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.
Hi Tracy,
ReplyDeleteYour concept map is very self explanatory. You did a great job of explaining how each component is relative. It is important for on line instructors to keep abreast of emerging technologies in order to incorporate as much as possible into eLearning.
Tracy,
ReplyDeleteYou put Discussion as a static technological collaboration tool but replaced it with other technologies in the dynamic technologies part. Don't you think that Discussion is at the dynamic technologies end of the static-dynamic continuum?
Mustafa
What is something static that you still utilize in your daily life? Now, what would you do to change it given unlimited resources?
ReplyDeleteHi Tracy,
ReplyDeleteTo be honest, I am surprised we still use textbooks in our PhD classes. I have taken undergraduate classes where we did not use textbooks, but we used digital resources.
I like the visual. It is easy to read. I notice that you used Edmodo as an example, too!
Yeah, I love new technologies!
ReplyDeleteTracy
ReplyDeleteI like the way you layout your Static/Dynamic concept map, and it seems no matter how you organize these tools, they fall into multiply categories. As these tools are trying to be all things to everyone, what works for communications will also works for collaborative uses. For content generating any mobile device and their assortment of applications, the endless online libraries, and increase use of simulation completes your list of a great dynamic package for online learning experience. The increase in online communication, experiences with the ever-evolving new tools, growing comfort with online discourse and the ability to communicate with diverse and global groups makes your concept map a practical reality.
Great concept map, the graphics are well done. I do disagree with you about textbooks and ebooks becoming obsolete. There are still practical uses for books. It is a great way to learn new knowledge and reading is an enjoyable activity for many people. If there was no literature, what would people read? Great post!
ReplyDelete