The technological tools learners are using outside the classroom can be use in the educational process by allowing students free access to social networks, open source resources, and other educational tools. With the vast majority of outside social educational tools such as blogs, wikis, virtual worlds, social networks, and chat rooms, distance learning can be very effective as tools inside the classroom as well as incorporated from the outside of the classroom. Students in this new age of technology seem to grasp the evolutional wave of technology in this area as an effective tool for learning.
Web based tools such as podcasts, video and audio conferencing, Google Docs, and blogs all work well in a distance learning environment. I have used all of these tools during my educational journey here at Walden and found them very useful. With these tools in mind, they can provide the atmosphere with clear discussions, positive feedback, and the resources to save projects for future viewings.
The benefit and advantages of podcasts and Google Docs are to provide web based access to frequently updated resources, publicly correct any misinformation, disclose any conflict of interest, and note questionable and biased sources (Paloff & Pratt, 2005). Tools such as virtual environments also provide students and instructors the ability to study abroad, create lively debates, and connect with diverse cultures to help bring learners together.
References
The strategies and technological tools above were taken from the ideas of these references below:Anderson, T. (Ed.). (2008). The theory and practice of online learning. (2nd ed.). Edmonton, AB: Athabasca University Press.
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: Jossey-Bass.
Siemens, G. (2008, January). Learning and knowing in networks: Changing roles for educators and designers. Retrieved from: http://it.coe.uga.edu/itforum/Paper105/Siemens.pdf
This response is from Jessica Y. Green. I am not able to log in from my Google account for some reason...
ReplyDeleteWow, your graphic organizer looks great! It is well organized and very detailed. I like your color coding, and think that you've included a good mixt of tools and strategies that would be excellent for involving learners their learning experience in the online environment. Through your tools and strategies, learners will be able to effectively engage in communication and collaboration with their peers and instructors.
Brigit,
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed looking over your graphic organizer and reading your post. Your graphic organizer clearly displays the aspects of content, collaboration, and communication in online learning environments. As you mentioned, students are already using technology tools outside of the classroom that we are trying to integrate into learning. I like how you mentioned using a mix of learning activities. Adding audio and video as an instructor can also make the online learning more personal to students. Have you ever tried to use your own audio or video clips in your classroom instruction? Great post!
Brigit, the content and integration of strategies of learning fit well with your topic; seems you are gaining much experience and raising the comfort level as you continue to develop the project; variety in any learning environment seems to be the norm versus the unexpected; looking forward to seeing the project come to fruition.
ReplyDeleteBest,
David