Response to Classmates - Engage Learners

I responded to Vida Martin and Heather Rogers

Graphic Organizer

Module 4 - Engaging learners with New Strategies and Tools (Graphic Organizers)

The advancement of technology tools continues to be updated to meet the needs of society. Thus the latest multimedia technology promotes the opportunity for online education to communicate in various ways. Research has shown that distance learning can be effective when technology is appropriate for the instructional task, instructors feedback and student interaction( Moore & Thompson, 1990). This technology can also generate the development students understanding of the content knowledge. Moller (2008) explains the dynamic tools: “involve learner one a much deeper level”. Moller (2008) also uses an interesting analogy when he compares the integration of technology to crafting a new recipe. Instructor should wisely choose technology that relates to the course and the skill level of the students. Also, the pedagogues should be selective with regards to which multimedia tools they integrate into the classroom since technology trends continue to change.
The technology tools such as Google documents, Google Scholar, Wikipedia, and e-books can provide the online learner with content resources they need to develop deeper critical thinking skills. Although many other technology tools such as Blogs, Wikipages, discussion boards and chat rooms can provide online learners with the necessary authentic active learning. These tools are also strategies that encourage small group interaction and problem solving (Durrington, et al, 2006). These technological tools along with communication tools such as Skype, emails, social network pages and chat rooms can be the most important strategies and tools for the online learner and instructor. It is an enhancement for the online learning environment that provides engaging communication and builds the learners experience and problem solving skills.

References:

Durrington, V. A., Berryhill, A., & Swafford, J. (2006). Strategies for enhancing interactivity in an online environment. College Teaching, 54(1), 190-193.

Moller, L. (2008). Static and dynamic technological tools. [Unpublished Paper].

Mooer, M. G. and M. M. Thompson. 1990. The effects of distance learning: A summary of literature (Research Monograph no. 2). University Park, PA: American Center for the Study of Distance Education.

Module 3 - Assessing Collaborative Efforts

Assessments in the distance education environment should be a collaboration contribution. Siemens (2008) states peers should assess each other by a created community that gives feedback. In the discussion group, instructors have the ability to assess individual students understanding and misunderstanding of the information presented. Palloff and Pratt (2005) study explains a similar idea; they had a reflective process that included a self-assessment component. The tools used for assessment should be developed to focus on the topics in the course as well as the online learners.

The rubric for assessments should be an effective tool to use to insure a “fair and equitable assessment”. Through the rubric, learners know of what is expected. They can also self assess their knowledge Palloff and Pratt (2005).

Then to encourage students who do not network or collaborate can be achieved by the instructor through reminders of the rubric and guidelines of the online course. The online community can also motivate and elicit contributions to the learning environment. Palloff and Pratt (2007) states human contact such as e-mail, Skype, chats can also promote learner engagement. Moller, et el (2005) explains that the social environment of the online class can motivate students. Through groups, the online learner is engaged by communicating through social interaction and peer learning. Furthermore, research has proven group interaction and a sense of community motivates learners.

Moller, L., Huett, J., Holder, D. Young, J., Harvey, D., & Godshalk, V. (2005).  Examining the impact of learning communities on motivation.  Quaterly Review of Distance Education.

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

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

Siemens, G. (2008) Assessment of collaborative learning. Laureate Education, Inc.

Responses to other classmates

I have responded to Kimberly, Kristy, and Rashida

Learner Engagement Storyboard

Narration:  Learner Engagement Music: ….. Title Slide: Motion:	Learning Engagement
Narration: ….Introduction of Workshop & Presenters Music: ….. Title Slide:  Vision 2016 Engaging the Learner Motion:	Vision 2016 Gwinnett County Teachers Engaging the Learner Claudia Dornbusch
Narration: ….What makes a good learner? Music: ….. Title Slide: What makes a good leaner? Motion:	What makes a good learner? -       Positive Attitude -       Perseverance -       Be Proactive -       Have a plan
Narration: There are different types of engagement. Music: ….. Title Slide: Types of Engagement Motion:	Types of Engagement? -       Social -       Collaborative -       Content Creation
Narration:  Learner engagement Music: ….. Title Slide: What is learner engagement? Motion:	What is learner engagement? —     Learners take an active role in processing learning. J Judging learner engagement is more challenging in an online environment.
Narration: Ways to promote learner engagement. Music: ….. Title Slide:  Ways to promote learner engagement. Motion:	Ways to Promote Learner Engagement —      Pre-course activities to familiarize students with learner engagement —      Stimulating interactions

Comments for Module 2

I have left comments on the following blogs:
Kristy Burrough and Tara Hatley

Module 2 - Elements of Distance Education

Global Diversity of Distance Education –

Change in society has reflected the advancement of communication in distance learning.  Distance learning has expanded the learning environment through collaborative interaction and global diversity.  Siemens (2008) suggest distance learning is growing on a global scale.

The access of the internet has made distance education global.  Electronic tools and applications such as wikis, blogs and podcast have enhanced the distance learning environment.  Instructors have the opportunity to take their students around the world.  The opportunities for the students from different cultures, professions and places have become limitless.  Distance learning has allowed for the computer and other electronic tools to be a global neighborhood that made impossibilities of education possible.  

Siemens, G. (2008). The future of distance education.  Laureate Education, Inc. Principles of Distance Education DVD