guidelines, and learning objectives (Durrington
et al., 2006).
Assignments
and discussion form need to be facilitated by the instructor by promoting
students to answer questions that pertain to the topics in course and help with
leading in to a meaningful conversation between students. Students should
provide meaningful responses in order for other students to post questions and
add more insight into the topic.
Students
should be given opportunities to work together in an online environment
(Durrington et al., 2006). Their responsibility is work together, participate,
and provide their thoughts and ideas to the group projects. Clear expectations
of what is required for group interaction should also be presented in the
syllabus.
Students
should be able to use the internet to further their research when it comes to
assignments, discussion post, and other elements of the course. Also, an online
learning environment should give students new networks to access information,
experts, and make global connections. (Siemens, 2008).
References:
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.
Sunday, July 12, 2015
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