Click on the picture to see larger view(Durrington, V., Berryhill, A., Swafford, J., 2006)
(McGreal, R., Elliot, M., 2008)
Engaging Learners Reflection
The graphic organizer published on this week’s blog classifies several strategies and corresponding technological tools according to content, communication, and collaboration tasks within the online environment. This reflection will justify use of these strategies and tools to engage learners and improve the online learning experience.
Content:
The most critical issue regarding content and online learning occurs between distributing learning resources and knowledge acquisition. According to Siemens (2007), the selected artifacts for an online course must be arranged and issued in such a way that learners explore information, reconstruct prior knowledge into new schemata, and engage in public discourse to achieve true wisdom. A number of technologies distribute information including CD-ROM, DVD, and acquired course management software. However, many technologies available free on the internet engage learners including podcast, vodcasts (YouTube), and online journals. Learning is commonly accessible anywhere, anytime with the latest technologies.
Communication:
Not only do students need sufficient learning resources, but they also require engaging dialogue with classmates through asynchronous or synchronous methods of communication. Audio chat technologies, email, and instant messaging provide the opportunity for online learners to provide feedback and challenge viewpoints (Durrington, V., Berryhill, A., & Swafford, J., 2006). Learning occurs when members of the community interact in meaningful conversation a (Moller, L., Harvey, D., Downs, M., & Godshalk, V., n.d.). The social networking sites and tools available on the web support communication in both synchronous and asynchronous contexts. Additionally, personal electronic exchanges facilitate interactive relationships to improve overall course satisfaction. The key to any successful online conversation is timeliness in response to participants (Durrington, V., et al., 2006).
Collaboration:
The final element of engaging learners in the online environment involves active participation in collaborative, problem-based activities. Group activities should include a small number of participants, solve relevant problems, encourage accountability, and facilitate discussion (Durrington, V., et al., 2006). The web offers several tools for collaboration including wikis, blog, and virtual worlds. Wikis enable users to review and edit text to create a collaborative product. Blogs do not allow others to edit content, however, each member may contribute to a asynchronous discussion area to solve problems. Finally, virtual worlds, an innovation that has yet to diffuse in online learning, provides a simulated environment where each participant assumes a role and participates in empirical learning (McGreal, R., & Elliot, M., 2008). Each of these tools facilitates problem-based learning and offers real experience to solving social issues in the environment.
By using familiar and simple tools throughout the online experience, students are prepared to engage in the online environment and focus on collecting and sharing perspectives rather than technicalities. The central goal of any educational program is learning. Although distance education requires multimedia applications for data transfer, the main purpose is to provide an authentic learning experience. These effective strategies and informal tools combine to provide effective student experiences and successful degree programs.
References
Durrington, V., Berryhill, A., Swafford, J. (2006). Strategies for enhancing student interactivity in an online environment. College Teaching, 54(1), 190-193. Retrieved July 15, 2009, from http://ezp.waldenulibrary.org/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=aph&AN=19754742&site=ehost-live&scope=site
McGreal, R., & Elliot, M. (2008). Technologies of online learning (e-learning). In T. Anderson (Ed.) The Theory and Practice of Online Learning (2nd ed., pp. 143-165). Edmonton, AB: AU Press.
Moller, L., Harvey, D., Downs, M., Godshalk, V. (n.d.). Identifying factors that effect learning community development and performance in asynchronous distance education. Quarterly Review of Distance Education, 1(4), 293-305. Retrieved July 20, 2009, from http://www.eric.ed.gov/ERICWebPortal/custom/portlets/recordDetails/detailmini.jsp?_nfpb=true&_&ERICExtSearch_SearchValue_0=EJ621837&ERICExtSearch_SearchType_0=no&accno=EJ621837
Siemens, G. (Speaker). (2007). Curatorial teaching. Elluminate recording posted at http://learnonline.wordpress.com/2007/09/20/10-minute-lecture-george-siemens-curatorial-teaching/
Very nice graphic organizer. It captures your attention and the information is easy to understand. I agree with the use of familiar and simple tools, so the actual technology is not the focus. Many students today know how to use almost all of the technology that is available today, which gives them an advantage over some older students.
ReplyDeleteI agree. I spend too much time focusing on the techno how-to's instead of learning the material. I know that in the process of learning new technologies, I am also learning how to incorporate new information into technical formats, but it seems so complicated sometimes, that I just want a traditional classroom!! I am not going to give up though! I've learned too much already! If it isn't hard, it isn't worth doing, right?
ReplyDeleteYou mentioned using wikis for group editing projects. You can also complete similar tasks using Google Docs. You can create documents similar to word, powerpoint and excel. By adding additional users, everyone can work simultaneously on the project. At a technology workshop, I recently attended, our instructor added each of us as users for a spreadsheet. It was a "getting to know you activity" with multiple question headings such as: college attended, degree earned, favorite food, and etc. As we each simultaneously typed our responses, we could also see everyone's information being typed in on the pull down screen. It was amazing to see. This is a free resource with exponential possibilities for the work force and in education. You just have to have a google email account.
ReplyDeleteYou should check it out!