Link to Graphic Organizer:
Reflection:
Online learning environments are most beneficial for all participants when appropriate tools and strategies are incorporated which allow for learner involvement. Appropriate amounts of strategies which increase content knowledge, encourage communication among peers and instructors, and facilitate effective problem-based tasks in the online environment must be implemented. Technological tools are used on a regular basis outside of the classroom.
Siemens (2008) implies that the modern Web supports a variety of media resources which can be incorporated into the design of an online learning course. As a middle grades teacher, I have found the online resources provided by www.gaggle.net to be an effective and innovative instructional resource. Although my classroom instruction is not facilitated through an online outlet, it allows me to provide students with opportunities to participate in the online learning environment. This type of activity introduces students to the idea and benefits associated with distance learning programs. Gaggle is a safe online learning environment that improves communication among students, provides space for electronic file storage, motivates students to use current technology, and allows teachers to move towards a paperless classroom. Gaggle allows the teacher to create assignments incorporating a variety of technological tools: blogs, class discussions, email communications, message boards, and gaggle text messaging. Communication is facilitated and encouraged while also providing parents with easy communication channels to stay abreast of student assignments and participation. Durrington, Berryhill, and Swafford (2006) imply that communication is a vital factor in creating an effective online learning experience. Using the various applications provided by Gaggle, the instructor/teacher is conveying the importance of communication to students and parents. Students will become engaged when this type of technological tool is incorporated because it provides opportunities to use tools that are commonly used outside of the learning environment. Another innovative tool that can be used in the online learning environment is www.prezi.com. Students can collaborate to complete assignments using this presentation software. Instructors/teachers can also create a variety of presentations to convey important concepts to students. To present content material in an innovative fashion, other online resources are available without incurring additional costs. Glogster (www.glogster.com) allows the creation of “posters” to present information. Not only can instructors benefit from this resource, but students can also use this website to collaborate and complete project-based assignments or to complete assignments independently.
Regardless of one’s position in the online learning environment (either student or facilitator), there must be clear guidelines and expectations. Communication must be facilitated in a variety of manners to ensure clear understandings of content and guidelines. Collaboration among students and with the instructor is also a vital component of the effective online learning experience.
Resources:
Durrington, V. A., Berryhill, A., & Swafford, J. (2006). Strategies for enhancing student interactivity in an online environment. College Teaching, 54(1), 190−193.
Siemens, G. (2008, January). Learning and knowing in networks: Changing roles for educators and designers. ITForum.
Hi Laura,
ReplyDeleteI loved how you used Prezi. I have tried it before and it's just not very intuitive for me, I end up making it too messy!!! Do your students actually use it for presentations?
You bring up a very good point about clear guidelines and expectations. It made me think of Madeline Hunter's clinical teaching model...do you remember that? State a clear objective was always the first step. Then it was followed by the anticipatory set, input (direct instruction with modeling), checking for understanding, guided practice and independent practice. Here is a site that gives an overview of her model: http://www.hope.edu/academic/education/wessman/2block/unit4/hunter2.htm
I think that an online setting makes the "modeling" part of direct instruction challenging. Technology tools such as video or synchronous tools like Skype can provide that input. Do you think Madeline Hunter would agree with George Siemens on the role of the teacher as a curator? I think that an online classroom like ours has all of the tools for this model to be used (discussion board, email, grade postings, etc.). The direct instruction is done through some video and articles to be read. But would Hunter think that the instructor should be more directly involved?
Cathy
Cathy,
ReplyDeleteThanks for the link to the explanation of Madeline Hunter's teaching model. Of the steps listed, I believe the guided practice step would be most difficult to address. Guided practice with immediate feedback and reteaching of concepts as needed is somewhat impossible in the online learning environment because students are not required to be "in class" at a specific time for direct instruction strategies.
~Laura
Hi Laura,
ReplyDeleteI like your graphic organizer. I also like the discussion in regards to how to model and provide guided practice for students in an online community. I have a little insight on this becuase my husband is attending a hybrid course. In this course he attends class for some time and has a certain amount of work that is done online. Hybrid course provided guided practice in 2 ways: the class room and an ebook that walks the students through a step by step process of the course or topic. Modeling is also provided in this same way. A hybrid course is much different than a completely online course.
In this regard do you think hybrid courses would be more attainable for intermediate, middle, and high school students more so than a completely online course?
I love your graphic organizer, Laura! The online environment and variety of learning tools it provides can make education accessible and attainable for a diverse student population. I, for example, am a basic/simplistic kind of learner. The longer the post, the more "stuff" in the visual aid, the greater the probability I will tune out prior to being overwhelmed. For that reason, I "assume" my students or those who I want to "listen" to what I have to say are the same way and I try to make my presentations as easy to follow as possible. That is the advantage of online versus on-ground to me because students can pick and choose based on what resource, tool or source of information most appeals to their style of learning. As an online instructor, I will need to be able to adapt my preferences and style to engage the diversity my student population will represent.
ReplyDeleteGood job!