Final Presentation on Diffusion of Video Games in Math...

The actual presentation is located at the following URL:
http://www.youtube.com/my_videos_edit?video_id=H-7em9gIgb4

If you need a login/password use:
login: vmstevens
password: jamine1950

I tried to cover the subject in as little time possible.
Val

Concept Map of Static and Dynamic Media and Technologies

Blog 5 – Concept Map Reflection

I approach this assignment as both a student and instructional distance learner course designer trying to provide a balance between content, communications and collaboration activities (Moller, 2008).  There is a need for student interactivity, instructor presence, selection of the appropriate media with the correct diffusion of the technology (Fahy, 2010).

I would use static content concerning wikispaces, course content and learning objects but dynamic blogs, twitters and discussion posts since they follow a text based model and the technology learning curve would be short.  The used of chat boards and cell phone short message service (SMS) otherwise known as texting I would reserve for small group communications on group projects (McGreal and Elliott, 2010).

The other static and dynamic media or technology would be used on a per course appropriate basis with pilot studies and course testing with a small group of students to determine the final selections.

References

Fahy, P. J. (2010). Characteristics of interactive online learning media.   In Anderson, T. (2010). The theory and practice of online learning (2^nd ed.), (pp.143-166).  Edmonton, AB: Athabasca University Press.

McGreal, R & Elliott, M. (2010) Technologies of online learning (e-learning).  In Anderson, T. (2010). The theory and practice of online learning (2^nd ed.), (pp. 167-200).  Edmonton, AB: Athabasca University Press.

Moller, L. (2008).  Static and dynamic technological tools.  [unpublished paper].

Distance Learning Graphics Organizer

Hi,
I created the distance learning graphics organizer and provided the link below.  I am working on getting the approval of comments eliminated so that all comments can be published immediately.  The text descriptions for this organizer will be posted before the due date.  The graphic organizer link and references are posted here only.  This post is a draft.  More references may appear.
Now the link below works use the
 username: vmstevens@ieee.org
 password: jamine1950.
Val

http://www.gliffy.com/gliffy/#d=3007929=Distance-Learning

Engaging Learners with New Strategies and Tools

There three areas that support an online learning environment they are content, communications and collaborations (CCC).  The graphic organizer posted above highlights strategies and tools that could be used to enhance the online learning experiences.

Durrington et al., (2006) strategies for qualitative online learning experiences.  These strategies include providing detailed syllabus, class roadmap, define class expectations, provide a frequently asked question portal area and respond or answer questions quickly.  The authors state the learning environment should include the tone and communication strategy of the instructor since this will influence the learning environment.  The instructor can use asynchronous discussion questions based on a previous student comment to stir the interests of other students in that class.  There must be a defined rubric or guideline to keep the discussions within expectation.

The class content should include daily course readings, video clips of lectures, and ebooks for the class text instead of   paper books.  The concept of   ebooks for Educational Technology students at Walden University is being planned.   Little et al., (2005) provided other strategies and tools in providing online international classes.  They suggested to keep both the students and faculty motivated using web-based content that is interesting.  Little et al., (p. 358) also suggest to keep the content simple by providing chunks or modules of  learning segments.

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

Little, C. B., Titarenkom L. & Bergelson, M. (2005). Creating a successful international distance learning classroom. Teaching Sociology, 33, 355-370.

Next Generation Distance Learning: Storyboard Math Video Game to Enhance Learning

Next Generation Distance Learning: Storyboard Math Video Game to Enhance Learning

The Link to Google Reader:

http://docs.google.com/?tab=yo&author=0&pli=1#home

Storyboard Math Video Game to Enhance Learning

The Power Point slides are located at:
http://min.us/mIJ4Qbkhu

Feel free to provide your comments.

Global Diversity

How has this element evolved? What online tools are available today for global learners? I agree with Dr. Siemens (2008) that distance learning enables me to communicate with people around the world thus encouraging my own knowledge globalization. The nature of distance learning took hold and grew with Internet access. The difference in time zones is not as noticeable when I am completing assignments and discussion deadlines. The available technology concerning applications has grown over the years. Just as we are blogging other applications include WordPress, Wikispaces, Linkedin, Ning and TypePad just to name a few. Skype™ can also be used for promoting face-to-face communications since it is using the Internet infrastructure for streaming video feeds. All of these technological advances has impacted how and what is learned. Now I just received an email from Skype stating a new feature has been added. The new Skype feature is called GroupMe which enables a group of people to chat using their cell phone and the service is free. This feature could be used in group learning communities in realtime discussions or group collaborations. I received Siemens (2011) eLearning Resources and News blog summary email weekly. The September 1, 2011 issue identified how massive open online courses are becoming popular. He cites Stanford University open online course on Artificial Intelligence as an example of the next stage in education. The course begins with a video consisting of several instructors who say they want to teach the world. Siemens also stated that the next level for education is ripe for global connectedness. Laureate Education, Inc. (2008). The Future of Distance Education. Baltimore, Author.

Evolution of Distance Education

Is there a need to evolve distance education to the next generation? Simonson (2000) suggests equivalency theory as the component for evolving to the next generation of distance learning. One of the important factors is the technology variable paired with the variable of teaching style or pedagogy. The technology and pedagogy will evolve which will force the next generation of distance learning to evolve. The important factor is how and what technology is diffused in online curriculum designed so as to enhance the learning experience and provide equivalence. In contrast to Simonson, Huett et al., (2008) stated that distance learning has to evolve in order to serve the needs of the students which will also evolve. The needs of one generation of students may not be the same as the next generation of students. The authors feel that instructional designers need to partner with instructors to create dynamic and engaging distance learning environments. This is a major factor for the next generation of students. In my analysis of the variables all the authors are correct in that distance learning evolution will be done based on new technology that is appropriate for diffusion into online lesson plans, the culture of the student in adapting to online learning skills and emerging pedagogy styles used by instructors. Huett et al. (2007) agree that the next generation is dependent on features and design of the online course. Simonson (2000) point out how technology paired with instructional style impacts the quality of online learning. Do I agree with their positions? Collectively I agree with all of the authors positions in a comprehensive theoretical way. The next generation distance learning environment requires: 1. Appropriate pairing of technology with pedagogy. 2. Specific definition of measurable learning outcomes. 3. Course features for achieving learning outcomes. 4. The amount of time students engage in online course activities. All of these variables are required for successful online learning so collectively I am in agreement with all of the authors positions. Currently students use blogging, twitter, linkedIn, Skype, email, Google doc/reader, Ning and Wikispaces to communicate, collaborate and share information. Future technology will provide other applications that allow students to communicate, collaborate and share information which will have impact on the next generation of distance learning. References Huett, J., Moller, L., Foshay, W. & Coleman, C. (2008, September/October). The evolution of distance education: Implications for instructional design on the potential of the Web (Part 3: K12). TechTrends, 52(5), 63–67. Simonson, M. (2000). Making decisions: The use of electronic technology in online classes. New Directions for Teaching and Learning, 84, 29–34.