There are many resources accessible for usage of online learning. The decision for what tools to use depends on the goal of the activity, and how the tool will support the goal that is to be reached. With technology integration, the online student needs basic skills in the usage of software. Many tools can be introduced by the instructor such as blogging, wiki-spaces, and even software such as SPSS and NVivo for research methods. For various technology tools, you can even download a trial version.
There are a numerous tools for both students and educators to select that are both effective and efficient to reach the goals set by the objectives. There are design tools, discussion tools, E-mail tools, instructional tools, interactive tools, publishing tools, multimedia tools and writing tools, among many more. For example, there are digital cameras, scanners, graphic software, and concept map software such as Inspiration which was used for this graphic organizer.
Many of the technology tools are useful for the instructor to engage students in an active online learning-community. However, there are many communication strategies that are needed to use the technology tools successfully. First the students need to become observers of their environment, exploring and observing the online environment. While observing and exploring an electronic journal could be kept or a program such as Inspiration could be used to diagram ideas about the environment. The online student needs to share thoughts, ideas, and opinions. I think students need to understand that there will be feelings, frustrations, and experiences as a part of the inquiry process.
The instructor needs to develop activities to help guide students to becoming adjusted with the design of the program. This can develop through exploration, observation, reading, viewing, writing, discussions and reflection of inquiries presented.
References:
Anderson, T. (2010) The theory and practice of online learning 2nd ed. Au Press. Edmonton, AB.
Palloff, R.M. & Pratt, K. (2005). Collaborating online: learning together in a community. Jossey-Bass, San Francisco, CA.
Siemens, G. (2008, January). Learning and knowing in networks: Changing roles for educators and designers. ITForum.
Hello Joy,
ReplyDeleteYou have done an outstanding job with your graphic organizer. I can easily follow the connection within the community of inquiry. I was wondering what software program you had used to create your graphic organizer. I see in your reflection you used Inspiration Software. I agree the instructor has several forms of technology to engage learners. Aside for course prerequisites, how would you as an instructor keep students on the course timeline when they are unfamiliar with the software required to complete some of the task in the class?
v/r
Sullus
Hi Joy,
ReplyDeleteGreat visual mind map! I like the pics in the center and your use of color. I have been reading Judy Willis lately, a neuroscietist turned classroom teacher and she has lots of strategy ideas for getting student learning past the gate shunts and into long term memory. Color and concept mapping are two very important tools. Also, your comments on exploration and collaboration are key!!
If you are interested in her writings, just Google her name for blogs and in Amazon - she has written 5 books and several articles. My favorite article summarizes her brain research and integrates application strategies in a three-page article: "Preserve the Child in Every Learner", Fall 2007 (Kappa Delta Pi Record).
Hi Marlene and Sullus,
ReplyDeleteHappy Halloween! Thanks for the great complements. I will definately look up Judy Wilis. Sullus, we have 150 student computers installed with Insperation that is used in all diciplines for concept mapping. Our district is highly technical with Microsoft 2010, Inpiration, and more. All classrooms have Smartboards and besides the computer labs we have two lap top carts with 30 lap tops that are constantly used. That is just the middle school. My students 6-8 come up from the k-5 already knowing how to use software such as Inspiration an PowerPoint.
Joy
Joy,
ReplyDeleteI like the way that you showed the three components of the Community and their respective parts. It's one thing to read about them and then write about it. It's a very different thing to diagram. I think the diagram allows the reader to visualize the organization and interaction of the components. Posting the graphic organizer in the blog allows each of us to see how the other students see this topic. We come away from each blog with a different perspective of the same topic (collaborative learning again...).
Great job on the posting!
Curt
Hello Joy,
ReplyDeleteI see you are constantly working with technology savvy students. That can make life simpler.
v/r
Sullus