Sunday, April 15, 2012

Reflecting on Asynchronous Dicussion

As I read over all the replies to my post this week I found it quite interesting.  The different feedback I received on my topic selection is similar in many ways.  They all have the same common goal that learners need to be accountability of their participation and contribution in an activity. Learners accountable demonstrate their intent to be involved in the activity. The three different approaches that best complement each other: Instructional Assessment, Self-Assessment, & Peer Assessment (Oosterhof, Conrad, & Ely, 2008). Each of these assessments is created to help learners be accountable. Learners are able to participate and be accountable for their part. The learners also have an understanding of how their work impacted the final results of the project. A checklist is one way learners can be graded and keep track of their progress.

As I believe I have been able to consider all aspects of concepts to an online environment. It is quite challenging to understand an individual’s feedback from an online format. There are many challenges when it comes to replying in a timely matter and being able to have an in-depth conversation. As I have been told before, a day is the same without learning one new thing.


Katie


References:

Oosterhof, A., Conrad, R.-M., & Ely, D. P. (2008). Assessing learners online. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson.

Friday, April 13, 2012

Accountability in Collaborative Activities in an Online Environment

With students beginning involved in online learning groups. Accountability becomes a major importance when facing it online.  Course designer work to make sure the activities are being meet and each student is required to finish their part. There are many ways to make sure a student is being accountable for their work in a group.  A best way for instructors to make a student accountable is by assigning them parts within the activity.
 


Begin by considering the following questions:
  What are ways to insure a student is accountable?
 What activities will improve a student’s involvement in an online course?
 What tools are good to integrate into an online course to keep a student focus?

By Wednesday,
Post your thoughts on what students and instructors need to be accountable within an online course. Share your thoughts on the importance of being accountable for your activity.  Be sure to cite information from the Learning Resources to support your finding and thinking.  Refer to the scoring rubric at the bottom.

By Sunday,
Ready a collection of your colleagues’ posting. Not the posting that you can add a great deal of conversation.
Respond to ONE or more colleagues’ post in any of the following ways:
·         Build on something your colleagues’ say
·         Explain why and how you see things differently
·         Share your insight and experience when it comes to accountability

Return to this Discussion on Friday to read the responses to your initial posting. Reflect on what you learned in this activity and/or insight you gained this week.

References:

Oosterhof, A., Conrad, R.M., & Ely, D.P. (2008). Assessing learners online. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson.


Quality of Work Submitted

Work reflects graduate-level critical, analytical thinking.
A: Exemplary Work

A = 4.00; A- = 3.75



All of the previous, in addition to the following:
B: Graduate Level Work
B+ = 3.50; B = 3.00;
B- = 2.75
All of the previous, in addition to the following:
C: Minimal Work

C+ = 2.50; C = 2.00;
C- = 1.75
F: Work Submitted but Unacceptable

F = 1.00

Assimilation and Synthesis of Ideas

The extent to which the work reflects the student’s ability to-

1.     Understand the assignment’s purpose;
2.     Understand and apply readings, discussions, and course materials.

*When referencing web-based sources, an active hyperlink to the original source must be included (if applicable).

Demonstrates the ability intellectually to explore and/or implement key instructional concepts.

Demonstrates insightful reflection and/or critical thinking, as well as creativity and originality of ideas.

* May include, but are not limited to, scholarly articles, web-based information, etc.

Demonstrates a clear understanding of the assignment’s purpose.



Provides careful consideration of key instructional concepts.

Includes specific information from required readings or course materials to support major points.


Shows some degree of understanding of the assignment’s purpose.



Generally applies theories, concepts, and/or strategies correctly, with ideas unclear and/or underdeveloped

Minimally includes specific information from required readings or course materials.

Shows a lack of understanding of the assignment’s purpose.



Does not apply theories, concepts, and/or strategies




Does not include specific information from creditable sources.

Adherence to Assignment Expectations

The extent to which work meets the assigned criteria and integrates technology appropriately.
Assignment meets all expectations,
integrating exemplary material and/or information.

Assignment demonstrates exceptional breadth and depth.


All parts of the assignment are completed, with fully developed topics.

The work is presented in a thorough and detailed manner.



Assignment integrates technology appropriately.
Most parts of assignment are completed.


Topics are not fully developed.


Assignment   demonstrates minimal depth and breadth.


Some elements of technology are included.
Does not fulfill the expectations of the assignment.


Key components are not included.


Assignment lacks breadth and depth.

No technology integrated or integration method is inappropriate for application.
Written Expression and Formatting

The extent to which scholarly, critical, analytical writing is presented using Standard Edited English ( i.e. correct grammar, mechanics).

When referencing web-based sources, an active hyperlink to the original source must be included.

Stated fair-use, copyright, licensing, and/or creative commons guidelines should be followed for all web-based resources.

*APA formatting guidelines need only be followed if applicable to assignment.



Work is unified around a central purpose with well-developed ideas, logically organized in paragraph.

Effective sentence variety; clear, concise, and powerful expression are evident.

Work is written in Standard Edited English. No prominent errors interfere with reading.

All web-based sources are credited through embedded links.

Fair-use, copyright, licensing, and/or creative commons guidelines are followed.

*Represents scholarly writing in a correct APA format.





Ideas are clearly and concisely expressed.






Elements of effective communication such as an introduction and  conclusion are included.

Work is written in Standard Edited English with few, if any, grammatical or mechanical errors.

Few, if any, errors in crediting web-based sources.


Few, if any, errors following fair-use, copyright, licensing, and/or creative commons guidelines.

*Work is well organized with correct APA formatting  throughout.




Ideas are not clearly and concisely expressed.





Elements of effective communication such as an introduction and  conclusion are not included.

Work contains more than a few grammatical, or mechanical errors.


Some web-based sources are not credited.


Some errors in following fair-use, copyright, licensing, and/or creative commons guidelines.

*Somewhat represents mature, scholarly, graduate-level writing, with APA generally followed.



Major points do not reflect appropriate elements of communication.  




No effort to express ideas clearly and concisely.



Work is not written in Standard Edited English. Contains many grammatical or mechanical errors

Web-based sources are not credited..



Fair-use, copyright, licensing, and/or creative commons guidelines are not followed.

* The quality of writing and/or APA formatting are not acceptable for graduate level work.


Final Assignment Grade

A: Exemplary Work

A = 4.00; A- = 3.75

B: Graduate Level Work
B+ = 3.50; B = 3.00;
B- = 2.75
C: Minimal Work

C+ = 2.50; C = 2.00;
C- = 1.75
F: Work Submitted but Unacceptable
F = 1.00





Thursday, February 9, 2012

Plagiarism Detection and Prevention

Plagiarism has extended to the online distance education. Instructors and university believe that “the Internet makes it easier for students to plagiarize” (Jocoy & DiBiase, 2006).




What plagiarism detection software is available to online instructors?

Technology was introduced to education and plagiarism, had been quilt difficult to spot. The internet has given the way of cheating and plagiarism by just an easy cut and paste. However, many students do not believe that cut and paste is plagiarism. It not just the instructors but the intuition’s job to define what is plagiarism and cheat can effect a learners education.

There are many tools online that can assistant instructors on detecting plagiarism. There are many free online search engines, “such as Google allow instructors to track down copied phrases, while commercially available plagiarism detection software and online services” (Jocoy & DiBiase, 2006). It is easy for instructors now to notice if students has plagiarism.

How can the design of assessments help prevent academic dishonesty?

There are ways to prevent the use of assessment methods that depend on knowledge. Assessments are a great way to collaborate with the course reference materials. Learners need to know how to work together and use the course reference materials.

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

Instructors need to provide learners with important information about what plagiarism and cheating is defined. I feel it is our responsible to educate learners about what are plagiarism and the effects. I think instructors need to teach students the proper way to cite resources. One way to decrease the use of plagiarism is developing stick policies. This will strengthen the learning community but also eliminate cheating.

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

It is important to be aware of the tools available online to help the writing process. Students find ways to detect plagiarism and cheating. You are able to recognize writing styles and relate to the classroom. I believe that instructors need to be educated.


References:

Jocoy, C., & DiBiase, D. (2006). Plagiarism by adult learners online: A case study in detection and remediation. International Review of Research in Open & Distance Learning, 7(1), 1–15.


Thursday, February 2, 2012

Impact of Technology and Multimedia

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

Technology and multimedia supports the students with communicating and understanding the course materials. It provides a way for learners to create, find, display information, and present their ideas. Technology can improve the learner’s social, cognitive and teaching by providing images, video, and audio. The essential to technology tools is the way a learner can intergrade it into their own learning environment. The techniques can increase the community social networking.

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

I think the most significant part to consider for an online instructor is to implement technology that  best suits for the course being taught. There is not just one type of technology that is best suited for online learning. It is important not use technology just because it is there (Dr. Palloff and Dr. Pratt). One way for an instructor to find what technology is right for their learners prior to the course is meeting the learners in their community. The community’s feedback is a great way to offer a clear and outside of the box ideas. The community can share their understanding, “knowledge of one another, and mutual support, even if values are not shared, are elements of community” (Boettcher & Conrad, 2010).


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

A good way to implicated online technology is making it easily usability and accessibility for the learner. There are people who have issues with technology not be accessible like learning disability and the elderly. An instructional designer needs to design the course to meet all the needs from the learners. One way to design a course is to meet the need for the learner is including font size, colors, layout, and transcript.
 
What technology tools are most appealing to me for online teaching as you move forward in your career in instructional design?

Technology provides instructional designers an appealing tool to move forward in their career. I think videos and audios are useful technology tools to demonstrate the skills. Video provides the learner a great way to visual understand the course materials. These tools allow instructors to enhance their career to be efficient and meaning toward the students.

References:
Boettcher, J. V., & Conrad, R.-M. (2010). The Online Teaching Survival Guide: Simple and Practical Pedagogical Tips. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass.
Palloff, R., & Pratt, K. (n.d.). Enhancing the Online Experience [video]. Retrieved from http://sylvan.live/ecollege.com.

Thursday, January 19, 2012

Setting Up An Online Learning Experience

Establishing an Online Experience

The online learning environment is an important part to education to provide a positive and open environment for students. Building a useful tool for students provide the opportunity for students to acquire skills. The tools provide, “more opportunities that are made available to students to increase their comfort level with course tools, the sooner the actual course content can be introduced” (Conrad & Donaldson, 2011). It is important to have a tool that prepares the student before the course launch. Another important tip to have is developing a communication method. Technical issues do arise and how to resolve.

Technology Available

There are many kinds of technology tools that an instructor can integrate into their online learning. The instructor must research the best technology for their students. The technology can be an effective way to help students in the course.

Communicating Expectations

A key to create an online learning environment is communication a clear expectation to students. The online course provides many different ways to communicate. “Clarifying how all this work and sometimes might not work can help create a smooth and trusting learning environment” (Boettcher & Conrad, 2010).

A well design rubric is one way to communicate the objective of the course to the student. The instructor needs to expresses the expectation to the students on the first day of the course.

Additional Consideration

An essential part to an online course it is the use of a syllabus that details the assignment, weekly plans, and discussion post. A course site is designed to increase the interaction between student and instructor. The online environment is a great place to gather all the resources of the course.


References:

Boettcher, J. V., & Conrad, R.-M. (2010). Theoretical foundations: Ten core learning principles. In The Online Teaching Survival Guide: Simple and Practical Pedagogical Tips (pp. 18-35). San Francisco: Jossey-Bass.

Conrad, R., & Donaldson, J. A. (2011). Engaging the online learner: Activities and resources for creative instruction (Updated ed.). San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass.

Thursday, January 5, 2012

Online Learning Community


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

 
An online learning community is a place where the Internet pulls individuals together as a team. The peer interaction in the community creates a more dynamic way for a learner to learn. The online community is design to provide an active learning environment. The instructor is involve in the classroom room discussions but not the center of attention (Palloff & Pratt, 2011). They are responsible to provide a healthier and fun environment. The learner is eager to learner in warm and open learning environment. An instructor’s role plays a sufficient part as a viewer to make sure the individuals in the course are participating in the course activities. The people in a community work together with a common goal in mind.

There are many benefits of the learning community:
    1. Being part of a bigger group
    2. Social pressure to succeed
    3. Become more knowledgeable

What are the essential elements of online community building?

An instructor must make it known that they are available to provide support throughout the course. It is important for a leaner to be engage without the activities. Each activity is, “used for online engaged learning should be analyzed to determine which level of thinking it requires and to ensure that there is a mix of activities for varying level of thinking (Conrad & Donaldson, 2011). Not all activities can be converted to an online environment. It is up to the instructor to design activities that eagers interaction among individuals.

How can online learning communities be sustained?

To maintain the learning community is by stimulating the learner with more knowledge. The instructor and the student must become a partner in the community. The learning environment is not just up to the student but also the community.

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

A strong relationship within the community can help learners obtain information and make it meaningful. The learner can build trust and personal connections within the community. When a learner is comfortable in an environment, they are more willing to be part of a team and work towards a common goal. 

Resources:
Conrad, R.-M., & Donaldson, J. A. (2011). Learning in an online environment. In Engaging the Online Leaner (pp. 1-14). San Francisco: Jossey-Bass.
Palloff, R., & Pratt, K. (n.d.). Online Learning Communities [video]. Retrieved from http://sylvan.live/ecollege.com












Tuesday, January 3, 2012

EIDT-6510-2 Online Instructional Strategies

Hi All,

Welcome to my blog. I am very eager to learn a quite deal of information about online strategies.

Katie