Week 8 Assignment 1: Educational Technologies Blog-Melitta Williams

Week 8 Assignment 1: Educational Technologies Blog

Melitta Williams

Technology #1: Is from learner Izlem Atai, who discusses A thin line from the URL: http://www.athinline.org/

URL: http://izlema.blogspot.com/

The first technology is called A Thin Line, according to learner Atai (2012) “Thin Line has a colorful opening page, from which learners can reach five links: Get the Facts, Take Control, Your Stories, Draw Your Line, and Blog. Clicking on “Get the Facts” takes the learner to a page that gives information about sexting, constant messaging, spying, digital disrespect, and cruelty.” Atai (2012) further states “once the learner reads this information, she or he can post this action to “Draw Your Line” to show their stance against digital abuse. “Take Control” allows a learner to get help or help others for problems they face with people in the digital world.” With that said, diFilipo (2011) states “technology leadership must become fully engaged to ensure that teaching and learning have priority consideration. If the teaching and learning dot is overlooked, the final picture will not be revealed.”

Rationale

The rationale for choosing this technology is because it helps students learn about how they can protect themselves and other when interacting online as well the technology helping learns pledge to take a stand against  abusing technology. For example, this is a great site for learners to discuss stories or offer advice about experiences they have had to educate other people as well as gain information that could be useful to out for when using the internet.

Example #1

The first way this technology could be used is by having students create a blog on the site by using a technology term and providing an example of a safe way to use the that term on the internet also students will have to provide a negative way that the term is used and how it could damage someone if it is used inappropriately.

Example #2

The second way this technology could be used is by having students selecting information from one of the many archives labeled get the facts and complete a one page project that explains how this information is useful towards their learning experience in the class.

Technology #2: is from learner Janet Rodriquez who reflected upon Net Literacy which was found at URL: http://www.netliteracy.org/

URL: http://jrod530.wordpress.com/

Learner, Rodriquez (2012) states “Net literacy’s site looks very well put together with many resources. It also has many articles about “best practices” on digital literacy. Rodriquez further states “that the site has a number of “connections” on the dashboard and many important figures in the pictures which help making it seem very serious and attention getting.” The two examples Rodriquez (2012) uses is “safe connects, which goes over cyber bullies and many resources that can help educators and adults to understand what it is about. As well as the link called “Senior Connects” and how senior citizens can use the internet correctly.”

Rationale

The reason for choosing this technology is because it has great tools for users of all ages, it lets learners create blogs, and it offers a page of partner and advocates which could open up resources for job opportunities, as well as providing press release information. This is a great site for jobs that could be available for students as well as students gaining educational information from presentations that they can access right from their computers.

Example #1

The first way to use Net Literacy is by putting students in 5 groups of 4, assigning each student a chapter good practice where each student will have to design a one page colored description about the practice and each student in the group then will combine their descriptions and make it into one poster to share with the other groups.

Example #2

The second way in using Net Literacy is by having students go online and watch an educational related source on the profession they are seeking to go into and then they will have to create a 1-2 page job related blog with pictures, information about that job, and name one type of technology that could be used in that job setting.

References

Atai, I. (2012).Digital citizenship, ethics, and netiquette. Retrieved from http://izlema.blogspot.com/

diFilipo, S. (2011). Connecting the dots to the future of technology in higher education. Retrieved from http://www.educause.edu/ero/article/connecting-dots-future-technology-higher-education

Rodriquez, J. (2012). Retrieved from http://jrod530.wordpress.com/

Week 7 Assignment 1: Educational Technologies Blog-Melitta Williams

Week 7 Assignment 1: Educational Technologies Blog

Melitta Williams

URL: http://www.networketiquette.net/

Netiquette (n.d.) “is a combination of network and etiquette is the social code of the internet because the internet is a network and etiquette is a social code.” Netiquette (n.d.) “internet etiquette is centered on data and its use. The types of data are: text, audio, graphic, and video. Each website supports these types of data to some degree. Since internet use is new and increasing there are new words to accommodate its use, cyber words.” Barkley(2009) further states “netiquette had a positive impact on the groups during the early stages of the course when novice learners, both to online learning and higher education, were developing their confidence and trust in their peers” (p.163).

The reason I selected this technology is because it provides a great guide to what rules to use such as “the Golden rule: which is doing on to others as you want them to do to you” (Netiquette, n.d.). In general the site helps educate people on how to be safe while going on-line to communicate with others and how effective using internet rules can be of benefit to them.

Example one:

The first way I would use the Netiquette site is by having learners present a 1 page power point presentation by using images, words, or pictures from one of the ten to illustrate how that rule is important when using the internet and technology.

Example Two:   

The second way I would use Netiquette site is by putting learners in a small group of 4 learners then having learners list 2 advantages and 2 disadvantages of the ten rules and then compare and contrast their findings in the classroom setting. An additional assignment would be for learners to individually complete an online quiz from the URL: http://www.learnthenet.com/test-yourself/netiquette/index.php to test their knowledge of the rules of netiquette.

URL: http://www.mirandanet.ac.uk/worldecitizens/

The second technology is World Ecitizens (n.d.) “aims to encourage understanding between peoples and communities and to share the fascinating diversity within nations and across the world web based learning environment is a rich resource for educational collaboration in topics such as responsible citizenship, mutual respect, combating social injustice and conflict prevention and resolution. WE participants can build projects together, join in debates, and develop electronic portfolios.”

The rationale for using this technology is because the site gives resources for learners to connect and have interaction with other learners in groups from all over the world as well as being able to design educational projects. But what is equally important it that the site provides and additional link called “Etopia Project for educators where they also can interact and collaborate with other professionals” (World Ecitizens, n.d.).

Example One:

The first way learners could benefit from using World Ecitizens is by providing leaners with a discussion question, for example how can respect be given when communicating with others online or through technology? Learners then have to come up with two activities that they feel would promote respect when interacting with individuals across the world.

Example Two:

The second way leaners can benefit from using World Ecitizens is by having learners connect with another person from another country and spend 4 days finding out specific information about their learning environment and setting in which they live in and then on the 5 day present a two page research paper on their findings.

References

Bradley, S. (2009). The impact of netiquette on online group work: A study of UK Open University students. In O. Kallioinen (Ed.), Learning by developing—New ways to learn 2009 conference proceedings (pp. 152–167). Espoo, Finland: Laurea University of Applied Sciences.

Learn the net. (2012). Retrieved December 10, 201, from http://www.learnthenet.com/test-yourself/netiquette/index.php

Netiquette. (n.d.) Retrieved December 10, 2012, from http://www.networketiquette.net/

World Ecitizens (n.d.) Retrieved December 10, 2012, from http://www.mirandanet.ac.uk/worldecitizens/

Week 6 Assignment 1: Educational Technologies Blog

Week 6 Assignment 1: Educational Technologies Blog

Melitta Williams

The two open and distance education technologies that enhance adult learning I have chosen to discuss are: Web-based learning and Moodle.

Web-based learning

Website:  http://unesdoc.unesco.org/images/0012/001284/128463e.pdf

UNESCO (2002) illustrates “the Web potentially offers a worldwide forum in which to teach courses that has an excellent encyclopedia at his or her disposal. Course material can be dynamically updated. Course text, examples and exercises can be interactive in the sense of immediately illustrating equations with graphs, changing parameters and seeing the results, linking to other web-sites according to the interests of the student. The Web-based learning model is essentially free from limitations of space and time while it reaches students around the world with great ease” (p.65).

The rationale why I selected this technology is because it offers a lot of visual instructions and helpful hints which can be helpful towards individuals who trying to learn and may not understand a concept or just may need some assistance and want to guide their learning.

Example 1

The way I would use web-based learning is by presenting learners with ten questions where they have to answer the questions based upon the course content. After answering the questions learners will be provided with the links where they will investigate their findings and check the results of their answers.

Example 2

The second way I would use web-based learning is by having learners take a tour on a field trip where they have to explore a place they have never been before they have to have four specific details: the name of the place they went, how to get to the location, what type of places they visited and why, and why they would recommend the place to someone else.

Moodle

https://moodle.org/

Moodle (2012) “is an Open Source Course Management System (CMS), also known as a Learning Management System (LMS) or a Virtual Learning Environment (VLE). Moodle has features that allow it to scale to very large deployments and hundreds of thousands of students, yet it can also be used for a primary school or an education hobbyist. Many institutions use it as their platform to conduct fully online courses, while some use it simply to augment face-to-face courses (known as blended learning).”

Moodle (2012) further states that”many of our users love to use the activity modules (such as forums, databases and wikis) to build richly collaborative communities of learning around their subject matter (in the social constructionist tradition), while others prefer to use Moodle as a way to deliver content to students (such as standard SCORM packages) and assess learning using assignments or quizzes.”

The rationale for me choosing Moodle is because it is a great resource tool for teachers and they can get great ideas to guide learners. This site offers learners an opportunity to interact with others in English or in other different languages; it has a demonstration page which shows how to use the site, and downloads.

Example 1

The first way I would use Moodle (2012) is by “having learners complete an assignment through the online audio recording provided by moodle, I will provide students with instructors and they will have to find the submission by following the instructions listed on the site and complete and submit the assignment back to me.” For example I would have students describe their experience using moodle and provide an example of how they could apply it the educational setting.

Example 2

The second way I would use Moodle is by having students use the news icon section through the site and giving a summary of the report and letting the other learners view their findings by showing them in the class.

References

Moodle. (2012). Moodle.org: open-source community-based tools for learning. Retrieved from https://moodle.org/

UNESCO. (2002). Open distance learning: Trends, policy and strategy considerations. Retrieved from http://unesdoc.unesco.org/images/0012/001284/128463e.pdf

Week 5 Discussion: Games, Simulations, and Virtual Environments for Learning

Week 5 Discussion: Games, Simulations, and Virtual Environments for Learning

Melitta Williams

Author Squire (2011) states that “teacher’s use gaming as a way to connect with students as well as allowing interaction to communicate with one another” (43).Squires always provides an example such of how gaming is beneficial which he states “video gaming is a lot like shooting baskets in that a person can focus on one activity and use interstitial times for conversation” (p.43).

http://www.ehow.com/list_6458967_fun-learning-games-adults.html

The first video game I will reflect upon is Eve Online according to Kirk (2012) “Eve Online is an online  space game that teaches adults how to work together, as well as many of the basics of industrial production. The game includes a battle mode, but the key in it is research and development to discover new products for your fleet. Eve Online emphasized the need to spend money on research and development and increase the efficiency of a production line in your factory. It also teaches basic economic skills as players manipulate the economy based on the supply of products available on the market. Players learn business relationships by creating contracts with other players.”

I choose this game because I feel it gives learners a great way to learn a lot of skills to use in professional aspects and get a feel of how to operate a business and how to save and spend money in order to run a business.

Example one

The first way I would use Eve online with learners is by having them design a business plan where they are have to  hire employees and partners and make their company successful by designing a business that can be productive and show gains and losses of making and spending money.

Example two

The second way I would use Eve Online is by having students pick a business they are interested into going into and then gather information on how that business is ran and then video record their findings and share it with the group.

http://howtoedu.org/2010/50-free-online-educational-games-that-are-more-fun-than-youd-think/

The Second online game I choose is called “Second life, according to Sanders (2010) “Second Life is the largest user-created 3D virtual world community, used by individuals, businesses and educational institutions for socializing, problem-solving, brain-storming and more.”

The reason why I would use this game is because I feel that learners can build connections with learners from anywhere due to being able to have access among different communities. I also feel that because Second Life it is a virtual community this would allow learners to have different options of how they could use different tools to design projects and class activities around.

Example one

The way I would use Second life with learners is by having them make an avatar of their self being the educator and they would have to design their own classroom with learners and teach a subject lesson with notes that showed what content they chose to reflect upon.

Example two

The second way I would use Second Life with learners is by having them create an avatar with a group of six learners then the group will have to come up with an educational game that they can build as a project to enhance other learners in the classroom.

References

Kirk, A. (2012). Fun learning games for adults. Retrieved from http://www.ehow.com/list_6458967_fun-learning-games-adults.html

Sanders, D. (2010). 50 free online educational games that are more fun than you’d think. Retrieved from http://howtoedu.org/2010/50-free-online-educational-games-that-are-more-fun-than-youd-think/

Squire, K. (2011). Video games and learning: Teaching and participatory culture in the digital age. New York, NY: Teachers College Press. ◦Chapter 1, “Possible Worlds: Why Study Video Games? Aren’t They a Waste of Time?”

Week 4 Assignment 1: Educational Technologies Blog

Week 4 Assignment 1: Educational Technologies Blog

Melitta Williams

http://www.scholastic.com/browse/article.jsp?id=3754742

The two mobile learning technologies I will reflect upon are I-pods and the GPS units.  According to Laureate Education, Inc. (Executive Producer, 2012c) “as we start to see little devices that you can carry in your hand, it’s going to give mobility to learning” (p.1).

With that said, Wylie (2012) illustrates that “the iPod Touch, for instance, is among the more popular mobile learning devices to hit classrooms across the country. This tactile, touch-screen device is easy for children to use, and comes with built-in Wi-Fi to access the Internet.” I feel that this is a great device that can be used with learners because of the easy access that is available for individuals to be used almost anywhere where Wi-Fi is available. For example my daughter and her classmates who are six years old use the I-pod in their class for solving math problems and the I-pad for learning the calendar, weather, and play learning games.

The rationale for why I would use this technology is because it offers a great way for learning to take place in almost any educational content due to the apps that can be downloaded in order to advance learning, I-pods can also help learners build relationships with one another if they are in a group setting, as well as making educators jobs easier when they are teaching where they can gather information and help lessen the workload of having to repeat their work if they record it.

Example 1:

I would incorporate using an I-pod by using applications which relate to what we were learning as a group and then having learners to participate by giving them guided directions into how to download applications making this as an assignment so they learn how to use technology more effectively.

Example 2:

The second way I would use I-pods in the classroom would be by storing educational lectures and assignments, diagraphs, etc.  where learners could not only hear what expectations I want them to be taught but also see examples of how to also complete their work.

http://tech2.in.com/features/all/what-is-agps-how-does-it-work/115142

As for the GPS S (2010) “this is an acronym for Assisted Global Positioning System. It addresses signal and network problems by using assistance from other services. GPS uses 27 satellites (24 currently working, 3 are meant for backup, in case of failure) to enable a person to pin-point his current location.” I feel that GPS are useful due to me not having a sense of direction and it came very handy this summer when I was traveling with my daughter and it got us to the location safe and sound.

The rationale for why I would use this technology is because this could help learners locate places; learn about geography and maps, as well as learn about other people and their surroundings which promote multicultural awareness.

Example 1:

I would use the GPS system as a geographical educational tool where learners would have to plan a trip and provide a detailed report of how they were able to get from their destination to remote location of choice as well as sharing the strengths and weaknesses of their journey.

Example 2:

The second way I would use the GPS system is by having learners do a hunt and finding clues to piece together a project. For example I would have 6 clues each clue would tell how and what the students should be looking for in order to solve the next piece of the puzzle to get reveal what the learning activity is based upon.

References

Laureate Education, Inc. (Executive Producer). (2012c). Mobile learning. Baltimore, MD: Author.

S, Kamakshi. (2010). What is a-GPS? How does it work? Retrieved from http://tech2.in.com/features/all/what-is-agps-how-does-it-work/115142

Wylie, J. (2012). Mobile learning technologies for 21st century classrooms. Retrieved from http://www.scholastic.com/browse/article.jsp?id=3754742

Week 3 Assignment 1

Week 3 Assignment 1

Melitta Williams

O’Neal, C.  Technology integration Ning: A social network for adults. Retrieved from http://www.edutopia.org/ning-social-network-adults

The first social networking service I will discuss is Ning, O’Neil (2007) states that “Ning is an online service social-networking Web 2.0 site that is primarily geared toward adults; it is more a place to create social networks rather than a social network in itself. Lots of social-networking groups are being built at Ning, which describes itself as the only online service where you can create, customize, and share your own social network for free in seconds.”

The rationale for why I selected this technology is because it is primarily designed for adults and I feel that adult learners could gain access to educational content. O’Neal (2007) further states “that Ning is a their writing comfortable and friendly place to start for beginners  that offers lots of resources and links to teach you what Web 2.0 is all about, and classroom examples of Web 2.0 applications in use.”  Also Richardson (2010) expresses “Ning is a great environment where for students to test out their writing skills for a dedicated audience and in many other ways such as members being able to comment and interact by providing opportunities to reflect upon ethics and safety about connecting online” (p.140).

Example one:

I feel a great way to use Ning in the classroom is by offering learners to discuss with one another which would entail for learners to create a blog and interact with one another to focus on strengthens as a group and what each individual  learner also can bring to class assignments and projects.

Example Two:

The second idea I feel that would be beneficial is by having learners create a Ning account and as the educator interacting with learners through messages, photos and other different features to share information and announcements that I want learners to utilize throughout the course.

Oliveri, D. (2009). What is Twitter and how does it work?.  Retrieved from http://suite101.com/article/what-is-twitter-and-how-does-it-work-a87944

The second social network service I will discuss is Twitter, I would like to state that even though I have not have the privilege of using Twitter I have heard that this site offers a lot of great aspects for learners. According to Oliveri (2009) “Twitter is an instant messenger service that uses the web as well as mobile texting and other venues to stay connected with friends and family.” Further Oliveri (2009) states that “messages sent out by Twitter users are limited to 140 characters, which is just enough for a quick update.”  I see this offering benefits as well as challenges to learners, for example the benefits could be that learners are able to be specific and say what they actually need to say however if learners who are very detailed this could be a problem for them.

The rationale for why I selected this technology is because it is free to join as well as Oliveri (2009) illustrating that “It allows the user to send messages to friends and family quickly and easily. Twitter only asks one question, “What are you doing?” As long as an answer is 140 characters or less, it is possible for thousands of people to see the answer immediately.”  As well as Richardson (2010) stating it is a blend of professional and personal that makes Twitter such a cool tool on so many levels” (p.86). in general I feel that this technology could help learners get a comfortable feel to learning due to not being overwhelming due to what they need to say but focus more on what they have to share and say to other learners.

Example one:

The first way I would use Twitter into my professional practice is by having learners use the site such as Walden to access information such as articles and news relate information that could pertain to class content. For example when I was getting my first master’s degree we also did a technology class where we would use social networking as a resource to utilize information for class projects.

Example Two:

I feel another great aspect of using Twitter would be to help learners to other professionals and or learners that are trying to find professional connections. This has been one of my current challenges looking to land a job and utilize my educational endeavors however with support from colleagues and their recommendations on sites such as Paltalk and Jobster I have been able to gain access and meet professionals that are willing to give me ideas and feedback on how to get my idea job I am seeking.

References:

Oliveri, D. (2009). What is Twitter and how does it work?.  Retrieved from http://suite101.com/article/what-is-twitter-and-how-does-it-work-a87944

O’Neal, C.  (2007). Technology integration Ning: A social network for adults. Retrieved from http://www.edutopia.org/ning-social-network-adults

Richardson, W. (2010). Blogs, wikis, podcasts, and other powerful web tools for classrooms (3rd ed.).

Week 2

Hi learners,

I want to say thank you to all learners that commented and supported my work this week it was fun interacting with them and getting feedback from them and learning about the technologies they also produced for their future learners.

Melitta

Melitta Williams -Assignment 1: Educational Technologies Blog

  

   Assignment 1

   Educational Technologies Blog

  Melitta Williams

http://infohost.nmt.edu/~xchanges/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=149&Itemid=180htm

Wikipedia. (2004). Jon Udell: Heavy metal umlaut. Retrieved from http://jonudell.net/udell/gems/umlaut/umlaut.html

The first resource is called Screencasting according to Friedman (2011) “screencasting is a video of a computer screen combined with narration that compliments the video” (p.1).  From the example, Richardson (2010) “suggests to view an operational screencast from the website tinyurl.com/ydp2sfg” (p.123). Upon viewing the suggested link “Jon Udell, navigator explains how a “discussion was created on April 2003 about an article on heavy metal umlaut” (Wikipedia, 2004). The results indicated that from that “discussion that started in April 2003, people were able to go back and make changes to the page and with that capability on June of 2004 someone went in and included obscene language to the text” (Wikipedia, 2004).

The reason I chose to reflect upon screencasting is because I feel this is a creative way for students to be able to be adventurous, responsible, and include technology into projects which makes it fun for learning and them being able to take control of how and what they are learning.

Example one

The first way I would incorporate screencasting into the classroom would be by having students get into groups of four to six and create a video by using a computer. They would have to able to use different images from the internet and then later publish their work onto a website of their choice.

Example two

The second example of how I would corporate screencasting in education is by me the educator interacting with learners by creating a screencast then asking them to create a screencast to interact with me.

http://www.flickr.com/about/

The second media I have chosen to discuss is Flickr, according to (Yahoo, 2012) “Flickr helps people make photos available to people who matter to them as well as helping people make new ways of organizing photos and videos.” Richarson (2012) states “the easiest place for teachers and students to began experimenting with creating and publishing content other than text is by digital photographing” (p.101).

The reason for selecting this technology is because this is a great way to share, letting others see what you are proud of and photos is a sense of what one has accomplished and why it is important to them. For example I was picked as a candidate for Super Sunday. This is a program where I was able to share my experiences and awareness to the community about being a college student. I also did a photo shoot at our local community college here in Maysville where I was put in a brochure for other students to see and recognize me for my achievements.

Example one

The first way I feel that Flickr can be used in the classroom is by learners being able to reflect upon culture and this can be done by learners sharing photos and interacting with other students online from a different country. This reminds of how pen pal worked when I was in high school and we had to send a letter and photo to another student from another country, it was a great way of meeting new people and finding out about who they were.

Example two

The second way I would use Flickr is by having learners create and share a photo story about who they are. I feel that this could be a great ice breaker project to do an introduction upon the beginning of class and helps people learn about their backgrounds and what is important in their life.

References

Friedman, J. (2011). Common elements of effective screencasts. Retrieved from  http://infohost.nmt.edu/~xchanges/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=149&Itemid=180htm

Richardson, W. (2010). Blogs, wikis, podcasts, and other powerful web tools for classrooms (3rd ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: Corwin Press.

Wikipedia. (2004). Jon Udell: Heavy metal umlaut. Retrieved from http://jonudell.net/udell/gems/umlaut/umlaut.html

Yahoo. (2012). About Flickr. Retrieved from http://www.flickr.com/about/