Module 4 Responses

I posted comments to the following blogs for module 4

http://wknopf.wordpress.com/2012/10/20/graphic-organizer/graphic-organizer-2/comment-page-1/#comment-11

http://april-carpenter.blogspot.com/2012/10/engaging-learners-with-new-strategies.html

Engaging Learners with New Strategies and Tools

There is a wide range of technologies which be incorporated in efforts to research information and generate knowledge.  These tools are available to just about everyone. McAroy suggests that young learners have a desire to grasp technology as an effective tool for education (McAroy, 2011).  Educators can implement these tools to create environments or scenarios where learners cam communicate with them as well as their peers.
 
Collaboration can be accomplished by way of wikis, blogs, and discussions. Skype and video conferencing offer an added element for those of us who prefer being able to see whom they are interacting with in a similar fashion as face to face. They must however be able to deal with the fact that geographical differences may exist.
 
Discussions enable the simultaneous sharing of learner experiences and perspectives in a manner that is developed not to disrupt the thoughts of others whom are participating. Technology has made a tremendous impact on the methods we utilize as educators and learners to build content, communicate, and collaborate. Finding ways to incorporate these tools into the classroom will help to enhance learning and teaching

Reference

http://bmcaroy7102.blogspot.com/

8842 Module 3 - Assessing Collaborative Efforts: Responses

http://lukebilger.blogspot.com/2011/12/distance-education-collaborative.html?showComment=1350185120121#c4527050187063945233

http://principlesofdistanceed.blogspot.com/2012/10/assessing-collaborative-efforts.html?showComment=1350185630731#c1724503948176567659

8842 Module 3 - Assessing Collaborative Efforts

Assessment of collaborative learning can be delivered in a number of ways.  One effective method is allowing classmates to assess each other.  Siemens suggested that educators diminish their role as the sole individual conducting all of the assessment (Laureate Education, 2008).  Moreover, Siemens postulates that instructors ought to direct learners to online communities where they can network with other learners as well as offer and provide feedback (Laureate Education, 2008).  Learning Management Systems (LMS) are tools that educators can utilize to assist in the assessment of online collaboration.  Via LMS educators have the ability to track and assess learners based on metrics relating to time used for group activities as well as log in time and duration.  

Students can choose not to participate in group activities for a lot of reasons.  Whether their reasons are positive or negative, lack of participation in a collaborative environment is unacceptable.   Siemens asserts that educators must establish a fusion of environments among community as well as individual environments in order to develop effective learning experiences (Laureate Education, 2008).  This will help those individuals who are reluctant to completely abandon an individualistic approach.   Members of the learning community can encourage others who may be reluctant to participate by inviting them to conversations or asking them for advice on an assignment.  Siemens suggested that educators base their assessment on participation which has been guided by clearly stated outcomes (Laureate Education, 2008).   

According to Miller (2011) relying on a singular assessment model proves to be ineffective due to the fact that learning objectives are not developed from a singular model.  If a student refuses to participate, he or she is making a conscious decision not to do so.  Instructors are obligated to get involved in situations where learners may over or under participate because doing so will help to reduce any conflict or frustration (Palloff and Pratt, 2005).  There are situations which call for educators to modify their assessment plan but I do not think this is one of them.   According to Siemens, educators have to modify their assessment model to focus on community learning approaches (Laureate Education, 2008).

References

http://b767miller.blogspot.com/2011/10/module-3-blog-post-3.html

Laureate Education, Inc. (2008). Assessment of collaborative learning. Baltimore, MD: Author.

Palloff, R. M., & Pratt, K. (2005). Collaborating online: Learning together in community. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass.

Storyboard for Video Presentation

Below is the link to my storyboard:

8842 Storyboard for Video Presentation