What's New ??
Learning collaboratively, especially with an older age group has allowed me to gain from a wide range of experiences. In this course, I am able to hear the various experiences of using technology from a teacher and student point of view. There are no boundaries to distance education. It's exciting to be on the cutting edge of technology.
I am excited about learning the tech lingo. I can't wait to see the looks on the faces of my colleagues when I breakout with all this new terminology.
Also, it's interesting to see how the use of technology is making teaching and learning more relevant to the novice digital learner. Distance education can be used as a mechanism for transformation and I am excited to be a part of it !!!!!
A-Ha Moment
One of the things that sticks out from my readings for Module 2 is related to the time and effort needed by instructors to plan, design and implement asynchronous technology into their course. While I am hustling to read all these articles, the though has past my mind of the easy-breezy life the instructors have. However, considering the time and effort they invest in the preparation for the class is admirable. Also, the volume of student in online courses can be daunting. The time and effort in reading, and grading assignment is commendable. So....from a student and future educator....THANK YOU !!!!!
New Terminology
I cannot tell you how many time I have had to look up the definitions of asynchronous and synchronous to distinguish the difference. I think I have found a way to quickly recognize the difference. Here is my trick: The "S" in synchronous stands for "same time" and the "A" in asynchronous stands for "anytime".
References
McGreal R. & Elliott, M. (2008). Technologies of Online Learning (E-learning). In T. Anderson. T. (Ed.), Theory and practice of online learning (Second Edition). (pp. 143-165). Retrieved January 24, 2010 from http://www.aupress.ca/books/120146/ebook/06_Anderson_2008-Theory_and_Practice_of_Online_Learning.pdf
Stewart, A. R., Harlow, D. B., & DeBacco, K. (2011). Students' experience of synchronous learning in distributed environments. Distance Education, 32(3), 357-381. http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/01587919.2011.610289
Hi Renee,
ReplyDeleteI agree that learning new about technology is great. I am also soaking in everything that my classmates are sharing. I've already developed ideas about how I can use these new technologies in the workplace.
I've had to put together training sessions in the past, so I can appreciate your statement regarding instructional design. It's not an easy task; and then, you still have to keep everyone engaged. For adult learners, I normally focus on a topic for about 20 - 30 minutes before throwing in an activity. As I plan for future training sessions, I can foresee these new technologies playing a role in those exercises.
P.S. I love your tick about synchronous and asynchronous!