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Description/summary of main ideas in the chapter.
The author begins the chapter by discussing some characteristics of Web 2.0 applications. The “old school” Web method has been described as “one-to-many,” and not really user-centered. WebPages in the past have merely been information depositories, not interactive and helpful. An important characteristic of a Web 2.0 tool is its shared ownership. The tools are being shared in many ways, thus creating a sense of community and sharing among the tool’s code, features, suggestions users may have, etc. In addition the tools have created networking groups where multiple intelligences are combined for the common effort of utilizing and improving an application. Another important characteristic of Web 2.0 tools is the “instant gratification” factor. All of these tools have the ability to show instant results and feedback, whether it is a design application or quizzing tool. This is a critical characteristic of Web 2.0.
The authors continue by discussing instructional design trends and the framework by which that is done. “The framework is characterized by (a) learner-centered approach, (b) interactive social communication, (c) and dynamic learning. The implementation of this framework is of equal importance—the guidelines given in Chapter 4 are helpful to determine that steps one should take for implementation (activity vs. behavior, initiating an open-ended learning environment, and prompting self-regulation and meta-cognitive thinking).
Discussion of the strengths and weaknesses of the chapter.
A definite strength of this chapter, in my opinion, would be its organization and thoroughness of the topic covered. It presented new information in that I had not yet read, and presented several design models (WisCom, T5, 3PD) of which I had no previous knowledge of.
As some of the other students have mentioned, I found this chapter slightly difficult to follow, as it mentioned some terms that I had to “brush up” on—ones I’d not discussed in a while. Otherwise, I found this chapter to be a pretty effective read.
How could teachers/educators use the material/information addressed in the chapter to help improve their instruction or professional development?
While I do believe teachers could read and learn from the chapter at hand, I do believe it would be a slightly difficult read for implementation of Web 2.0 tools. by teachers alone. Rather, I believe the implementation steps and guidelines would be more beneficial to an instructional designer or technology facilitator. While I believe, ultimately, this information would prove to be helpful or beneficial to teachers that are eager to implement Web 2.0 technologies into their classroom, it seems that the cognitive level of this chapter focuses more on a subject body that studies it more closely, such as an instructional technologist.
What future trends do you see coming from the topics dealt with in the chapter? In other words, do you think the material/information discussed in the chapter has any relevancy to the future or is it just a passing fad?
A future trend I hope to see is more implementation of Web 2.0 technologies across the education board. While sometimes it seems as if many of the Web 2.0 tools can be geared towards more higher education students, there are a wealth of them that are perfect for K-12 students. It is my hopes that I am able to begin implementing more of these tools into my classroom routine and practices with my students, as well as share relevant tools to fellow teachers that may be looking to implement more Web 2.0 technologies into their classroom. I definitely feel that Web 2.0 is here to stay and will continue to “wow” us as tools with more and more controls are developed and shared throughout the education sector.
What you learned from reading this chapter?
For me, there was a lot of new knowledge presented in this chapter. Specifically, the instructional design models in e-learning were new and interesting theories I’ve learned. Previously acquired knowledge relevant to this chapter would include the instructional design model of ADDIE (Analyze, Design, Develop, Implement, Evaluate). This design model has been studied and examined practically and extensively in Dr. Hartsell’s IT 601 course.
Did you feel the chapter helped in your understanding of the use of technology in education?
As mentioned earlier, I found the chapter a little difficult to read because of some of the academic terminology that I have not used/studied in awhile. Overall, I enjoyed reading this chapter—I know this textbook will prove to be a great resource for library!
Description/summary of main ideas in the chapters.
Chapter 7
The first section of Chapter 7, “Use of Wikis to Support Collaboration among Online Students.” provided a well-rounded background of the need and past success for collaboration in the classroom. One of the most important aspects of collaborative learning, in my opinion, is the fostering of deep learning that comes from collaborative efforts. Collaboration in general encourages students to learn from each other and to be involved with the project at hand. Another benefit mentioned in this section comes from the theory that “two heads are better than one.” Students, as individuals, can vastly differ in terms of cultural backgrounds, at-home responsibilities, professional occupations, and general life experiences. Because of this, each person of a group has a unique view and opinion to bring to the table. This helps cultivates a deeper understanding and vision of the project, task, or problem at hand, by raising the possibility of another viewpoint or opinion being addressed. The section then introduced the Wiki application, a collaborative Webpage whereby students from all over the building, city, state, or country are able to log-in and edit, manage, or create information on a page. Wikis can be especially useful in a distance learning scenario, making it much easier to collaboratively work on a project simultaneously, or whenever it’s convenient for the group members.
The next section of Chapter 7 discusses the actual implementation of a wiki into a classroom. I found this section especially useful and interesting. The section suggests a number of ways wikis can enhance collaborative learning assignments. For example, a teacher can divide students into groups of 2-4 and each group will alternate being responsible for that week’s chapter summary, depending on what is being taught in class. Wikis may also be used as brainstorming guides for groups that are beginning a project. Brainstorming may include topic ideas, resources, or methods of presentation deliveries, just for example. The section continues by discussing seven “critical responsibilities” of a teacher that is facilitating the use of wikis in his/her classroom. These include the following: Setting up the wiki software; Creating a framework for the wiki pages; Developing instructions for students; Encouraging student editing of each other’s entries; Planning in advance for dispute resolutions, should conflicts arise; Monitor the use of the wiki during the duration of the course; and Evaluate the collaborative effort made by each contributing group member.
The third section of Chapter 7 focuses on the criteria one should use to evaluate the wiki software product being chosen. Based on technical performance features and cost, a wide array of functional wikis are available. Some more advanced and expensive wiki software will include features such as hyperlinking, multimedia (audio/video capability), attachments, email notifications, access controls, and commenting. The section also raises the possibility of integrating a wiki into a presently-running course management system, such as Blackboard.
The final section of Chapter 7 discusses possible future trends using the educational technology tool of wikis. Suggestions made by the author that are pertinent, in my opinion, include making a wiki the primary collaboration tool in an online (or face-to-face) teaching environment. Stand-alone wiki applications should more or less be altogether depleted because of their awkwardness and confusion they may bring to teachers and students alike, especially those that are mastering the navigation and tools of a separate course management system, such as Blackboard or Moodle. Finally, the most interesting suggestion given by the authors, in my opinion, is that capability of mobile notifications once a wiki has been created, modified, or finalized. I, too, believe these wiki functions will be available within the next few years.
Chapter 8
This chapter, “Wikibook Transformations and Disruptions,” addressed the issue of the rising cost of textbooks and the convenience and accessibility that the possibility of wikibooks bring. Wikibooks allow for joint editing of large amounts of content. The chapter discussed several class projects conducted whereby students were participants in the editing of a wikibook. Wikibooks have the power to allow students to take control of their own learning by literally putting it into their own hands. The amount of scaffolding and reflection needed to collaborate in a project such as this induces the learner into an experience that may not have been met otherwise.
Discussion of the strengths and weaknesses of the chapter.
I really enjoyed reading chapter and felt as if it gave me a wealth of new information, knowledge, insight, and ideas in which I had not previously considered involving the use of wikis in education. The chapters, like the previously assigned, were simple to read and easy to follow. I especially found useful the section in Chapter 7 that discusses the responsibilities of a teacher that are critical to the success of wikis in a classroom. This information will be valuable to me as I begin implementing Web 2.0 tools like this into my classroom.
Other than a few minor grammatically incorrect sentences in Chapter 7, I did not note any other weaknesses in the chapters. All in all, both provided great insight to the implementation of these tools and the uses they have (and potentially have) in education.
How could teachers/educators use the material/information addressed in the chapter to help improve their instruction or professional development?
In terms of professional development, I believe a content-driven wiki could be useful for teachers of the same subject matter. For example, teaching a computer graphics class, I could collaborate with other teachers in the state and share activities, projects, tips, and fundraising ideas that have been successful during my teaching. Professional development of this kind could benefit instructors of types—young, old, new, or veteran. Like Chapter 7 mentions, there is wisdom found in crowds. In this particular case, everyone could offer something unique to the wiki. Perhaps younger, new teachers could provide links or attachments of tutorials for newly-released software, or step-by-step instructions for an innovative project that really catches the student’s attention. The older, more experience veteran teacher may contribute an especially effective tool that helps students understand the use of typography, color theory, evolution of graphic design, or another static topic that has more or less remained “the same” for years. Both chapters have given me new ideas for professional development through the use of wikis.
What future trends do you see coming from the topics dealt with in the chapter? In other words, do you think the material/information discussed in the chapter has any relevancy to the future or is it just a passing fad?
I believe the up-and-coming uses of wikibooks in education are here to stay. With educational budget crises, the cost of textbooks for secondary institutions, as well as post-secondary students, will continue to rise. The use of wikibooks has the potential to cut costs and provide students with more opportunity to expand upon the skills or knowledge they have recently acquired. More specifically, I especially liked the idea of creating a digital portfolio using the concept of a wikibook as a means for alternative assessment.
What you learned from reading this chapter? If the article did not reveal any new information, explain what you already know about the topic and how you gained that knowledge (e.g., experience, word-of-mouth, research).
I had a sound understanding of exactly what a wiki was prior to this class. During my undergraduate college years, I participated in a wiki project. Although I understood what it was and how it worked, I had trouble seeing the instructional gain that a student may potentially have from wikis of all sorts. However, after reading through these two chapters, I feel more confident that I can facilitate a wiki project with my classes and encourage the collaborative learning I believe they need. The section in Chapter 7 that discusses the step-by-step actions that a teacher should take prior and during a wiki facilitation was especially helpful for me. I plan to use the new information I have gained in an upcoming project with my students.
Did you feel this chapter helped in your understanding of the use of technology in education? Explain why or why not. Did anything confuse you? Did the chapter leave more questions for you?
Both of the chapters definitely helped me realized the technology of wikis in education. Not only in face-to-face or distance education, but the use of wikis in professional development has also been brought to my attention. In a money crunch, districts could virtually facilitate professional development sessions whereby wikis could be used as collaborative efforts for a number of topics. In particular, I am currently in a new teacher mentoring program with my school district. In lieu of being removed from the classroom for bi-monthly meetings, we could collaboratively create a wiki that discusses the same topics we have face-to-face. This would cut down on the loss of instructional time due to my absence, as well as the added convenience of accessing the wiki and participating with feedback as I am able. The chapter did not leave any confusing questions for me.
Description/summary of main ideas in the chapter.
The first section of Chapter 15 discusses the dynamic e-learning environment that Web 2.0 tools such as podcasting can provide. Web 2.0, when compared with Web 1.0, provides users and e-learners much more flexibility and control over their use of the Internet—whether it’s being used for work, play, or learning. The Net generation of students that I teach are constantly sharing, creating, and collaborating with other users of these Web 2.0 technologies. Social change due to the “enhanced” version that Web 2.0 allows are discussed in the first section. A major influencer that comes to mind when thinking about social applications of today’s Web is the rapidly increasing use of Facebook. The students I teach rely on this tool to help them connect with friends that have moved to other parts of the country, share pictures and videos with their cousin a couple counties over, and socialize with their friend down the street. As the section infers, this sudden “boom” in social applications such as Facebook or Myspace has impacted the socialization that technology impacts, such as the “manner of time that we spend with one another in person, or ‘real time.’” The section continues by discussing the increasing use and power of MMDs (Mobile Media Devices). In my classroom, the increasing popularity of the iTouch has given e-learners the ability to download a wealth of apps that allow them to share information, play games, and learn. Finally, the first section of Chapter 15 raises the issue of lifestyle change. This allows me to question how technology affects today’s secondary learners in comparison with the way it affected me when I was once their age. I am merely five years older than my oldest students, and it is amazing how much technology has shifted learning and socialization over the past 5-7 years. When I was in high school, the extent of Web 2.0 technologies that were popular was the use of instant messaging. Once I entered junior college, the “Facebook craze” began. While cell phones were popular and widely used when I was a high school student, the creation of these social networking sites would have definitely changed our lifestyles and the way we communicated and socialized.
The next section of Chapter 15 discusses the educational efficacy of podcasting in e-learning. A study at the University of Houston showed that the further a college student commuted to class, the more likely he/she was to use a technology such as podcasting. Podcasting allows these students the opportunity for more “flexible and convenient access to learning” in order to “cater to their learning style.” Technical issues that were addressed include the student’s access to a device capable of playing a podcast. This would be the major disadvantage in using podcasting in my classroom. While I believe I could effectively reach some of the students and have faith that they were accessing the podcast outside of regular class time, I could never assume that 100% of my students had access to this type of technology. Podcasting has the potential to reach students that prefer learning through auditory and visual means. While the majority of the students surveyed in the textbook preferred “hands-on” learning, a lot of the time a visual demonstration has to suffice. For example, in a Biology classroom, it would be nearly impossible to affordably allow the students the experience of an actual “hands on” molecular division. While a creative Biology teacher may come up with a way to do this with “everyday” materials, it is likely that a video demonstration or re-enactment would show students how the process works. Podcasting has the capability to do such tasks.
The final section of this chapter, Podcast Best Practice in E-Learning Design & Delivery, focuses on how teachers should conduct a needs assessment of their students in order to discover the most appropriate method of podcast delivery. The textbook suggests that podcasts should be relatively brief, with an audio podcast being “under 30 minutes,” an “enhanced” podcast being under 20 minutes, and a Vodcast around 15 minutes or less. Podcasts can be used reviews of the lessons, chapters, or before a major test.
Discussion of the strengths and weaknesses of the chapter
The chapter provided an in-depth explanation of Web 2.0 technologies, specifically podcasting. The text was organized into sections and subsections, making it easy to understand and simple to follow. There were a number of typographical errors in the text, causing me to have to re-read several sentences to make sure I understood. Also, Figure 1 on page 273 was difficult for me to decipher because of the how close the color shades are. Perhaps replacing some of the gray shades with patterns (stripes or dots) would make the figure easier to read. Finally, a brief tutorial of podcasting explaining “how to” would have been beneficial for those reading the chapter that are eager to learn, but not sure of the steps to take in order to create their own podcast.
How could teachers/educators use the material/information addressed in the chapter to help improve their instruction or professional development?
I believe podcasting has endless possibilities outside of the classroom for college students. However, I feel as if it would be difficult for myself, as a high school teacher, to get my students to use podcasting outside of the classroom. I cannot guarantee my student’s access to computers, MMDs, or other devices that would allow them to view and listen to a podcast. While podcasting is highly effective, in my opinion, for a college student, I am not sure the same success would be efficient in a secondary classroom. In-class assignments where podcasts are created for students when a teacher is absent, for example, may render more success. For instance, if I am away for two days attending a conference, I could leave a podcast for my students to view individually and reflect on, rather than losing instructional time since I am not there. There are definite benefits of podcasting in the classroom; however, I believe they must be used in an effective manner and to the benefit of the student, not just to take up instructional time or as a “time filler.”
What future trends do you see coming from the topics dealt with in the chapter? In other words, do you think the material/information discussed in the chapter has any relevancy to the future or is it just a passing fad?
I believe podcasting will become a “stepping stone” to some of the future instructional technologies. I do believe that original podcasting (audio only) may become just a fad. However, I believe the concept and use of podcasting is pertinent for the future uses and technology improvements that it will encourage. I am eager to discover where original podcasting will lead.
What you learned from reading this chapter? If the article did not reveal any new information, explain what you already know about the topic and how you gained that knowledge (e.g., experience, word-of-mouth, research).
Since I am getting a late start on these discussions due to textbook publishing issues, the chapter did not reveal much new information to me. Most of the information that I have learned about podcasting, however, has come during our hands-on assignment we completed several weeks ago. I have to admit, though, I was somewhat disappointed when I realized that podcasting was, indeed, all I previously assumed it was—an audio file. While there are enhanced ways to use podcasting, such as adding video or images with voiceovers, I believe the most widely and easily used podcasting are found in simple audio files. Because of this, I feel like podcasting can be pretty limited when in terms of reaching learners of all styles.
Did you feel this chapter helped in your understanding of the use of technology in education? Explain why or why not. Did anything confuse you? Did the chapter leave more questions for you?
I enjoyed reading this chapter. It was well organized and was easy to understand. It helped me realize the use of podcasting in technology in higher education, as well as possibilities in K-12 education. As previously mentioned, I believe that podcasting can be more easily utilized in higher education because of student’s access to technological devices outside of the classroom. However, I believe that podcasting may have some possibilities in the secondary classroom, as long as it is being utilized in class. I am curious to know the number of secondary teachers that use podcasting in their classrooms, as well as the different uses they may find for podcasting. The chapter was easy to read, leaving me confused in no way, other than the minor typographical errors. I am eager to try some of the podcasting technology in my classroom to leave assignments for students when I am away. I feel that the greatest use of podcasting in secondary education (in my situation, at least) can come from maximizing instructional time when the teacher is absent for professional/personal reasons—time that would have been otherwise lost due to the ever-popular “lazy” days when a substitute teacher is present.
In this assignment, we were to choose a Web 2.0 application to present. While searching for a tool in which I was interested, I decided I should choose a tool that could be relevant for my classroom. I stumped upon Kerpoof, which is a creative design suite for K-12 students. I had a lot of fun researching and testing the applications found on this Website. I was excited to share this creative tool, and I’m also anxious to begin using the application in my classroom (particularly the movie making tool).
Below is a link to my presentation:
http://www.slideshare.net/LindseyMShepard/kerpoof-3892571
In this assignment, we were to design a mobile Website for a topic of our choice. I chose to make a mobile Website for Madison Career & Technical Center (where I am a teacher). Similar to the “live” Website, my menus consisted of the following links:
About Us > Contact Us & Directions
Adult Education > Spring 2010
Courses
Faculty
Student Organizations
Using MobisiteGalore was fairly simple. Admittedly, I began this project at the last minute and found it difficult to use the built-in text/line tools and keep formatting consistent. Other than this, I found the design aspect pretty easy among students/designers that may consider themselves a “beginner.”
I tested my mobile site out on my iPhone and it worked nicely. Here’s the link:
http://www.mctc.param.mobi/
My podcasting experience went pretty well. In order to really understand the technical process, which I was admittedly nervous about, I decided to create a brief podcast that introduced new high school students and their parents to my course, Computer Graphics Technology.
After using Audacity to record the audio file of my podcast, I began browsing appropriate audio that I already had on my computer. I ended up choosing “” to be set to play at the beginning of my podcast. After editing for awhile, I had my complete audio file synced and saved as an MP3. Having literally zero experience with Ocean, I tried not to be hesitant about diving in. After getting iTech to set up my account, I tried downloading WinSCP on my work computer, but was unsuccessful. This was a little bothersome, as I try to do a lot of my graduate schoolwork after workdays in my classroom, rather than working on it at home. I ended up getting WinSCP to load on my personal laptop, and began trying to figure it out.
After about an hour, I decided to give David a call to see if I was on the right track. I’d figured out a good bit, but used his valuable assistance to really finish the project. After testing my RSS feed and found it successful, I really felt accomplished! I don’t have a large amount of Web design experience, so I was almost intimidated at the thought of working with Ocean, but with David’s help, I was able to finish it up in a very timely manner! As I told David, I’d set aside 2 weekend days to work on the project, and ended up only spending about 3 hours on recording, editing, uploading, subscribing. I was impressed with how easy it was to establish an RSS feed, as it seemed like it would be pretty difficult “at first glance.”
I’d used iTunes a good bit with my iPhone, but hadn’t ever done much “exploring.” I didn’t realize the Podcast channel capability and how easy it is to subscribe to one. As a high school teacher, I think podcasting would be a helpful tool for many purposes– exam review, reflections (posts made by students), and lesson recaps. I would be most likely to record a lecture and post it to the class site for access by an absent student who needs to make up classwork. I don’t do a terribly large amount of lecturing, though, so I think I’d have to get creative if I were to incorporate a large amount of podcasting into my classroom. Possibly a student-created podcast (individually or maybe a partner/group-collaborative effort) would be a fun, effective way of using podcasting in my classroom.
This is the link to my RSS feed created for podcasting purposes.