Reflections: Collaborative Learning

Reading: Promoting Collaborative Learning

Instructions: In this week's readings Palloff and Pratt (2007) discuss the importance of discussing real life experiences as part of course activities and discussions.  The focus of this week's module is collaborative learning.  Some scholars would say that collaborative learning prepares students for the real-world collaborative work environment.  Think back to your collaborative work experiences and those in an academic course.  Answer the following questions:

1. What are the similarities and differences?
2. Do you believe that your collaborative academic experiences adequately prepared you for real-world work experiences?  Why or why not?

Download the rubric here: Discussion Rubric

Post your thoughts as a response to the this blog question by Friday.  

Blog Assignment: Plagiarism Detection and Prevention

What plagiarism detection software is available to online instructors?

The most common type of plagiarism detection software for online instructors is one that scans the text of student papers and matches the content against both published works (print and online), as well as student papers at that particular institution and sometimes other participating institutions.

How can the design of assessments help prevent academic dishonesty?

The design of an assessment can help prevent academic dishonesty by encouraging collaboration with others at the onset.  Another way that dishonesty can be thwarted is by using case studies or some sort of real-world application. This way, the learner needs to think critically about how the course content relates to what they will encounter in the world rather than simply regurgitating information found in texts.

What facilitation strategies do you propose to use as a current or future online instructor?

I am a fan of consensus building activities as these reflect real-world group decision making.  More often, employees will work in project teams and be responsible for a portion of the final product as well as deciding what the final product will look like with others who might offer alternative perspectives.

What additional considerations for online teaching should be made to help detect or prevent cheating and plagiarism?

Although I am not a proponent of video, thumbprint, and other monitoring software, this is an option.  I have used a device called the “Remote Proctor” http://www.softwaresecure.com/product/remote-proctor-pro/ , which operated using thumbprint and would record 360 degrees, and monitor any movement in the room.  I felt like I was under surveillance.  Unless I am required to do so, I will not use this option.

Blog Assignment: Impact of Technology and Multimedia

What impact does technology and multimedia have on online learning environments?

Technology and multimedia can enhance online learning environments in many ways by facilitating the learning process through appealing to the multiple styles of learning.  Additionally, technology and multimedia can help with learner engagement.  Because online learning lacks the human interaction of a traditional classroom, the use of games, video, and simulation helps with interactivity.

What are the most important considerations an online instructor should make before implementing technology?

Ideally, the technology should be accessible to all learners.  Consideration should be given to technology access and proficiency levels of the learners.  Additionally, the instructor needs to make certain that the technology and multimedia used actually supports the content of the course and does not serve as a distraction to the learner.

What implications do usability and accessibility of technology tools have for online teaching?

Essentially, usability and accessibility are key in that if learners are unable to make use of the technology and multimedia, it will frustrate and disengage them.  Also, there will be a loss of course content if learners cannot access the tools.

What technology tools are most appealing to you for online teaching as you move forward in your career in instructional design?

I am very interested in the integration of both video and games.  I feel as though both of these tools add a personal and engaging touch to what could be an otherwise impersonal experience.

Blog Assignment: Setting up an Online Learning Experience

What is the significance of knowing the technology available to you?

As an instructor, the virtual classroom will take place within a CMS – course management system.  In order for the learning process to be facilitated, the instructor will need to be aware of the multimedia tools available to them as they design instruction.  If used properly, technology can be used to bring the content alive and appeal to various styles of learning.  Instructors should be careful to balance technology use such that it enhances learning and is not a distraction.

Why is it essential to communicate clear expectations to learners?

Because asynchronous online learning is self-directed, it is imperative that the instructor sets clear expectations about participation in course discussions as well as rules and expectations about how learners will respect one another within the community.  It should be noted that these expectations should be stated at the very beginning of the course.  Once the course has started, it will be much more difficult to establish guidelines that have not been adhered to.

What additional considerations should the instructor take into account when setting up an online learning experience?

When setting up an online course, it will be important to fully understand the tools available in the CMS in addition to other multimedia technology.  Some of the things that an instructor may want to consider are:

• How documents and images are uploaded/downloaded
• Discussion forums
• Wikis and groups
• Grading

WEEK #1: EIDT 6510

How do online learning communities significantly impact both student learning and satisfaction within online courses?

In online communities, students are able to share knowledge and experiences with one another as well as the instructor, who facilitates and is an active participant in the community.  Additionally, members of the community can foster the creation of new knowledge through questioning, challenging, and refining.  The community helps to engage the learner rather than isolate them.

What are the essential elements of online community building?

Drs. Pratt and Palloff (Laureate Education, 2010), list people, purpose, process, method, and social presence as the essential elements of online community building 

How can online learning communities be sustained?

One of the ways that online communities can be sustained is through active participation of both learners and the instructors.  Instructors should educate learners on what role they will play in the community and what the community rules will be.  It should be stressed that the community and resulting learning will only be as good as the contributions that are made by all members

What is the relationship between community building and effective online instruction?

Community building results in more effective online instruction because there is learner-to-learner engagement.

References

Laureate Education (Producer). (2010). Online learning communities [Video file]. Retrieved from https://class.walden.edu

Blog Assignment: Analyzing Scope Creep

A plan for implementation of a performance management system had been placed on hold by administration for two years.  Then, just two months prior to the beginning of the performance appraisal cycle, the administration felt as though they wanted to move from a paper form to an online system.  The typical implementation time was three months.  In addition to the compressed timeline, the administration added another two business units to the implementation plan.  Scope creep is the nicest way to describe how the project team’s responsibilities expanded.

To address the challenges, the project team decided to divide the work by business units to address the specific system requirements of that unit.  This also allowed team members to be dedicated to the needs of their particular stakeholder group.  In retrospect, I would have created detailed plans for the project even though it was placed on hold.  This would have allowed me to meet the challenge of a last-minute decision of the administration.

Jason

Blog Assignment: Estimating Costs and Allocating Resources

Blog Assignment: Estimating Costs and Allocating Resources

 

http://www.dovico.com/

Dovico is a complete web-based project management software tool that offers users the ability to create project work/availability schedules as well as a cost tool to compare estimates versus actuals.  There are also apps available for both iPhones and androids.

 

http://www.replicon.com/

Replicon is a time and cost tracking tool and is not a full PM tool, it is limited to time and cost tracking functions.  However, it does offer a mobile app for both iPhones and androids.