Face-to-Face vs. Distance Learning

As a student, I find it hard to adjust to learning online versus learning face-to-face. I have been doing it for so long (since preschool) that entering into the online environment has been a major adjustment for me. From dealing with computer issues such as browser settings, remembering passwords and login names, to trying to stay on top of the readings and online discussions is a hassle and burden. Chapter 10, part 3 called The Development of Online Courses from the book, Theory and Practice of Online Learning by T. Anderson and F. Elloumi presented a reasonable proposition for teachers who plan to teach online. It suggested for faculty to become familiar with the skills and resources needed to be successful online teachers that teachers become online learners themselves to experience some of the challenges students typically face: problems with inadequate computer abilities, learning about the variety of interactive tools, and underestimating the amount of time needed to complete the online readings and homework (Anderson & Elloumi, p.253) Let the instructor spend some time in our shoes as students and see if they can handle work, children, bills, and the stress of trying to login once or twice a week to stay on top of the readings and discussions. I wonder though... if online instructors enroll in online courses to see get the experience of learning online.

I have to say that these online courses are intense and demanding. I find some flexibility in here and there but you can easily lose track of things if you have don't stay on top of logging into WebTyco once or twice a week.

Caplan, D. & Graham, R. (2009). The Development of Online Courses. In T. Anderson, & F. Elloumi (Eds.), Theory and practice of online learning Retrieved March 21, 2009, from http://cde.athabascau.ca/online_book/second_html.

Designing and Delivering DE using Technology

After reviewing the assigned readings for this module, I have a better understanding of the many different ways DE is produced and designed. When I completed a graduate course on information literacy, the course focused on the several ways to design and deliver distance educational courses using technology. I learned how to create interactive tutorials using Dreamweaver and free open source software, Adobe Captivate to design voice-enhanced web courses, and blogs. We did face-to-face lessons as well as design a lesson plan that can be either aynchronous or synchronous. The course touched upon a lot of things that are discussed in this course but we focused mainly on delivering web-based courses focusing on teaching information literacy skills.

As I recall from reading Bates & Poole chapter that discussed the different roles of people involved in the design, production, and delivery of DE course. They mentioned faculty members, librarians, project managers, media producers to web programmers all which can be involved in designing a single distance education course. I was under the impression of just a single faculty member being involved in designing a distance education course. Plus it is time consuming effort that involves tons of planning, preparation, attention, and technical skills to design something that is on paper to make it deliverable online.

About the class...I have to admit I am not a strong participant in the online discussions. Even when I am physically in a classroom setting, I do not participate in class discussions. I don't know but it something that I have never been good in doing and don't always feel comfortable participating in. I guess I feel like I may be judged by what I say and sometimes I just don't feel confident in voicing my opinion on a subject that I am not sure about or expert on. Don't get me wrong, when it comes to libraries and literacy I am vocal because I'm passioniate about what I do. So I don't mind being marked down because it is not the first time. Most of the time I let my professors know in advance that I am not a strong participant.

Reflections on Module 2b-Web 2.0 Technologies for DE

After reading the article, Youube anchors and enders: The use of shared online video content as a macrocontext for learning by C.J. Bonk got me thinking about other shared online video contect not mentioned that are freely available online that can be used in the classroom. One that came to mind is Animoto.com. I used it for a program over the summer to highlight the teens and teen services in the library. But Animoto can be a wonderful tool that can be used to deliver information in that is visually stimulating and engaging. Animoto is a web application that automatically generates professionally produced videos using a patent-pending technology and high-end motion design. It analyzes and combines user-selected images, video clips and music to create either a short- 30 second video or unlimited full-length video for only $3.00. If you are a teacher or educator, you can apply for a free Animoto all-access pass to creat full-length videos to use in the classroom. You can include text, photos, statistics, music to create an engaging video to educate and deliver content. I think it is a great tool for educators to use to help reinforce learning in and outside of the classroom. Also I think it fosters students to be creative and expressive, as well as help teachers reach out to students who have different learning styles. I, myself, is a visual learner. So using a technology like this would have been a useful way to deliver content to me that is memorable and engaging.

I think as an educator or teacher it is always important to select the right Web 2.0 tool to support the learning goal or objective of the class. Also, be aware of the students' learning styles and find ways to get actively participate using the technology. I think using a technology like YouTube or Animoto can be an effective learning tool in the classroom.

Here is a link to Animoto: http://animoto.com/ . Check it out!

Other Web 2.0 tools that can be intergrated into the classroom are
Wordle (Word Art)- http://www.wordle.net/
Slide Share- http://www.slideshare.com/
Glogster (Posters) - http://www.glogster.com/

Asynchronous & Synchronous Technologies

The readings on asynchronous and synchronous technologies are very straightforward and easy to understand. It refreshes my memory on some of the things I learned about asynchronous and synchronous learning from a grad class on Information Literacy. I remember completing an assignment using a discussion forum to demonstrate a synchronous learning environment. As I recall we used the Blackboard discussion forum, where one person acted as the instructor in a remote location while the rest of the class worked through a subject-based tutorial. We all login at the same time. It was very interesting and confusing at times because it was about 12 people in the class but all chatting at the same time. We each took turns presenting our tutorials and acting as the instructor and student. Some of the comments I got from acting as the instructor, were to pay attention more attention to everyone's responses and respond to then even if I didn't have anything to say. I can remember getting lost in the string of response entries. It was a little fustrating at times.

In taking 4 classes through WebTycho I am not as comfortable with asynchronous distance education. I do not feel "in touch" with the class. I have little motivation to venture on the conferences because sometimes I really don't have much to comment or say about anything. Other times I feel overwhelmed with having to login throughout the week to check the conferences. I don't like lingering on the computer after work and I don't have time at work to work on assignments so I have a hard time keeping up with the conferences. But I think this will be the last time I will take an online class. I need face-to-face contact. It works better for me in learning and time management.

Blog Exercise- Introduction

Hello to the lucky person who has to read and comment on my blog postings from now to till mid March. First things first... I already have a blog with Blogger.com but I only use it for work-related purposes. I don't spend hours and hours lingering on the computer so I can sometimes be a little slow at responding. This will be an interesting experience because I am not very comfortable in expressing myself through a platform such as blogging or any other social network. I prefer the face-to-face approach. My other blog is used for program ideas and keeping track of books I read weekly during my storytime program. I will try to be as expressive through this medium as possible. Tomorrow since I am bored out of mind and tired of entertaining my 3 year old I will make a formal post on the readings and so forth.

Tonight, I will marinate over the readings and think of something remotely intelligent to type. I'm missing American Idol. Darn it!