Engaging Learners with New Strategies and Tools

Today's generation is equipped with modern technology that is not only used for pleasure, but has the capabilities to assist them academically. Many of these devices possess these qualities unbeknownst to its user. Devices such as iPads and iPods have become ideal in today's classrooms. Additionally, the use of Skype, chat rooms, wiki boards, and blogs have aided in allowing students to collaborate with ideas to form a more enhanced knowledge of the subject in discussion. Outside tools such as the iPad and iPod engage students in the learning process. These products are common use to its owners, therefore, allowing them the advantage of knowing its operation. The applications that can be downloaded on the devices, assist students in academics through the creation of leveled learning tools. They also have voice and video recorders which can bring out the creativity in a student.

Gaming has provided students with an alternative to the traditional methods of learning and has proven to be a technique that improves the understanding level of students. Peer-to-Peer interaction through collaboration is another strategy that has strengthened the level of understanding in students. Collaborating via Skype, social networking sites, blogs, and wiki boards allow students to get insight from the perspective of their peers. Discussing information on this level allows them feels a sense of comfort, as they are willing to have discussions without feeling the pressures of maintaining accurate grammar and assessment.

The ability of these tools to effectively work well in the learning environment also depends on the instructors methods of incorporation. These products must demonstrate relevancy to the topic. The usage of technology should correspond to a particular skill or unit. Storing technological tools around the classroom without use, to suit the representation of today's classroom is an inadequate method of attempting to engage instruction. Technology has the advantage of bringing interaction among students and the instructor, as well as engaging students in the learning process, therefore enhancing their ability to think cognitively, logically, and analytically.

I responded to:

jshives11 ~ http://jshives11.blogspot.com/2011/07/module-4-engaging-learners-with-new.html#comments

P. LaPollo ~ http://educ7102.wordpress.com/module-4/#comment-20

Assessing Collaborative Efforts

The quest to determine how collaborative participation should be assessed lies first in defining the role of participation.  The educator must first establish the criteria of how each individual should contribute to the task.  This information must then be shared in detail with the students.  Secondly, the educator must determine an evaluative mechanism based on the established criteria (Marcinek, 2011).  The educator must ensure that their assessment provides attainable tasks for a variety of leveled learners.  Therefore, the assessments should be created in a variety of forms both traditional and authentic.  To begin understanding how this can be created, educators must holistically understand their students.  This can be determined through obtaining students learning patterns, attitudes toward learning, current skill level, interests, and so forth.  

When entertaining the element of fair and direct as described by Siemens (2008) in regards to assessment, the educator should be assessing the student’s ability to communicate within a group setting.  Whether the individual maintains a massive amount of knowledge or little knowledge of the concept at the beginning of instruction has no regard to their ability of working collaboratively.  Assessment should be observed at the beginning, middle, and end of each task, allowing each individual an appropriate amount to time to formulate knowledge, opinions, philosophies, etc. of the concept.  Therefore, the ability of the educator in establishing participation lies in the student’s ability to effectively contribute to the learning population.  Consequently the capability of an educator to provide fair and equitable assessments directly link to offering sufficient time.  

The instructor as well as the students play the role of facilitator in an online learning environment.  However, the instructor is in responsible for outlining expectations, providing support, and giving consistent feedback on all learning applications.  If a student does not initially engage in the collaborative process, the group members can probe them through direct questioning.  If there is still resistance the group members must attempt to make them understand that the learning environment is one that is welcoming and free of bias and criticism.  When the group members have no other resort, the instructor should be notified, in which they should then stress the importance of why collaboration is important and its role in the course.  This should not affect the assessment plan created by the instructor, since the criteria of the course had been defined in its initial stage.  

In all, assessments are tools used to measure particular criteria.  The measurement must be undoubtedly defined, attainable, have rationale, and created to suit a variety of leveled learners.  When applied effectively, this tool can enhance the learning capabilities of every learner.

References

Laureate Education, Inc. (Executive Producer). (2008). Distance Education: Assessment of Collaborative Learning [Video]. Baltimore, MD: Author

Marcinek, A., (2011). Importance of Collaborative Assessment in a 21st Century Classroom. Retrieved on July 12, 2011 from http://www.edutopia.org/blog/collaborative-assessment-digital-classroom-social-media-tools

I responded to:

Bianca Lochner ~ http://lochneruni.blogspot.com/2011/07/educ-8842-module-3_13.html?showComment=1310782062457#c3551666050486408722

Patrick LaPollo ~ http://educ7102.wordpress.com/module-3/#comment-16

Scoial Presence Storyboard

Social Presence Storyboard version 1       July 10, 2011

                       Visuals                                        Narration

Soft music will play  Background will be solid	N/A
Mobile video footage of spokesperson	The spokesperson will greet the audience “Good afternoon!  Welcome to the Children’s Learning Museum.  Our guest speaker has a wonderful presentation for you today…”
Still shots of individualized learning	The spokesperson illustrates different learning environments Individualized learning shots will illustrate the significance of collaboration, as students should receive support in a variety of learning methods.
Mobile video footage of students	Colleagues discuss their interactions with distance education Students will discuss how they successfully engage in distance learning and what elements have assisted them.
Mobile video footage of spokesperson	The spokesperson discusses personal experience with distance education I will discuss my personal experience with distance education pertaining to the speaker’s topic of interest.
Mobile video footage of spokesperson	The spokesperson discusses topic I will discuss the topic further in regards to its importance, research, and how it can be obtained in the arena of distance education.
Mobile video footage of spokesperson	The spokesperson introduces the speaker to the audience The speaker will be introduced to the audience “Please welcome [Name of the speaker]!”
Mobile video footage of spokesperson	Credits All persons involved in assisting with the creation of this video will be credited.

I responded to:
  Bianca Lochner ~ http://lochneruni.blogspot.com/2011/07/educ-8842-module 3.html?showComment=1310783443691#c8754901303636927633

   Patrick LaPollo ~ http://educ7102.wordpress.com/story-board/#comment-17