Entry #1
Distance learning can be difficult both for the teacher and students. I agree with the book that distance learning can run into a number of issues. You get the same issues as a traditional classroom, but you also run into issues with coordination and scheduling. You also cannot depend on technology. If not set up properly technology can cause delay on the schedule. This happened in my TSTM 343 class which was a distance learning course with other USC satellite campuses. Fortunately, we were the ‘parent’ class and didn’t have to rely on technology too much. The other campuses did run into some problems. They sometimes had problems hearing the lecture as well as seeing the PowerPoint presentations. I would much rather be in a traditional classroom than a distance learning classroom. I know it can’t be much different, but somehow I feel I would get a better understanding with a teacher being present in the classroom. I do have to end up taking a distance education course I would hope the teacher would follow the procedure the book lists:
¨ Develop script and materials
¨ Shoot and edit video
¨ Rehearse the presentation
¨ Broadcast the session
Following these steps should ensure a successful course.
Entry #2
This week we took a break from learning more about Camtasia and focused on our CDS and drafting up our first modules. Finally we are able to move away from our objectives and get working on the design aspect of our project. With our CDS getting final approval we can move onto our modules. By Tuesday we are to submit a draft on one of the modules; I did ‘What is GIMPshop?’. I’m not sure if I did it right, but hopefully I am going into the right direction. This module is more of an introduction to our project and won’t really follow the standards of the other modules. With the semester coming to an end faster than I would like it is important to try and get things out of the way. Small assignments and projects are building up and I don’t want to get stressed out about it. Thankfully for this design project we develop of schedule of due dates that will help me schedule everything so that things don’t pile up. I like to get assignments complete ahead of time, but unfortunately I also like to procrastinate. I will just have to make sure I make time for everything I need to focus on and get it done.
Friday, October 26, 2007
Friday, October 19, 2007
Blog #7 week ending Oct 22, 2007
Entry #1
Computer-based learning environments can greatly enhance learning. It gives the teacher an alternate way to deliver new learning materials. Because we are moving into a more ‘digital world’, computer-based learning is an interest to students. Students know a lot about technology and having the opportunity to learn new material on the computer gives them the opportunity to learn and to enhance their skills with technology depending on the type of technology being used. In the book there are four procedures to develop a computer-based course:
Create storyboards
Create and assemble media elements
Perform online reviews
Deliver and implement the course
Following these procedures will result in a computer-based system that will greatly help students learn new material. Take time creating a storyboard and assembling media elements so that you know what exactly is going to be taught through the computer-based application/program. Make sure feedback is considered from the reviews. This will help you tailor the application/program to the ways the participants will get the most out of the application. Finally you deliver and implement the course and hope the students learn what is expected from them.Computer-based learning is an excellent way to introduce new learning materials.
Entry #2
In class on Thursday we were introduced to a new software application called Camtasia. I have heard of Camtasia before, but have never used it. It seems like a cool program. Camtasia is where you can record what is happening on the computer screen to use as tutorials. We are at the very beginning stages of learning the new program. When I learn new software I like to use the program hands on. I feel that is the best way to learn. I do look at tutorials just to get an idea to know what to look at when using the program.
We will be using Camtasia when developing our tutorial for GIMPshop. I consider myself an auditory and visual learner and I think adding these video tutorials to our design project will add an extra element to the whole project. The design project is moving along and I like that we are learning a new application along with it.
Computer-based learning environments can greatly enhance learning. It gives the teacher an alternate way to deliver new learning materials. Because we are moving into a more ‘digital world’, computer-based learning is an interest to students. Students know a lot about technology and having the opportunity to learn new material on the computer gives them the opportunity to learn and to enhance their skills with technology depending on the type of technology being used. In the book there are four procedures to develop a computer-based course:
Create storyboards
Create and assemble media elements
Perform online reviews
Deliver and implement the course
Following these procedures will result in a computer-based system that will greatly help students learn new material. Take time creating a storyboard and assembling media elements so that you know what exactly is going to be taught through the computer-based application/program. Make sure feedback is considered from the reviews. This will help you tailor the application/program to the ways the participants will get the most out of the application. Finally you deliver and implement the course and hope the students learn what is expected from them.Computer-based learning is an excellent way to introduce new learning materials.
Entry #2
In class on Thursday we were introduced to a new software application called Camtasia. I have heard of Camtasia before, but have never used it. It seems like a cool program. Camtasia is where you can record what is happening on the computer screen to use as tutorials. We are at the very beginning stages of learning the new program. When I learn new software I like to use the program hands on. I feel that is the best way to learn. I do look at tutorials just to get an idea to know what to look at when using the program.
We will be using Camtasia when developing our tutorial for GIMPshop. I consider myself an auditory and visual learner and I think adding these video tutorials to our design project will add an extra element to the whole project. The design project is moving along and I like that we are learning a new application along with it.
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
Blog #6 week ending Oct. 16, 2007
Entry #1
In the book they list four approaches to learning: visual, auditory, olfactory, and tactile/kinesthetic. After reading what each approach means I find myself in between being a visual and auditory learner. I prefer a class that include lecture. I feel I get an understanding of what is being taught if I hear it from someone that knows about the topic being taught. However, if they do not know how to properly communicate that information it can be difficult to understand and I might need that information repeated. As much as I am an auditory leaner I also need visuals to help me better understand some concepts that I might have difficultly processing. Having visual examples of what is being taught helps me combine with what is being taught to what I can see i.e. using examples, hands-on, etc.
Entry #2
We are in the beginning stages of both of our class projects: wiki discussion and design project. For our wiki discussion we are to comment on two posts and a moderator post each week. I find I will have enough to say with the two posts I am to leave on other topics, but I find the difficulty on the moderator posts. There are so many topics that your topic might not be commented on. I have run into that difficulty this week. Hopefully by the end of the five weeks I will get a discussion going on one of my moderator questions. I just hope that we won’t be penalized if no discussion happens on our topic.
We are still at the beginning stages of our design project as we are still writing objectives. I feel like we are somewhat repeating what happened last year in TSTM 444 where we spent a lot of time on the needs assessment except this time we are spending a lot of time on writing objectives. I don’t think it will be difficult actually putting together the design portion of the project I just don’t want to feel rushed like I did in 444. After fall break we are moving into Camtasia so hopefully other aspects will begin to get completed.
In the book they list four approaches to learning: visual, auditory, olfactory, and tactile/kinesthetic. After reading what each approach means I find myself in between being a visual and auditory learner. I prefer a class that include lecture. I feel I get an understanding of what is being taught if I hear it from someone that knows about the topic being taught. However, if they do not know how to properly communicate that information it can be difficult to understand and I might need that information repeated. As much as I am an auditory leaner I also need visuals to help me better understand some concepts that I might have difficultly processing. Having visual examples of what is being taught helps me combine with what is being taught to what I can see i.e. using examples, hands-on, etc.
Entry #2
We are in the beginning stages of both of our class projects: wiki discussion and design project. For our wiki discussion we are to comment on two posts and a moderator post each week. I find I will have enough to say with the two posts I am to leave on other topics, but I find the difficulty on the moderator posts. There are so many topics that your topic might not be commented on. I have run into that difficulty this week. Hopefully by the end of the five weeks I will get a discussion going on one of my moderator questions. I just hope that we won’t be penalized if no discussion happens on our topic.
We are still at the beginning stages of our design project as we are still writing objectives. I feel like we are somewhat repeating what happened last year in TSTM 444 where we spent a lot of time on the needs assessment except this time we are spending a lot of time on writing objectives. I don’t think it will be difficult actually putting together the design portion of the project I just don’t want to feel rushed like I did in 444. After fall break we are moving into Camtasia so hopefully other aspects will begin to get completed.
Wednesday, October 3, 2007
Blog #5 week ending Oct. 4, 2007
Entry #1
It is important to organize content so that it gives students a learning environment where they can access and learn information in a way that is comfortable to them. The book lists a number of principles of how people learn. I am going to choose a few and explain why I think they are important.
Use review in learning: Using review keeps the information the student has recently been taught current. With review the student does not forget what is important and is able to retain that information and repeat it more.
Use examples and demonstrations: Using examples and demonstrations helps illustrate visually what is being taught. Something that might have been unclear to the student during the lecture can trigger something in the mind when the student sees an example.
Use clear assignments and directions: If the assignment/directions are unclear for the student they become stuck and frustrated and sometimes do not finish the assignment. Making it easier to understand allows the student to better understand the material and prep any questions that might arise from doing the assignment.
Entry #2
A moderator is someone who oversees discussions on a forum. We are beginning our moderator duties for our wiki project. Each week we will be moderating our discussions and hopefully get a good turn out. I was a little nervous at the beginning about running my own discussion. I was thinking, “What questions am I going to ask?” or “What if my discussion stalls?” But before we began our moderations we had to research our topic, with mine being eLearning 2.0. I learned a lot about my topic and am interested in what the other students have to say about my topic. We will be moderating our discussions for five weeks and hopefully my topic will interest others and I will learn something new that I haven’t thought of already.
It is important to organize content so that it gives students a learning environment where they can access and learn information in a way that is comfortable to them. The book lists a number of principles of how people learn. I am going to choose a few and explain why I think they are important.
Use review in learning: Using review keeps the information the student has recently been taught current. With review the student does not forget what is important and is able to retain that information and repeat it more.
Use examples and demonstrations: Using examples and demonstrations helps illustrate visually what is being taught. Something that might have been unclear to the student during the lecture can trigger something in the mind when the student sees an example.
Use clear assignments and directions: If the assignment/directions are unclear for the student they become stuck and frustrated and sometimes do not finish the assignment. Making it easier to understand allows the student to better understand the material and prep any questions that might arise from doing the assignment.
Entry #2
A moderator is someone who oversees discussions on a forum. We are beginning our moderator duties for our wiki project. Each week we will be moderating our discussions and hopefully get a good turn out. I was a little nervous at the beginning about running my own discussion. I was thinking, “What questions am I going to ask?” or “What if my discussion stalls?” But before we began our moderations we had to research our topic, with mine being eLearning 2.0. I learned a lot about my topic and am interested in what the other students have to say about my topic. We will be moderating our discussions for five weeks and hopefully my topic will interest others and I will learn something new that I haven’t thought of already.
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