Thursday, September 8, 2011

Give me the place to stand, and I shall move the earth.

Cloud-based computing equates to the student does not need a laptop anymore, only a device connected to the Internet. With the expanding capabilities of the equipment and technology used to implement and support distance education, an instructor has the ability to experiment with instructional strategies not available even five years ago.

Stop and think about your content and ask yourself "What do students find the most difficult about this course?" Too often when teachers begin implementing technology in the classroom it starts with the most basic ideas. Let's spin that around and start with what is needed most!

Step 1: go THINK somewhere

My husband claims he does some of his best work in the bathroom. I however, enjoy a nice walk with the baby or a jog at the gym or a drive to no-where with some good tunes and my dog's head hanging out the window. Then BOOM! the ideas hit.


My thinking buddy

There are a wealth of free apps, mashups, and software programs on the internet. Enough that there is probably one that meets the idea that you have thought up. Use that idea effectively in your online course. 

Some ideas of enhancing your online content include:
  • Streaming video: capture your lesson on video and post it to YouTube, then share the link within the course
  • Music: purchase a track from iTunes to embed into a text lecture post
  • Teleconferencing: record and post a skype session with a expert in the field or a potential employer that discusses what qualities from this course that they are looking for
  • Interactive activities: widgets and apps that offer case studies and testing that require the student to interact with the tool
  • Whiteboard: can be useful in motivation to just explain a concept visually, sometimes a little goes a long way
  • Podcasts: record your lecture to post online or post a link to professional podcasts by subject matter experts
  • Blog or Wiki: showcase good student work. This is useful when assigning a project to the class and some are unsure how to complete it. Share the achievements of past successful students.
  • Social Networks: go to where your students are and communicate with them
  • Widgets: there are SO many free widgets online and if you can't find what you are looking for, there are also free App builders online to make your own. With a little elbow grease it can be done!!
  • Gadgets: make the most of your students' gadgets, cell phones, iPods, mp3 players, etc. Offer activities and/or content that can also be read on these devices.


Step 2: let's FIND what you need

A google search will discover some tools that may fit your unique need. But I wanted to share some content repositories that will help your search. The first is MERLOT, http://www.merlot.org 

So many places to look, so little time ....


"MERLOT is a free and open online community of resources designed primarily for faculty, staff and students of higher education from around the world to share their learning materials and pedagogy. MERLOT is a leading edge, user-centered, collection of peer reviewed higher education, online learning materials, cataloged by registered members and a set of faculty development support services."

Another useful service is Yahoo! widgets at: http://widgets.yahoo.com The site offers an inventory of over 4,000 widgets.

So, open that browser window and get to work!! Many people have already put forth the effort to design interactive activities that will help your students' achievement. On the other hand, if you can't find what you are looking for then create it yourself or ask for help. Active learning activities are a great online too to enhance a course and help students mastery level.

Step 3: go ahead and DO it

When implementing a new tool within an online course. The first step is to test it. Try it yourself and even ask a colleague or friend to try it out too. A self-evaluation of the new tool should include the technical review of it and appropriateness within the curriculum.

Remember that any free widget, app, or tool that connects to the Internet, requires an internet connection and the host is operating. So, in other words it is not recommended to place any time sensitive or important evaluation to a 3rd party tool. However, if technical support and/or hosted locally then proceed. 


Maps can be helpful


Directions are always helpful. If it is something that you are implementing for the first time, offer a screen cast of using the tool. A free screen recording software such as Screencast-O-Matic http://www.screencast-o-matic.com will capture you using the tool so students can understand how to use it themselves. While, this may not be necessary in all circumstances, sometimes it can help clarify questions. 

Many of these tools will be easy to use for those that are computer literate. 

Step 4: look over to IMPROVE it

Remember to only use technology when it helps you achieve a lesson objective. Too much of anything can get in the way and hinder a student's success. On the other hand, technology can deliver content in multiple formats to help learners that are visual, auditory, and/or kinesthetic.  

Volunteer test pilot in action

A bonus to implementing an app or other program is the learning experience for yourself. Soon you will grasp first hand experience of student feedback and curriculum integration in the online course environment. 

Be creative and have fun out there!



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