This is Not a Resolution…

I want to dedicate this year to becoming a better version of myself.  This is not a resolution.  This is gratitude for another year and another chance to grow and be magnificent.

Video Reviews

I also commented on the videos of Kimberly, Tara, Dwanell, Heather, and Charee.

Thank you and Happy Thanksgiving!

Synchronous exchange with learning community

I commented on the video presentations of Kristy, Martha, and Rashida.

Video Presentation

My video is now available for critique.  I do not expect that this piece will receive rave reviews.  This is my first attempt at filming a video.  My topic is Open Source and while the research was relatively easy to come by, the video presented some challenge.  Thank you for viewing and I welcome any and all criticism.

 

 

Module 5

I responded to the following posts:

Rontra, Martha, Rashida, Dwanell, and Kimberly.

Moving Toward Dynamic Technologies

ConceptMapMartinV

Prior to this course, I would have to say that I was closer to the static end of the static-dynamic continuum just because I was comfortable with regurgitating information that I was taught.  The funny thing is, I discourage that attitude in my students.  But I was happy to be left alone, receive knowledge, and earn my degree.  I was a little perturbed that in addition to a discussion post, I now had to blog.  I stayed away from this as I was very individualistic in my approach to distance learning.  I suppose my mind was stuck in “the first wave of online instruction” (Palloff & Pratt, 2005, p. 1).  The combination of required course readings, discussion posts, and blogging has definitely pushed me toward moving closer to the dynamic end of the spectrum.  I am, not only more knowledgeable of technologies that enhance and facilitate “cooperation, collaboration, and communication” (Fahey, 2008), but I am determined to establish a social presence (Palloff & Pratt, 2005; 2007) in my future courses.  I feel that this effort will allow me to establish a better teaching presence (Fahey, 2008) in future online courses.

Moving toward the dynamic end of the static-dynamic continuum entails my knowledge of tools that will enhance learning, understanding how to use the tools appropriately to meet the needs of  the learner, and my ability to use tools to engage the learner.  Palloff & Pratt (2005) wrote, “The instructor should consider the needs of the team when recommending or determining which forms of technology will be used for a collaborative activity” (p. 12).  In order for me to become a skilled instructor and moderator, I must learn to effectively use the technical resources that are available to me (Fahey, 2008).

“The future has arrived” (McGreal and Elliott, 2008, p. 160).

References

Anderson, T. (2008). The theory and practice of online learning. Edmonton, AB: Athabasca University Press.

Palloff, R. M., & Pratt, K. (2005). Collaborating online: Learning together in community. San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass.

Palloff, R. M., & Pratt, K. (2007). Building online learning communities: Effective strategies for the virtual classroom.  San Francisco, CA: Jossey Bass.

Blog Responses

I responded to Kimberly Arlia and Charee Hampton.

Update to Blog on Learner Engagement in the Online Learning Environment

GraphicOrgMod4Blog

Hello folks,

I originally created a graphic organizer in Word and just had the bright idea that I should simply attach the original version to my blog post.  This is another version of what was originally posted.

Thanks!

Engaging Learners with New Strategies and Tools

 

Learner Engagement Strategies For the Online Classroom

 

Content Provide syllabus detailing course outcomes and guidelines for all class activities and assignments Weekly open-ended discussion questions Rubrics outlining expectations for discussion posts, blogs, reflections, essays, and multimedia projects

 

Community Instructors should provide clear and timely feedback Instructor should establish virtual office hours Formulate icebreakers and trust building exercises Create an environment for open sharing Require that students respond to cohorts’ postings

 

Collaboration Design activities that support collaborative group activities using tools such as wikis and blogs Require that groups establish a contract that outlines members’ responsibilities and consequences Establish rules of online etiquette and group conduct

Siemens’ (2007) idea of curatorial teaching allows the master instructor to guide his/her students in the distance learning environment to interact and connect with content, cohorts, and the instructor through collaborative design. The instructor/curator can direct and engage learners by using a variety of technological tools in the online classroom environment. Wikis, for example can be used to facilitate collaborative group work and to encourage cooperation, sharing, and collaboration. The curator can also help to establish a sense of community and collaboration by encouraging online learners to teleconference or videoconference using tools, such as ooVoo, and Skype. Texting and chat environments are also means of staying connected. Social networks such as Facebook and LinkedIn provide vehicles for connecting with classmates. Google Docs may be used for collaboration on producing, editing, and presenting projects as a group. The online nature of this suite allows group members to collaborate on the project anytime and anywhere they can obtain Internet access. Social bookmarking sites, such as Delicious allow class members to share relevant Websites and information. By using these tools and implementing the strategies outlined above in graphic organizer, the curatorial instructor can achieve the goal of, “creating a stimulating, interactive learning environment for students” (Durrington, Berryhill, and Swafford, 2006, p. 193).

References:

Durrington, V. A., Berryhill, A., & Swafford, J. (2006). Strategies for enhancing student interactivity in an online environment. College Teaching, 54(1), 190-193.
Palloff, R. M., & Pratt, K. (2005). Collaborating online: Learning together in community. San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass.
Siemens, G. (September, 2007). Curatorial teaching. Retrieved from http://learnonline.wordpress.com/2007/09/20/10-minute-lecture-george-siemens-curatorial-teaching/
Swan, K. (2004). Relationships between interactions and learning in online environments. The Sloan Consortium.

Blog responses

I have responded to the posts of Kristy and Martha.