For online teaching to be effective, you must think about many things including:
- ensure a high level of student interaction/participation
- provide feedcack
- moderate/facilitate student discussions
- mastery of the online environment
- faculty collaboration
I feel that online teaching can be more time consuming than the traditional teaching approach. However, if well organized, the workload will not be so overwhelming. There many advantages and possibilities through distance education. Some of them include:
- community
- shared knowledge
- exploration
- authenticity
- studen-centeredness
- multisensory approach-
- collaboration
- unboundedness
- availability
For me, DE is an amazing opportunity to work and take classes. I love the many options that are available.
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Standard and Lesson Plan
Standard/Lesson Plan
To prepare lesson plans, you must first think about what standards you want students to achieve. The content of the lesson’s procedures are focused around the standards. KY Core Content has standards for each grade level that students must meet.
There are many parts to a lesson plan.
Step 1: Gather resources, content, and the curriculum you will be using.
Step 2: Make objectives and goals.
Step 3: Make guiding questions that focus on real-life connections.
Step 4: Learning connections and teaching strategies.
Step 5: Assessment
To ensure that you write a focused lesson plan, you can link to
http://www.ncrtec.org/tl/lp/, for help.
For state standards, visit http://www.academicbenchmarks.com/search/?&state=KY or the KY Department of Education.
There are thousands of free lesson plans online. Using the internet is a great way to find new ways to teach content or to find enrichment activities. Planning lessons can be a very time consuming task. With many places to find resources from, it is not so overwhelming.
To prepare lesson plans, you must first think about what standards you want students to achieve. The content of the lesson’s procedures are focused around the standards. KY Core Content has standards for each grade level that students must meet.
There are many parts to a lesson plan.
Step 1: Gather resources, content, and the curriculum you will be using.
Step 2: Make objectives and goals.
Step 3: Make guiding questions that focus on real-life connections.
Step 4: Learning connections and teaching strategies.
Step 5: Assessment
To ensure that you write a focused lesson plan, you can link to
http://www.ncrtec.org/tl/lp/, for help.
For state standards, visit http://www.academicbenchmarks.com/search/?&state=KY or the KY Department of Education.
There are thousands of free lesson plans online. Using the internet is a great way to find new ways to teach content or to find enrichment activities. Planning lessons can be a very time consuming task. With many places to find resources from, it is not so overwhelming.
Innovate Course Designs
Innovate Course Design
When I googled innovate course design, I found several links to training material.
At the Lost Library of MOO
I found links at sourceforge.net for training materials. Some of the material consisted of software updates, install configuration procedures, and design concepts. Some of the linking sites to find additional training materials or ideas for course design at MOO are:
Links
-Wikispaces, CMS systems, Graphics, message boards, site management, blogging, frameworks
(all of these links can be found under the LambdaMOO Server Source at sourceforge.net site at MOO)
Examples of links:
- Wikispaces- offers open communication and collaboration/ availability for web applications
- Message boards (XOOPS)- a web application platform for developing large and small community websites
When I googled innovate course design, I found several links to training material.
At the Lost Library of MOO
I found links at sourceforge.net for training materials. Some of the material consisted of software updates, install configuration procedures, and design concepts. Some of the linking sites to find additional training materials or ideas for course design at MOO are:
Links
-Wikispaces, CMS systems, Graphics, message boards, site management, blogging, frameworks
(all of these links can be found under the LambdaMOO Server Source at sourceforge.net site at MOO)
Examples of links:
- Wikispaces- offers open communication and collaboration/ availability for web applications
- Message boards (XOOPS)- a web application platform for developing large and small community websites
Monday, September 21, 2009
Week 6 Things to Write
The toolbox has had a tremendous impact, by making me think. I have thought a lot about what tools are essential for a DE class and why they are necessary. They have influenced my choice of design, making my design more focused. I no longer think in generic terms, but focus on what is the most important details to include in my design. I have obtained a great set of tools through this class, that assist me in making the details I include in my design, easier to find. I love so many of the tools and sites that I have explored. It is difficult to choose my favorite.
When designing a course it is important to use many tools. Having a variety of tools to choose from assists you in creating a thorough design. There are many tools that are necessary from both toolboxes. Without these tools it would take longer to research or explore specific topics. When given a topic to write about, you can immediately grab one of the tools that relates to the topic and get busy writing. Without these tools you would be surfing google until you were about to pull your hair out.
The course objectives are a fact of life. Without having these tools, resources, and writings you would not experience any growth. It is important to be equipped with many tools, to become a great writer/thinker. Without using these sites and tools, you would not develop a better understanding of the many facets of learning through technology.
When designing a course it is important to use many tools. Having a variety of tools to choose from assists you in creating a thorough design. There are many tools that are necessary from both toolboxes. Without these tools it would take longer to research or explore specific topics. When given a topic to write about, you can immediately grab one of the tools that relates to the topic and get busy writing. Without these tools you would be surfing google until you were about to pull your hair out.
The course objectives are a fact of life. Without having these tools, resources, and writings you would not experience any growth. It is important to be equipped with many tools, to become a great writer/thinker. Without using these sites and tools, you would not develop a better understanding of the many facets of learning through technology.
Advanced Toolbox
In an advanced toolbox you could include the following resources:
- MUD, MOO, MUSH
- Link to a 3-D virtual world
- Skype, Gizmo, or IM
- Wikispaces
- Elluminate
For me, these resources are extensions of the basic tools in my toolbox. These links are easily accessible with a wealth of information. They offer an extra way not only to find information, but a way to communicate with many others.
- MUD, MOO, MUSH
- Link to a 3-D virtual world
- Skype, Gizmo, or IM
- Wikispaces
- Elluminate
For me, these resources are extensions of the basic tools in my toolbox. These links are easily accessible with a wealth of information. They offer an extra way not only to find information, but a way to communicate with many others.
Friday, September 18, 2009
Ch. 7 Kearsley
Some of the most important factors that I think make an online course successful are having sufficient course documents, content, ample tools, flexibility, usability, and organization. The course documents vital to making the class successful for teacher/student are syllabuses, lesson plans, contact information, and good communication. The tools, content, usability, flexibility, and organization are "ingredients of good-quality online courses." The students, if these factors are all available, should perform well.
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Lecture-Ware, Elluminate
Online Learning
When I googled Lecture-Ware many universities came up with speakers giving lectures. Through Eluminate, many online learning sessions for DE and training are possible. There is a benefit to using the Internet while someone lectures. The benefit is to enforce DE and for eLearning and open communication to take place. Synchronous Learning Systems have created new ways of teaching to integrate the real-time traditional classroom with the benefits of online communication and collaboration to reach a variety of learning styles. For students with a disability, it reaches those learners through audiovisual tools. (https://www.elluminate.com/ecc2007/sessions.jsp)
Skype, Gizmo, IM
Skype is a software application used for voice calls over the internet. Skype has experienced rapid growth in popular usage since the launch of its services.
Gizmo can be downloaded and used to send messages over any mobile phone.
Some of the top IM tools were Adium, google talk, iChat, Meebo, Pidgin, Skype, Trillan, and Windows Live Messenger. These tools are used to communicate using instant text messaging, voice, and video calls over the Internet.
3D Virtual Worlds
Virtual Worlds
Active World and Second Life are 3D virtual worlds. Second Life (SL) has brought the term "3-D world" closer to mainstream with millions more or participants this year. The Active Worlds program Active Worlds Educational Universe (AWEDU) incorporates many educational worlds for educators to explore. Second Life (SL) is the most sought after "virtual world" currently and continues to provide an exceptional effort in reaching out to the educational community and providing resources.
3D Virtual Worlds
Virtual Worlds
Active World and Second Life are 3D virtual worlds. Second Life (SL) has brought the term "3-D world" closer to mainstream with millions more or participants this year. The Active Worlds program Active Worlds Educational Universe (AWEDU) incorporates many educational worlds for educators to explore. Second Life (SL) is the most sought after "virtual world" currently and continues to provide an exceptional effort in reaching out to the educational community and providing resources.
Wikispaces
Wikispaces
Wikispaces are a hosting service available for business, educators... Wikis are simple web pages that groups, friends, and families can edit together.
A blog is a website, created mostly by an individual, with regular entries of commentary, descriptions of events, or other material such as a video. The difference that I noted between a wiki and blog is that blogs are mostly posts/comments made by an individual and a wiki is a site where an individual posts/comments together with other individuals. I am not sure, but I think this is the main difference. I found my information at (wikipedia).
MOO, MUD, and MUSH
MOO, MUD, and MUSH
MUD is an online gaming network that is a virtual world for players to interact and attain goals like special powers. “Not all MUDs are games; some, more typically those referred to as MOOs, are used in distance education or for virtual conferences.” (wikipedia) MUD offers on-line teaching and learning and allows computer based communication.
MUSH is a text-based social network which allows multiplie users to interact socially.
“A primary feature of MUSH codebases that tends to distinguish it from other multi-user environments is the ability, by default, of any player to extend the world by creating new rooms or objects and specifying their behavior in the MUSH's internal scripting language.” (wikipedia) MUSH offers on-line teaching and learning and allows computer based communication.
MOO is a text-based online virtual world in which multiple users can interact. MOO offers the opportunity for anyone in the world to learn and interact with each other. Teaching and learning can take place through an educational MOO which has tools such as email, newspapers, documents, blackboards, and classrooms to reach all learners.
MUD is an online gaming network that is a virtual world for players to interact and attain goals like special powers. “Not all MUDs are games; some, more typically those referred to as MOOs, are used in distance education or for virtual conferences.” (wikipedia) MUD offers on-line teaching and learning and allows computer based communication.
MUSH is a text-based social network which allows multiplie users to interact socially.
“A primary feature of MUSH codebases that tends to distinguish it from other multi-user environments is the ability, by default, of any player to extend the world by creating new rooms or objects and specifying their behavior in the MUSH's internal scripting language.” (wikipedia) MUSH offers on-line teaching and learning and allows computer based communication.
MOO is a text-based online virtual world in which multiple users can interact. MOO offers the opportunity for anyone in the world to learn and interact with each other. Teaching and learning can take place through an educational MOO which has tools such as email, newspapers, documents, blackboards, and classrooms to reach all learners.
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Tool to use online and in the classroom
OLDaily source
http://chronicle.com/article/New-E-Textbooks-Do-More-Than/48324/?sid=at&utm_source=at&utm_medium=en
Article Title- New E-Textbooks Do More Than Inform: They'll Even Grade You
The McGraw-Hill publishing company is trying to adopt a new line of e-textbooks. Some of the features of the e-textbook are that they post homework assignments and then grade the homework as it's finished, all online. Professors and students will get the results from the homework quickly. The company is encouraging professors to have students purchase the e-textbook instead of having their own choice of a printed book or an e-textbook. The e-textbook is being designed so that students can jump around easily to find answers to homework or to specific parts of a professor's lecture.
In an online course the e-textbook would be ideal. Professors and students would have an easier task with homework. Students could jump around through chapters more quickly to find answers to homework. Professors could recieve the results of homework scores automatically.
In a classroom based course this e-textbook would not be ideal, unless all students had laptop computers. If everyone had access to a computer then the e-textbook would assist professors and students in saving time on homework. Students could find answers more quickly using an e-textbook and professors would spend less time grading homework.
More information about e-texbooks can be researched at
Inside Higher Ed http://www.insidehighered.com/news/2008/01/03/ebooks.
At this site it discusses the social-networking purposes and the publishers purposes for having e-textbooks.
http://chronicle.com/article/New-E-Textbooks-Do-More-Than/48324/?sid=at&utm_source=at&utm_medium=en
Article Title- New E-Textbooks Do More Than Inform: They'll Even Grade You
The McGraw-Hill publishing company is trying to adopt a new line of e-textbooks. Some of the features of the e-textbook are that they post homework assignments and then grade the homework as it's finished, all online. Professors and students will get the results from the homework quickly. The company is encouraging professors to have students purchase the e-textbook instead of having their own choice of a printed book or an e-textbook. The e-textbook is being designed so that students can jump around easily to find answers to homework or to specific parts of a professor's lecture.
In an online course the e-textbook would be ideal. Professors and students would have an easier task with homework. Students could jump around through chapters more quickly to find answers to homework. Professors could recieve the results of homework scores automatically.
In a classroom based course this e-textbook would not be ideal, unless all students had laptop computers. If everyone had access to a computer then the e-textbook would assist professors and students in saving time on homework. Students could find answers more quickly using an e-textbook and professors would spend less time grading homework.
More information about e-texbooks can be researched at
Inside Higher Ed http://www.insidehighered.com/news/2008/01/03/ebooks.
At this site it discusses the social-networking purposes and the publishers purposes for having e-textbooks.
Monday, September 7, 2009
Lost Library of Moo Article
One of the articles from the Lost Library of Moo was, MUD'S (Multiple user Dimensions) site.
This site was for a MUD Starter Kit and included a general overview of what the program is. I had no clue what this program was, after reviewing the eight user dimensions, I have a general knowledge of it’s uses. MUD has been referred to as a “text-based reality." With MUD you can interact with many users and your environment. It provides a virtual experience where you can communicate commands used in the real-world (like whisper/shout). You can also interact with users using non-verbal communication (like shake hands). There are many rooms you can visit to chat in like an office or castle. Also, there are games to play, most of the options are limited to one central goal (killing). One of the experiences that you can try is MUA’s (Multiple User Adventures) that is an interactive, multi-user computer game. MUA’s can be used to chat with several people all over the world or play a game alone.
This site was for a MUD Starter Kit and included a general overview of what the program is. I had no clue what this program was, after reviewing the eight user dimensions, I have a general knowledge of it’s uses. MUD has been referred to as a “text-based reality." With MUD you can interact with many users and your environment. It provides a virtual experience where you can communicate commands used in the real-world (like whisper/shout). You can also interact with users using non-verbal communication (like shake hands). There are many rooms you can visit to chat in like an office or castle. Also, there are games to play, most of the options are limited to one central goal (killing). One of the experiences that you can try is MUA’s (Multiple User Adventures) that is an interactive, multi-user computer game. MUA’s can be used to chat with several people all over the world or play a game alone.
Basic Toolbox
To teach a course online, some of the tools I would equip students with include:
- a required online reading materials link
- a threaded discussion link
- email and IM addresses
- Tappedin
- OLDaily
- Help Forum
- NSBAs Toolkit link
- Teacher Tap link
- webopedia.com link
- wordpress.com for blog address
-Google.com/view for blog feeder
The email/IM addresses, threaded discussion board, Tapedin, blogs, and help forum are essentials in keeping an open communication line between the instructor/student + student/student. Without these tools, daily communication would have many missed opportunities. These tools allow open discussions at any time of the day. I have used email and the help forum to assist me with several problems I was facing, as I was setting up my blog, gator, and linking addresses to my feeder.
The Tappedin, OLDaily, NSBAs Toolkit link, Teacher Tap link and webopedia.com are essential in learning new concepts or researching information. These sites are very helpful in answering questions that arise with the use/application of technology. I really like the OLDaily site because it allows you to explore current events around the world. The Tappedin site is great too because you can post questions and have discussions with other educators about concerns (as well as contribute ideas or tips).
The online reading materials link provides students one exclusive to site to check for all required readings. Students can check this site for all of the readings they may have to do, in addition to their readings from a textbook. This site can also provide links to games or simulations that students can explore to enhance their own classroom or position as an educator.
These are some of the tools that I think are vital to have in any toolkit for a DE class. Without these tools, there would be a breakdown in communication, as well as, breakdown in professional development.
Many of these sites would not be possible to link to, a decade ago, let alone two years ago. We continue to evolve as educators, adding to our toolboxes, infinite sources of information and possibilities.
- a required online reading materials link
- a threaded discussion link
- email and IM addresses
- Tappedin
- OLDaily
- Help Forum
- NSBAs Toolkit link
- Teacher Tap link
- webopedia.com link
- wordpress.com for blog address
-Google.com/view for blog feeder
The email/IM addresses, threaded discussion board, Tapedin, blogs, and help forum are essentials in keeping an open communication line between the instructor/student + student/student. Without these tools, daily communication would have many missed opportunities. These tools allow open discussions at any time of the day. I have used email and the help forum to assist me with several problems I was facing, as I was setting up my blog, gator, and linking addresses to my feeder.
The Tappedin, OLDaily, NSBAs Toolkit link, Teacher Tap link and webopedia.com are essential in learning new concepts or researching information. These sites are very helpful in answering questions that arise with the use/application of technology. I really like the OLDaily site because it allows you to explore current events around the world. The Tappedin site is great too because you can post questions and have discussions with other educators about concerns (as well as contribute ideas or tips).
The online reading materials link provides students one exclusive to site to check for all required readings. Students can check this site for all of the readings they may have to do, in addition to their readings from a textbook. This site can also provide links to games or simulations that students can explore to enhance their own classroom or position as an educator.
These are some of the tools that I think are vital to have in any toolkit for a DE class. Without these tools, there would be a breakdown in communication, as well as, breakdown in professional development.
Many of these sites would not be possible to link to, a decade ago, let alone two years ago. We continue to evolve as educators, adding to our toolboxes, infinite sources of information and possibilities.
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