Application: Blog-Selecting Distance Learning Technology

Application: Blog—Selecting Distance Learning Technologies.

 I chose Example #1:  Collaborative Training Environment

A new automated staff information system was recently purchased by a major corporation and needs to be implemented in six regional offices. Unfortunately, the staff is located throughout all the different offices and cannot meet at the same time or in the same location. As an instructional designer for the corporation, you have been charged with implementing a training workshop for these offices. As part of the training, you were advised how imperative it is that the staff members share information, in the form of screen captures and documents, and participate in ongoing collaboration.

Two distance Learning technologies selected.

1.       Web conferencing

2.        Wiki  

The purpose of this training is to train geographically dispersed employees on “how to use the new automated staff information system”.  The training requires extensive collaboration across the regional offices, with the use of collaborative software. Collaborative software helps facilitate action-oriented teams working together over geographic distances by providing tools that aid communication, collaboration and the process of problem solving. Additionally, collaborative software may support project management functions such as task assignments, time-managing deadlines, and shared calendars.  Wikipedia, 2011.

Judging from the request above, I will conduct a rapid assessment. The purpose of the assessment is to identify the best technology to use in my course delivery. I consider this first step, because of the geographical location of the other regional offices. I want to make sure that whatever technology I chose will be compatible across the board.  It is a fact that web-based training offers companies the ability to reach a mass audience quickly, assess and measure results, and reduces manpower costs.

As I identify  the learner’s, another consideration will be to discuss with other ID professional the communication styles adopted in the past, the success and challenges. I will not like to create a burden to the employees using technology adopted with resentment.   Duarte and Snyder, (2006)” People who lead and work in virtual teams need to have special skills, including an understanding of human dynamics, knowledge of how to manage across functional areas and national cultures, and the ability to use communication technologies as their primary means of communicating and collaborating.”

 Web conferencing system software is a communications tool that allows the user to build community and disseminate information.  Wikipedia, 2011 defines Web conferencing refers to a service that allows conferencing events to be shared with remote locations. Most vendors also provide either a recorded copy of an event or a means for a subscriber to record an event. The service allows information to be shared simultaneously, across geographically dispersed locations in nearly real-time. Applications for web conferencing include meetings, training events, lectures, or short presentations from any computer.

The second technology tool is Wiki. Baldarrain, (2006) described” wiki as a site designed to facilitate the exchange of information within and between teams”. Wiki allows the creation and editing of any number of interlinked web pages via a web browser using a simplified markup language. Wikis are typically powered by wiki software and are often used collaboratively by multiple users. Wikipedia, 2011.

I will design an orientation to the ‘New Automated Staff information system” I assume this is either new to the organization, or a change to the current system. The instruction did not specify.  Using a voice over power point presentation, with visual images of how the new system works. I will upload to a web conference system.  I will identify the key elements of the new automated system, describe how it works, and identify staff expectation and responsibility.  The New Automated staff information system will have a hand-on experience (Simulation) on how it works; this will be done by breaking the functions into a step-by -step process.  This process will assist (designer and learners) in the assessment of areas of difficulty.

I will provide a FAQ session that answers learner’s questions.  I will also provide a discussion forum via wiki for collaboration across the entire region. There will be a link to contact me by phone or email in case there are unresolved issues about the usage or other technical difficulties.

Web Conferencing stories:

Web conferencing according to the resources provided on the “web success story” can be view through this link. http://www.smallbusinesscomputing.com/biztools/article.php/3451951/A-Web-Conferencing-Success-Story.htm.

A practical experience by Papa John Pizza, located across America, and other countries shred their success story. Please read. http://www.business-software.com/web-conferencing/web-conferencing-success-stories.php.

Wiki Success stories:

Wiki is beneficial to a number of organizations, both profit and non-profit in that it enhances the communication, saves time, knowledge sharing, and collaboration amongst any group of people.

Wiki information can be updated without any administrative protocol. Distribution of materials occurs instantly, and wiki pages have the capabilities to, track information, share spreadsheets, PowerPoint slides, videos and much more.

Here is a link to how an organization used wiki to manage work requirements.  http://www.bridging-the-gap.com/wiki-requirements-management-benefits/.

References:

 

Beldarrain, Y. (2006). Distance education trends: Integrating new technologies to foster student  

           Interaction and collaboration. Distance Education, 27(2), 139–153.

 Duarte, D. L & Snyder, N. T. (2006) Virtual Teams. Strategies, Tools, and Techniques that Succeed. 

           Second Ed. p 2. Retrieved September 22, 2011 from      

           http://static.managementboek.nl/pdf/9780787955892.pdf.

 Wikipedia, (2011). Collaborative Software.  Retrieved September 22, 2011 from   

           http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Collaborative_software.

Wikipedia, (2011). Wiki - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. (n.d.) Retrieved, September, 23, 2011 from    

          http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikis.

Updated mind map

Hello: Please check the updated image of my mind map.

Application

Application:

     Prior to starting this course in Distance Education, I look at Distance education with a narrow mindset.  Unaware, of the variety of combination of how Distance education could be offered.  I recalled during my undergraduate classes, I took English comp 2.  via a combination of f2f class and a television session with community college twice a week at a set time (in the middle of the night). I also recalled that years ago in Nigeria, my father received mail correspondence from Cambridge University seeking admission or taking a course from them. I am fascinated by the different forms of distance learning from the 1800 to date. Moller (2008) suggests, “e-learning allows for learning strategies that may not be possible in a classroom or other traditional environments”   I used to define distance learning as a form of self-study education acquired through the use of internet (as a medium) to impact knowledge, pushing the bulk of the course work on the learners.    

   Teaching and Learning at a Distance,” Simonson states, “as more technology resources are becoming available to educational settings, more students are becoming more involved in learning at a distance” (2009).  This week resources exposed me to a wealth of information, increased my awareness and refresh my long-term memory by associating previous experiences to the ideas on Distance learning. In my view, DL has grown to a critical part of everyday lives in educational and corporate environment. DL now involves the use of annotated video, animation, and social networks with open access to an interactive global community to make learning impactful.

I am a benefactor of DL, and I have learned and grown to embrace the flexible learning opportunities in both time and space (Huett, Moller, Foshay, & Coleman, 2008). My progress depends on my individual efforts, ability and self-motivation. Also, attending a DL course, there is a need to improve my technology skills from a basic user to a more advance user. In the previous courses, there were occasions when I felt that I should put the course on a hold, and take a course in IT to enable me be more successful. 

My organization is currently exploring DL to enable them meet the expansion needs geographically. Decentralization was a major consideration.  I recalled one of my conversions with my supervisor. He carelessly said, “Let’s do it” I laughed because, initiating and conducting courses online in a corporation requires way more than that. Though I discovered that there are some organizations out there marketing a complete package for online learning, I do not believe it could be successful without a person on the ground with the expertise required to run such programs. 

Personal Definition of Distance Learning:

With all these said, I will like to define Distance Learning as all inclusive form of education  that requires collaboration and effective communication between the learners,  institutions and the instructors

( instructional method)  the curriculum experts, with the use of adequate technology required to bring about effective learning. 

Future of Distance Learning:

 In conclusion, we are the future of Distance learning. The changing demographics of students are one of the driving forces behind distance learning. DL is becoming a commonplace for adult learners and technology savvy instructors.   Nowadays, the use of computers, iPods, phone, cell phones, internet and social networking tools such as blogs, wikis and  face book  just to name a few have become a more integrated part of society.  As technology evolves, distance education is changing the approach to learning in all facet of life. Blended learning is becoming the order of the day at almost every educational setting from k1-12 and above. Learners and educators are encouraged to stay on top of their game with the new trend in technology to continue fostering the best education practices across the board.

References:

 Kaufman and Watkins (1997) Assuring the Future for Distance Learning. Retrieved September 9, 2011 from  http://www.megaplanning.com/articles/DEfuture.pdf. P.2-3.

Moller, L., Foshay, W., & Huett, J. (2008). The evolution of distance education: Implications for instructional design on the potential of the web (Part 1: Training and development). TechTrends, 52(3), 70–75.

 Simonson, M., Smaldino, S., Albright, M., & Zvacek, S. (2009). Teaching and learning at a distance: Foundations of distance education (4th ed.) Boston, MA: Pearson.
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Please view my mind map with the link below

https://docs.google.com/viewer?attid=0.1&pid=gmail&thid=13256135cf6af45f&url=https://mail.google.com/mail/?ui%3D2%26ik%3D00d5ae107a%26view%3Datt%26th%3D13256135cf6af45f%26attid%3D0.1%26disp%3Dsafe%26zw&docid=6ac4c58b349c636b3ccaadd2ac5a656a|996a1fd2391208b413e84cf037e7aba1&chan=EQAAAFrBsKHhjreWZU8X1oxdwj7%2BuTxBbyMt1dNgSOr4pV8D&a=v&rel=zip;z1;Mind_map_of_Distance_Learning_definition_by_Folashade_Fawehinm.pdf

Welcome

Hello all. Your comments are welcome.

Blog Assignment : Fitting the Pieces Together

 Fitting the Pieces Together.

In all honesty, my view cannot be interpreted like change. It is better represented as “enhanced” by ever increasing pace of information every week. My ability to improve, access educational resources, and people’s network through blog websites. Finally, I learned more of new methods, skills, tools, software information, and gained knowledge on how to improve my personalized learning strategies, and how to integrate technology in instructional design process. 

In the past few weeks, I learned a lot as stated in my Learning Theory Matrix. It gave me the ability to  synthesize the various learning theories, by expanding my mental capabilities, comparing notes  and disseminating information as part of my work process, building personal network, and responding to various perspectives /feedback from my peers.

Responding to what role does Technology play on my learning? I will prefer to reverse the question to ask: How can technology better influence learning?

As stated in my discussion this week,  learners benefit from the use of a particular technology  when the method provided by the technology represents the salient part of student learning expectation, tasks, and aligns with the instructional design  usefulness of the concept as stated by the facilitator.

My experience in this course has been a fascinating one. I had no dull moment.  I saved a lot of resources, websites, software’s, and articles for future reference.  I would like to say that technology enhanced and encouraged me as a tool to dig dipper into numerous aspects of learning theories, learning styles, and resources out there.

Jonassen (1996) and other researchers have shown  that learning process might be changed as an effect of predominant media being used, because technology  or media has been successfully  evaluated  as a type of cognitive- mind tool.

 Technologies assist me to relate, associate and organize new ideas with previous knowledge.  In my understanding, I use technology for everything. I found out that a method may be applicable but the process may time-consuming. Technology has helped me to find the right tool for trade and complete learning and work process in a timely fashion.

Connectivism Blog Assignment

Connectivism

Mind mapping is a very valuable experience to me as an adult learner. Currently my mind map is simple due to my experience, but I look forward to see what my mind map will look like 6 months from now, or at the end of my program at Walden.

How has your network changed the way you learn?

As a self-directed learner, I take pride in working hard and getting comfortable by applying my learning experience. I like to connect to people if there is a need to do so. I have not been chatty about social network online because I so much value my privacy. My new experience at Walden has exposed me to meaningful social online network.

In the past, I used online search for fact finding, researched new ideas, and compared prices before shopping.  Now, my biggest learning tool is the Internet. With my online learning at Walden, I frequently log in to catch up with my peers, read responses, and respond to assignment or just browsing for in-depth knowledge about a topic of discussion. I am also intrigued by the diversity of perception of other learners on our discussion board.

Which Digital tool best facilitate learning for you?

As indicated by my mind map, I rely solely on the internet, the Walden resources and my peers to get work done.  I call at times when I need help with the technology aspect of the assignment, and I use the facilitator’s suggestions to complete my assignments as required.  I will prefer to conclude that I am using a combination of resources. 

How do you gain new knowledge when you have questions?

I search professional websites, Google, and use the resources provided by Walden University.  I take time to read the materials, and at times, I read twice to be comfortable that I know what to do. I relate new concepts to practical examples and experiences.  I explore additional readings and suggestions from my peers and informed parties. My new exposure to blogs has been another avenue to new knowledge.  When I struggle with technological application, I rely on my son who is a sophomore at Drexel University. He has been very supportive.

In what ways does your personal learning network support or refute the central tenets of connectivism?

George Siemens (2004) connectivism focuses on the integration of technology, social networks, and information in the learning process. If applied correctly, these three elements can lead to more practical experiences.  Though my mind map does not reflect equal use of the three elements, I feel that I am in a complete new world of knowledge and engagement by attending online courses.  I am using the knowledge gained to mold my thoughts, interpret, and create personalized learning strategies.

 Siemens, states that …” new information is continually being acquired and the ability to draw a distinction between important and unimportant information is vital.  Ability to recognize when new information alters the landscape based on decisions made yesterday” (Siemens, 2005, para. 24).

With this in mind, it is important for instructional designers to explore old and latest information, interpret and connect learners to make the best use of the combination of information available to them.

 Davis, C., Edmunds, E., & Kelly-Bateman, V. (2008). Connectivism. In M. Orey (Ed.), Emerging perspectives on learning, teaching, and technology. Retrieved from http://projects.coe.uga.edu/epltt/index.php?title=Connectivism

  

Connectivism

http://www.mywebspiration.com/view/666408aec59