Engaging Learners with New Strategies and Tools

Communication, Collaboration, and Content are all three significant components for success in online courses and classroom settings. The “classroom” is changing drastically as new technology is developed everyday. Along with new technology, comes new techniques of teaching and learning. One has to know how to use the technology and apply it for learning and teaching enhancement. This online course has opened a new window for me to use with my students and colleagues.

Communication is key to many aspects of life. It plays an interval part in education. There are various ways to communicate in a classroom besides verbally. Throughout this online course, we have been communicating through email, discussion posting, video chatting, podcasts and message boards. These ideas are very beneficial in a classroom. Sometimes students go home not having a full understanding of a standard. Sometimes they even forget what assignment is due the next day. Therefore, I developed a webpage for my students which list assignments in lieu to a plethora of information. My students also have my email because it is link to my page. My webpage plays a key part for communicating with my students.

Collaboration influences success  in education. We should not only talk in the classroom but we should also teach students how to collaborate with others. Class discussions are important but sometimes not everyone gets a chance to speak. Therefore, group discussions can assist with collaboration. When students are grouped together, it allows them a chance to have responsibility and a role for the group. Blogs are also a great example of collaboration. Blogs allow you to create your own thoughts and ideas as well as responding to others.

Furthermore content is essential too. Content can be approached in the field of learning in many ways. Project based learning is one technique many educators are using to reinforce content. Projects help students to learn and apply what they learn. Developing content is also shown through discussion posting and assignments. Technology has altered some things in the field of education greatly to make things much easier.

Please click the following link to view my graphic organizer
http://joedupree.wikispaces.com/Graphic+Organizer

Story Board for Distance Education Project

Story Board for Distance Education Project- Work in Progress
Scene 1: Introduction- Show picture of Keynote speaker Curtis J. Bonk and video clips of accomplishments- give highlights of resume integrating collaboration efforts.	Notes: The introduction will lead into the workshops and other events held by Curtis. J. Bonk. Highlights of the book Online Collaboration Learning: Theory and Practice will be briefly discussed and the role Curtis J. Bonk played in the book.
Scene 2: Show me on video.	Notes: I will have discussion on “What is Online Collaboration”?
Scene 3: Graphic giving the main points of Collaborative Distance Learning	Notes: References will be made from journal article Collaborative Distance Learning by authors: Pringle,Klostermn,Melton Brkich and Hayes
Scene 4: Graphic highlighting main points of Aldwin Lauron,“ Fostering Collaboration to Enhance Online Instruction	Notes: Discussion on Lauron’s research on, How to Enhance Online Learning
Scene 5: Graphics summarizing and highlighting Cheng-Yen Wang main  points on Blogs for enriching adult collaborative distance learning	Notes: Integrate/highlights articles by: Swan, Roberts and Kaminski Overview of discussion will include interactions of collaborations, online collaborations theory and video conferencing

Assessing Collaborative Efforts

Participation in a collaborative learning community should be accessed through rubrics, learning modules with active learning, and feedback among students. Ongoing assessment of student performance linked to immediate feedback and  individualized instruction supports learning (Swan, 2004). Siemens stated that true and real assessment should include assessment based on standard outcomes, direct and equitable assessment (Laureate Education, 2008).  The varying level of skills and knowledge has a major affect on the instructor’s assessment of learning. Every person’s skills vary from attained knowledge and levels of ignorance. It is certain that many of the core concepts required to take certain courses are equally known from student to student. Along with the different levels of knowledge and skills comes insight provided to the instructor on the class strengths and weaknesses. Students should always participate in collaborative learning because of the wealth of knowledge it spreads for communication. If a situation develops where a student doesn’t want to participate in collaborative learning, other classmates should try to break the barrier and persuade the student to partake in collaborative learning. Instructors should play a vital role by being as positive and helpful to students as possible. This type of approach can sometimes assist with a student that does not want to network. The student would probably feel more comfortable when they are surrounded by positivity.  Collaborative learning is an essential and vital aspect for success in distant learning courses. As humans, we all have our faults and make mistakes; therefore, we sometimes need the advice of others to help and assist when needed. Lack of communication in a distance learning course could  hinder success for the student’s assessment plan. Even though the student may be quit capable of being successful in the class, the lack of participation and collaboration could hinder their grade and the completion of degree requirements.

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

Swan, K. (2004). Relationships between interactions and learning in online environments . The Sloan Consortium, 1-7.

Comments were posted to the following blogs:

Erica, 

http://ericaeduc8842.blogspot.com/

I like the way you posed “What If” questions and then provided answers.  I agree that in a global world, we have  been prepared to collaborate in real time and synchronously.  Distance education  provides us with the reality of that concept. Students will be prepared to teach and facilitate their own classes. When we are placed  in collaborative situations, we  are indeed provided reinforcement of knowing how to work asynchronously and synchronously.  I enjoyed reading your blog. You did a great job!

Michael,  

You did an excellent job! I agree that self assessment can come in the forms of reflection and portfolios. Portfolios are a must in the educational field and it provides us with ongoing evaluations of a student’s progress. Most of the assessments you talked about in your blog, were assessments that we already do at Walden, which was great!  For example, we do peer assessment frequently which provides great feedback to students. We also provide comments and  suggestions to help support our peers in a collaborative setting. I enjoyed reading your blog!

http://michaelkirsch.blogspot.com/

Elements of Distance Education

I completely agree with the view of George Siemens. The acceptance of distance education has grown tremendously in so many aspects. One element that really sticks out to me is global diversity. Distance education has not only taken over the nation but also the world. It is diverse not only in the traditional “black and white” here in America, but to all minorities and nationalities across the globe. The diversity goes beyond race but age and gender as well. Women, men, older people and young adults are participating in distant education. Online learning has evolved on many levels. You can attain your bachelors, masters, specialist and doctorate degree online. The flexibility and communication of online education has attracted many people. Some tools that are available today to facilitate these interactions among learners to  insure global diversity is Skype, email, blogs, online postings on different topics , peer critiques, collaborative interaction, videos,  wiki and YouTube.

Blog 1: http://tarynhailstock.blogspot.com/

It is understood that this blog agrees with George Siemens because of his convincing argument about distance education. Communication plays a major role with the acceptance of distance education along with the growth in corporate America. Communication has ranged from telephone conferences to live meetings through Skype. Distance education has become more interactive which allows individuals to feel as if they can achieve their goal. Some tools available online includes Facebook, MySpace and mobile devices. I respect this position the blogger takes because of the diverse things mentioned. This was very interesting and informal to read. I enjoyed this blog!

Blog 2: http://loumorris.blogspot.com/

This blog took an interesting point of view and agreed with George Siemens because of global diversity and feels that it’s very new and innovative to technology. Years ago, services were not offered to the magnitude because of the financial component. In lieu to this concept, technology is changing everyday and is being used around the world especially in classrooms. I agree with the idea that as long as distance education continues to grow at this rate, more individuals will have the opportunity to receive the education of their choice.

Evolving of distance learning

The need for evolving distance education to the next generation is an essential component for the success of students. Our society changes more and more everyday in regards to advancements in technology. The internet itself offers so much as far as articles, research studies, and books. It’s like having your own personal library that covers thousands of resources right in your home.  Times of this century sometimes requires learning outside teaching facilities and even usage of technological devices inside. I agree with these authors positions because even though it’s distant learning it there still stands a need for interaction between classmates and instructors.

http://minerclass.edublogs.org/2010/12/20/distance-learning-part-2/