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Concept Map for Technology and Media for Distance Education

In teaching and developing online courses, there are many technologies that can be used to facilitate learning. Moller (2008) suggested that as an instructor or instructional designer makes decisions regarding the technology to use in order to support knowledge building and to achieve specific learning outcomes. For example, if an instructor selects a static technology, little is performed in assisting a learner to build on his/her knowledge. Instead, static technologies provide learners with the opportunity to capture information. Further, static technologies are popular because they copy the face-to-face classroom or teacher-led instruction. Based on these findings, I have concluded that I am in the middle of the continuum. Through the continuous use of wikis, blogs, discussion boards, chats, and other similar and new technological approaches at Walden University, I will be moving closer towards the dynamic end of the interactivity that includes: a) virtual simulations and gaming, b) multi-user environments, and c) mind tools. These technologies will assist me in developing a precise, clearer, and deeper cognitive level. Further, mind tools are computer applications that, when used by learners to represent what they know, which in turn engage them in critical thinking about the content they are studying (Jonassen, 1996). For instance, using databases to organize students’ understanding of content organization necessarily engages them in analytical reasoning, where creating an expert system rule base requires them to think about the causal relationships between ideas. Therefore, students cannot use mind tools as learning strategies without thinking deeply about what they are studying.

References

Jonassen, D.H., Carr, C., & Yueh, H. (1998). Computers as mindtools for engaging learners in critical thinking. TechTrends. 43(2), 24-32.

Moller, L. (2008). Static and dynamic technologies. Unpublished. Laureate Education, Inc. Retrieved from http://sylvan.ecollege.com/ec/courses/14936/CRS-WUEDUC8812-3730064/8842_MS_Paper.pdf.

Concept Map:Static Versus Dynamic Technologies

Reflection of Graphic Organizer

Reflection of Graphic Organizer Technological tools available today allow facilitators and learners to enhance the learning environment with differentiated instruction characterized by interactivity engagement. Widely adopted innovations such as email and instant messaging equip users with the ability to communicate and collaborate at real time speed. These adoptions are considered norms in any workplace setting and still are seen as relevant. Another innovation becoming more prominent in school environments are the use of podcasts and online video for classroom facilitation and professional development for instructors. These tools allow individuals to access information at their convenience. In addition, these tools equip users with the ability to pause and replay when clarification is needed. Also, user-generated tools such as blogs and wikis allow users to present information and perspectives in a manner that is individualized and useful. Bringing these tools into classrooms (online or traditional) will allow users to access a wealth of insight and knowledge on designated topics and aid in collaborative efforts facilitated by instructors. In addition, social networking innovations such as Skype allow users to chat, SMS, call, or video call peers or cohort members to network, discuss, and collaborate regarding project based learning assignments and discussions. This innovation is useful to classroom (online and traditional) because it allows users to participate in collaborative activities with global users.

Graphic Organizer

Assessing Collaborative Efforts

Assessing Collaborative Efforts

How should participation in a collaborative learning community be assessed? How do the varying levels of skill and knowledge students bring to a course affect the instructor’s “fair and equitable assessment” of learning?

                In most collaborative learning communities it’s imperative that the individuals know how they are being assessed. According to Dr. Siemens, “the assessment has to be changed in order for it to work”. He also states, “That there must be a way for individual to stand out” (Siemens, 2008). He states that “blogging can help contribute to the learning community” (Siemens, 2008). This is stated because it gives the individual a change to express their opinions and still participate with the community” (Siemens, 2008).  I totally agree with Dr. Siemens on all his opinions. There is a way for all individuals to stand out even though they are being graded with a group. Active and progressive learning will not occur if the student cannot function with the group.

If a student does not want to network or collaborate in a leaning community for an online course, what should the other member of the learning community do? What role should the instructor play? What impact would this have on his or her assessment plan?

               Some students don’t like to participate with group assignments. If a student does not want to participate with the group the educator should find way for that student to participate without making them feel uncomfortable. Feedback is always good for students to receive. The group members should also provide feedback to the instructor on how they feel about various issues. This change can sometimes assessment plans can give a level of comfort. Students who like working alone should receive the same equal treatment and assessment that their classmate receives.

Reference:

Siemens, G. (2008). Learning Communities. Laureate Education

Siemens, G. (2008). Assessment of Collaborative Learning, Laureate Education

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Elements of Distance Education Diffusion

George Siemens discussed the growing acceptance of distance education in today’s corporate and educational spheres, including three possible elements of distance education that are creating more effective learning experiences and giving distance education an identity of its own distinct from F2F courses: (a) global diversity, (b) communication, and (c) collaborative interaction.

Do you agree or disagree with his view?

I agree with Siemens, and I love the elements of collaboration interaction/communication.  I have witness that these two components that are compatible and willing to get a great deal out of distance learning today.

How has this element evolved?

            George Siemens stated, “we often recognize that notion of distance isn’t as significant factor as we might have thought it was five years ago” (Laureate, Inc., 2008). Distance education is growing rapidly. More people are starting to realize that there are many ways to communicate.  Siemens creation of the Triple Helix model helped to bridge the gap of comfort so that learners are comfortable they will quickly find distance learning collaboration best way to communicate. Siemens (2008) states, “technology is always growing in quality and the results will show an increase in distance collaboration”.

What online tools are available today to facilitate these interactions among learners?

There are many online tools that are available today that will facilitate these interaction among learners.  Some of the online tools are iPhones, iPod’s, cellular phones, wiki, twitter, Facebook, and you tube.  

Reference:

Laureate Education, Inc. (Producer). (2008). The future of distance education featuring Dr. Michael Simonson. United States: Walden University.

Distance Education

Distance education has provided diverse elements and dimensions. According to Dr. Simonson, there have been significant growths in distance education. Dr. Simonson also expresses that even with high growth rates he believes that distance education will not replace the traditional schools (Laureate, 2008).  I totally agree with this statement because distance learning is not for every learner. Some learner’s need more hands on and not visual accommodations.  Distance education will not be successful for students that need to interact with other students. 

Moller, Foshay, and Huett (2008) focus on training development, and higher education. Comparison to Simonson (2008) who defines distance education as the way education should accommodate in learning groups (teachers, students, and resources) are separated by geography and sometimes by time.  Simonson also discuss and believe in the Equivalency Theory. This theory states that distance education is not identical to face to face education; it is equivalent (Laureate, 2008). There can be some advantages to face-to-face education and distance education. These two objectives can be different ways of achieving the same learning outcome.  

Moller, Foshaym and Huett (2008) distance educational courses and the accreditation should be lead by an instructional design faculty. The faculty members should be someone interacting in the consultation and design of the course. The fear is “the train is leaving the station, but it’s not clear that instructional design, as a field, will be on board” (Moller, Foshay, & Huett, 2008). While Simonson (2000) denotes that the Equivalency Theory is the framework that distinguishes the difference between distance education and face-to-face traditional education. Simonson also states that the Equivalency Theory and face-to-face traditional education should have the same learning outcomes and provide equivalent learning experiences to meet those outcomes.

            After reading the articles and reviewing the webcast/video, I favor the Equivalency Theory. Although, all authors stated that distance education will become incorporated into most learning environments, Simonson’s theory appears to be the more compatible with the educational pedagogies. Thus, distance education and its dimensions will become essential to the 21^st century reform of K-12 education.

Reference

Moller, L., Forshay, W. R., & Huett, J. (2008). The Evolution of Distance Education: Implications for Instructional Design on the Potential of the Web. Techtrends: Linking Research & Practice To Improve Learning, 52(3), 70-75. doi:10.1007/s11528-008-0158-5

Moller, L., Foshay, W. R., & Huett, J. (2008). The Evolution of Distance Education: Implications for Instructional Design on the Potential of the Web. Techtrends: Linking Research & Practice To Improve Learning, 52(4), 66-70. doi:10.1007/s11528-008-0179-0

Huett, J., Moller, L., Foshay, W. R., & Coleman, C. (2008). The Evolution of Distance Education: Implications for Instructional Design on the Potential of the Web. Techtrends: Linking Research & Practice To Improve Learning, 52(5), 63-67. doi:10.1007/s11528-008-0199-9

Laureate Education, Inc. (2008). Distance Education: The Next Generation. Principles of Distance Education. Baltimore, MD: Author.

Laureate Education, Inc. (2008). Equivalency Theory. Principles of Distance Education. Baltimore, MD: Author.