January 30, 2017 through February 5, 2017 Required us to reflect on how online learning and teaching will change. After some thought I realized that just about everything we use now a day contains some digital property. The washing machine I brought from sears had to have the motherboard or brain as the tech called it replaced. Cars can be hooked up to a machine that performs diagnostics to determine the issues for a check engine light being on. These are a couple of examples of how online learning and teaching have and will continue to change. Technology is driving a lot of what we do and how we do it.
Module 1
February 6, 2017 through February 19, 2017 Required reading for the first module have been enlightening. Learning Theory and Technologies explained different learning theories. One needs to have an open mind as teaching and learning is constantly evolving. What was once thought to be true in education forty years ago, is not necessarily true today. In the first few weeks we have covered different learning theories. They include Behaviorist Theory which is a theory that is easily observable. The learning can be directed through stimuli. Unfortunately this theory does not consider other ways of learning. Cognitivist Theory which is a theory that uses problem solving and memory skills. However, this theory can not be directly observed. An E-portfolio with several journal entries are requirements of this Master’s program. I am adding another course of my learning to show the growth from the beginning of this journey to the current date. Having an E-portfolio is an excellent way to market one’s self. It gives perspective employers a way of viewing one’s abilities before a formal interview or position is offered. It also gives one a way to track or monitor growth. After seeing the benefits of having an E-portfolio I plan on creating one for my business as tracking my growth is important. My objective is to gain as much knowledge and awareness of Distance Education (DE) practices and theories and use this knowledge to guide future learners. I would like to find prospective work as an online instructor on either a full time or part time basis.
Module 2
February 20, 2017 through March 05, 2017 Required readings for this module helped to shape the definitions of different theories. I have learned to associate the Behaviorist theory with stimuli. Rewards for doing things correctly - good stimuli and punishments or taking away of something for doing things incorrectly - bad stimuli. Both types of stimuli can effect a change in behavior. Cognitivist theory one learning grows when information is added to what one already knows. There are pros and cons to both theories and combining these theories with each other and other theories such as the Constructivist will require having an open mind and the ability to use resources that are available. With this theory the learner plays an active role. It is useful for people with learning disabilities. One negative with this theory is the students assess themselves and this makes it difficult for the instructor to measure the amount of learning the student has attained. Using social media as a learning tool is something that can benefit the learner in a number of ways. For a required activity I chose Face Book (FB). I have used FB for personal use but could not imagine how it could be used on a professional level and a teaching tool. After researching FB I found that it could be useful for group discussions. The discussions could include how to complete a project or bouncing ideas off of others in your group. One could learn from other's knowledge using this tool or other tools that are similar.
Module 3
March 6, 2017 through March 19, 2017 As I completed the required readings for this module my “light bulb” came on moment happened when I realized that the Constructivist approach is a beneficial model to use when instructing those with learning disabilities. Although the Constructivist approach has some deficiencies it has many more positives aspects. I appreciate that the learners take an active role in their learning which puts the instructor in the position of facilitator. The shift in the duties of the learner and instructor was a bit difficult to grasp at first but I realize that it is no different than the style of learning I have been using since starting my Master’s Degree. Here the professors lead and guide but you learn by building on knowledge you already possess. Having a BS in Digital Media and Web Design, gives me many opportunities to use Web 2.0 technologies. Using them in a classroom to benefit those that I will instruct will assist me in being a more efficient instructor in Distance Education. There different tools, mention in our discussions and others that are not mentioned, if used properly will have the ability to push Open Collaborative Learning (OCL).
Module 4
March 20, 2017 through April 2, 2017 In Module 4 we discussed Connectivism and if it’s a new theory. When compared to all of the other theories we discussed yes, it is fairly new. Although there are experts that feel that Connectivism is not a new theory but a way to explain events. There are exerts that I agree with and they see it as a new learning theory that is good for use in learning in a digital era. It is also one of my favorite theories to date. It has made understanding the previous theories become clearer and I can see how using a little from the Behaviorist Theory and a little from the Cognitive Theory along with the Connectivist Theory and by combing the use of these theories the leaner will benefit a great deal. Connectivism has afforded those who would not otherwise have the opportunity a chance for higher education. This is being done through Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) and Open Educational Resources (OER). Which will require the use of Web 2.0 tools and the internet. The leaner will also need a way to connect to the internet by using some type of digital device like a laptop, tablet, desktop or smartphone. By using one of these devices to sign into a course the leaner will be able to participate in discussions and group projects. As the instructor, I will have a chance to offer feedback to the learner and learn and grow from what the learner has to offer.
Module 5
April 3, 2017 through April 16, 2017 The final module and my feelings are mixed. I feel like I have learned a lot about learning theories and how they operate. When working on my final project I am trying to decide what theories will benefit the learner best. Deciding to create the project and then apply the theory or using the theories create the project has been the most difficult decision thus far. I am doing my project on “Best Practices to be used with Adobe After Effects”. We have posted our drafts to the discussion and the feedback from my peers has been awesome. Some asked questions that helped me form ideas while others made suggestions that reinforced the plan I had put into practice. This gave me a sense of confidence that I am proceeding correctly. Below you will find a few of the “Best Practices” for instructors and learners. For Instructors: * Use Analysis Design Development Implementation Evaluation also known as the ADDIE Model. * Make sure that whatever you construct demonstrates variety, and is user-friendly or accessible to those with limitations. * Determine what and how you want to teach. * Determine what technology will be used. * Make the design a team effort. * Construct the course using current sources. * Use multiple theories and methods of instructing. * Become an expert on the technology you will be using i.e. the learning management system (LMS). * Create suitable objectives and ways to assess what the student learned and provide feedback. * Arrange the course formation and education undertakings. * Converse, correspond and communicate. For the students: * Be an aggressive participant. * Consider previous encounters and build on them. * Participate in discussions. * Participate in Communities of Practice (CoP). * Acknowledge and accept feedback.
Wrap-up
April 17, 2017 through April 21, 2017 I am able to put it altogether finally. While completing my final project for another course I found information that was able to assist me in completing my final project for this course. Being able to create sound best practices was something I thought would be a struggle and I worked on this project for a couple of weeks going back and forth trying to figure out the best approach. I read and re-read information but was at a loss. I put the project down and began to work on another class project. After completing that other class project I thought “this would be a good practice” and then another point made a good practice and before you know it I was creating “Best Practices” for this course. Once I got started I realized I was making the project harder than it needed to be. Concepts that I had difficulty understanding became crystal clear. What a wonderful way to end this semester.