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.
Hi Val,
ReplyDeleteI really liked the look of your graphic organizer on Gliffy...very slick looking.
I was thinking about what you said about the tone of the instructor. I think that is so important. Without the face-to-face contact, there is so much lost in communication. I notice at work how some people can get so upset from the wording of one simple email that they often blow it out of proportion and come to the conclusion that someone is being rude, when really it was not intended that way. I have noticed a difference in the ways that some of the Walden instructors give feedback. One instructor in particular was not attentive in his feedback to students in the discussion board. Actually, I felt like he was actually a bit rude at times. He may not have meant to come across that way, but he certainly didn't make any efforts to make up for the lack of face-to-face contact.
Cathy
Greetings! I enjoyed reviewing your graphic organizer created for the purposes of this week's assignment. Prior to reading your post, I was not familiar with the Gliffy website. I like how you created a Venn diagram with the different colors to distinguish each of the components of the CCCs. You mention Walden University planning the incorporation of ebooks for Educational Technology students. Have you ever used an ebook for the purposes of class instruction. This past summer, I used my Kindle for class readings in a Writing Institute in which I participated. Although I liked the convenience of reading on the Kindle, it was difficult for me to accept the concept of taking notes and highlighting on the screen opposed to using a writing utensil. What are your opinions of using ebooks for younger students? Do you think their is potential for such innovations?
ReplyDelete~Laura
Kathy and Laura,
ReplyDeleteI have been trying to improve my presentation and juggling other tasks so it has taken me a while to respond to your blog comments.
First the importance of instructors tone became apparent to me when I took my first online class and also in another course that I am currenly taking. Several students were imtimated by a somewhat negative tone and I believe they may have dropped the course.
Secondly, Laura if you are comfortable with using Kindle or any type of eReader do so. At my last residency Dr. Sheppard stated all Tech. Ed. students will be using PC Tablets with our books electronically pre-loaded or uploaded. She was in the process of working on the details. I am certainly comfortable with this innovation.
Val