E-learning has been a great experience for me. I am a mother of four and very busy. The ease of being able to learn on my own time has been a great blessing to my family. This course did a great job in introducing many web based applications. I was able to become familiar with the many tools that are available to teachers. There is no greater way to learn then to learn by doing. This course allowed this each week. As the author stated the two phenomena that characterize e- learning are "1. functional architectures that employ various collaborative or interactive functional entities and components 2. technics that use technology designed or selected to reach learning outcomes." This course did a great job on the second component. I know I have become more comfortable with using web based applications.
Referring to the first idea stated by the author, the other course I have been taking required more group work. There was group discussion required each week via chat of some capacity and also a group presentation due at the end. This became very frustrating as you had to rely on other people who did not show up or contribute to the group. This was a frustrating aspect of e-learning for me.
I have started using Google Docs and find this tool extremely helpful with my current vocation. This is an excellent tool to keep everyone on the same page.
I also like using the concept mapping. As a teacher I use this tool alot. When student are able to see the connections between subjects this helps to bring them to an understanding that is deep. This goes along the line of "Ability to see connections between fields, ideas, and concepts is a core skill." The process of students either creating a map of a concept or working in a group or completing one that is started by a teacher, will help bring all the ideas presented together into a cohesive thought.
Tuesday, August 12, 2014
Sunday, August 10, 2014
Free Web Based Software
Phixr-
I was able to easily upload my pictures to this software. It was very impressive the many different functions that could be performed with phixr. The ability to change color, add a border, adjust color, add fun effects and geometric shapes were all very east to accomplish. This tool also had the ability to add text and reduce red eye from a picture. You could edit your picture to look exactly how you would like by increasing he sharpness and gradation. A fun tool that phixr had was the ability to decorate your photo. This would be a great free tool to use in the classroom, promoting the class itself, and at home.
Google Docs-
The great thing about google docs is the ability to share documents with many different people. Whoever you add can have total access to edit and view the document. This is a great when you are working with a team of people on different projects. The document tool has a nice selection of fonts and many similar feature that Microsoft Word possesses. Besides documents, docs also has the ability to create drawings, spreadsheets and presentations. You can also upload other documents into this format so everyone can see and edit them. This is a great tool to collaborate and share your information.
I was able to easily upload my pictures to this software. It was very impressive the many different functions that could be performed with phixr. The ability to change color, add a border, adjust color, add fun effects and geometric shapes were all very east to accomplish. This tool also had the ability to add text and reduce red eye from a picture. You could edit your picture to look exactly how you would like by increasing he sharpness and gradation. A fun tool that phixr had was the ability to decorate your photo. This would be a great free tool to use in the classroom, promoting the class itself, and at home.
Google Docs-
The great thing about google docs is the ability to share documents with many different people. Whoever you add can have total access to edit and view the document. This is a great when you are working with a team of people on different projects. The document tool has a nice selection of fonts and many similar feature that Microsoft Word possesses. Besides documents, docs also has the ability to create drawings, spreadsheets and presentations. You can also upload other documents into this format so everyone can see and edit them. This is a great tool to collaborate and share your information.
Saturday, August 9, 2014
http://www.screencast.com/users/shannontyler/folders/Jing/media/e51c8098-f60a-48bc-9d2d-6f304381cd7c
My computer would not allow me to embed the video on my blog. I needed to update my Java (which my computer would not allow).
The purpose of this screencast would be to give the students a visual as they are learning to identify atomic number and mass and what this translates to in an atom. This would complement a lesson I have taught previously and showed them the skill. They would be able to refer to this video for what they could not remember in class.
My computer would not allow me to embed the video on my blog. I needed to update my Java (which my computer would not allow).
The purpose of this screencast would be to give the students a visual as they are learning to identify atomic number and mass and what this translates to in an atom. This would complement a lesson I have taught previously and showed them the skill. They would be able to refer to this video for what they could not remember in class.
Thursday, August 7, 2014
Week 6 Reflection
Instructional design can be implemented in many different areas. The three discussed in these chapters are in the business sector, in P-12 education and in higher education. Within all three the commonality is to teach. Within the business sector the focus is on employee training. The result of this training is to increase on-the-job performance and solving organizational problems. The end goal is to make the company more profitable.
The second area discussed is in P-12 education. There are three different types of developments discussed: system, product, and classroom. Within the system development the focus is on identifying student's needs. The system model within the business sector is to focus on for profit, large scale development. Product allows a student in a P-12 classroom to drill concepts independently through online tools and games. Within a business this type of development would encourage the self-paced learner to excel on the job. The classroom development is based on being a teacher led tool. The teacher will use instructional design to supplement the class.
Within higher education the use of instructional design is modeled by being the student completing their work on-line and obtaining feedback from a professor. The professor is key in developing an on-line curriculum. Their job is to help engage students with their learning process. The major theme with high education is student managed with a professor as a guide.
The area that could be applied to my school would be the business model. It would be great if ID could be used to benefit the entire school and help solve organization problems.
The first lesson that I would find most relevant to my professional career would be to have a broad range of skills. My degree is currently in science education. I would love to become proficient in ID or another area of education, this would make me more marketable in the workforce. The second area is keeping up with the literature in my interest area. This would give me a well rounded knowledge of my subject area which would therefore, benefit my students.
The second area discussed is in P-12 education. There are three different types of developments discussed: system, product, and classroom. Within the system development the focus is on identifying student's needs. The system model within the business sector is to focus on for profit, large scale development. Product allows a student in a P-12 classroom to drill concepts independently through online tools and games. Within a business this type of development would encourage the self-paced learner to excel on the job. The classroom development is based on being a teacher led tool. The teacher will use instructional design to supplement the class.
Within higher education the use of instructional design is modeled by being the student completing their work on-line and obtaining feedback from a professor. The professor is key in developing an on-line curriculum. Their job is to help engage students with their learning process. The major theme with high education is student managed with a professor as a guide.
The area that could be applied to my school would be the business model. It would be great if ID could be used to benefit the entire school and help solve organization problems.
The first lesson that I would find most relevant to my professional career would be to have a broad range of skills. My degree is currently in science education. I would love to become proficient in ID or another area of education, this would make me more marketable in the workforce. The second area is keeping up with the literature in my interest area. This would give me a well rounded knowledge of my subject area which would therefore, benefit my students.
Sunday, August 3, 2014
Friday, August 1, 2014
Week Five Reflection
The primary goal of instructional design within the workforce is to create a knowledgeable workforce. This has in recent years expanded to meet the needs of employers in many different avenues. Two of the ways that instructional design is changing and shaping the workforce that I could see very beneficial in an education setting are; analyzing human performance and solving performance problems. It would be great if we could develop a technology based curriculum which first and foremost would evaluate a student's learning style. Once this is established the entire curriculum would cater specifically to the student's learning style. This program would then track the student's progress and identify weak areas. Once these areas are identified a teacher/tutor would give special instruction in the weak area. This process would help solve the "performance" problem; i.e. lack of understanding.
In chapter 21 the issue of technology integration is discussed along with the challenges. I was not surprised to see that this is an area that requires much work. I have mentioned before that my son just completed a year with an on-line charter school. This was a first year start-up school with many problems! The curriculum choices were minimal and I was not impressed with what he was doing. The initial excitement was there when he received his tablet, but then soon lost the "newness". After the excitement wore off and the expectation of regular school work was before them it became a boring and tedious process. The school did decide to offer some "regular" classes to help with the monotony of being in front of the computer. This proved to be successful. Their vision for this coming year is to integrate two days of classroom instruction with the rest of the work being completed on your own. We are excited to see if this helps the year to be more productive. There appears to be a lack of excellent on-line curriculum. This would solve many issue with instructional design.
In chapter 21 the issue of technology integration is discussed along with the challenges. I was not surprised to see that this is an area that requires much work. I have mentioned before that my son just completed a year with an on-line charter school. This was a first year start-up school with many problems! The curriculum choices were minimal and I was not impressed with what he was doing. The initial excitement was there when he received his tablet, but then soon lost the "newness". After the excitement wore off and the expectation of regular school work was before them it became a boring and tedious process. The school did decide to offer some "regular" classes to help with the monotony of being in front of the computer. This proved to be successful. Their vision for this coming year is to integrate two days of classroom instruction with the rest of the work being completed on your own. We are excited to see if this helps the year to be more productive. There appears to be a lack of excellent on-line curriculum. This would solve many issue with instructional design.
Concept Mapping
This concept map gives the student a visual of the differences between the two basic cell types. If I upgraded my account I would embed images into the links with a thorough explanation. This is a basic Biological concept which is easier to understand broken into two separate groups. I would give this to students as a study aid that would assist them in preparation for the test.
I have used concept mapping in my classroom before and found it to be very helpful to students. This helps them make the connections between objects. Usually there are blanks on the map that the students will need to fill in to complete the map. This is a great group activity as it helps to generate conversation.
Wednesday, July 30, 2014
Google Mapping Activity
This map could be used in a lesson introducing weather processes. We would discuss the science behind tornadoes, how they are formed and what are the effects. Students would then be able to see where severe tornadoes have occurred in Michigan and see if there is any common theme they can draw from the location.
Sunday, July 27, 2014
Friday, July 25, 2014
Thursday, July 24, 2014
Reflection week Four
Out of all the learning theories presented in chapter four, I believe the Situated Learning Theory would be the most beneficial. This type of learning takes place through student participation. I believe students learn the most by participating in hands-on, applicable learning exercises. Using this method, I would present the students with bags of marshmallows. I would give each group a different brand of marshmallows and they would have to count the number of marshmallows in the bag. We would then create a table on the board to compare the number of marshmallows, size of the bag and the price of each bag. This would help students to see the actual numbers affiliated with cost per ounce scenario. They would then be introduced to various other problems based on their favorite foods. Is would make the calculation interesting to them.
The other method I was interested in is, Gagne's Theory of Instruction. I appreciated his 9 events of instruction. The events, as he described them, would apply easily to the majority of classroom instruction. The first concept that you would need to help students understand is "what is an ounce". You could gain their attention by displaying some favorite foods and toys on the table. You could put 10 ounces of each. This would give them a visual of an ounce. From here you can teach them how to calculate price per ounce by labeling each item with a different price per prince number. They would then calculate the price of each display.
The last of the learning theories that I would utilize would be the Cognitive Theory. It would be a great task to assign the students to go to a grocery store and compare price per ounce or pound of various products. This would help move the concepts they learned in class to their long term memory.
The Human Performance Improvement discussed in chapter 14, would be a great addition to any work place, school or home. We should all be striving to help those we interact with on a regular basis to be constantly improving. As a teacher I could use the concepts of positive reinforcement and encouragement to drive the student to accomplish their best. This would also be useful in the home environment. My children "perform" at a greater level when expectations are clear and positive motivators are set into place.
The podcast I chose to subscribe to is TEDTALKS EDUCATION. I really enjoy the innovative ideas that are presented through this podcast. The thoughts and ideas of the future of education and schools is a great motivator and inspiration as an educator.
Bookmarking would be a great way to introduce students to the latest and greatest information that is available. The best way I see to utilize this would be to have the teacher post and if students find something relatable and interesting, they would receive approval from the teacher and it could be added. This would be a great resource for parents to see what their child is currently learning and to learn and discuss right along with them.
Thursday, July 17, 2014
Instructional Design & Technology: Week 3 Reflection
The idea of learning through media has been around since the first decade of the twentieth century. This was surprising as I thought it was a new concept that is being built upon. The thought in the '30's concerning the radio, film and television; "tomorrow they will be as common as the book and powerful in their effect on learning and teaching" (Morgan, 1932, p. ix) was intriguing. Educators had high hopes for instructional technology. The definition has been reevaluated throughout the century to come to a broader scope which includes improve learning and performance. The focus should be on the teacher's proper implementation of media to accomplish the goal of educating our students.
As a science educator, I have been able to utilize many wonderful media within the context of my science class. The options for videos and microscopic images is astounding. Properly used these can be very beneficial tools in introducing your class to some complex subjects. I have utilized Khan academy numerous times with my students. These are short lectured videos that introduce topics. These are helpful for students to hear from a different perspective and for the repetition.
The scenario presented seemed very dull. In this situation, I interpreted that they took a traditional classroom with textbooks, workbooks, student study guides and teacher curriculum and put them all in electronic form on a laptop. They did not address any teacher training that took place to integrate the new method. There was no mention of a new method of teaching to incorporate more technology instruction. The difference is they would open a laptop instead of a book. I fail to see the benefit of this situation, with the exception of kids carrying one laptop as opposed to a text, workbook and study book for each class. It did not appear that the teachers were using the technology available to their fullest extent. A development of a blog, online grade book and some actual on-line instruction would have benefited the student.
I believe it will be very challenging to ever replace a teacher effectively. Technology can provide us with some incredible teaching tools, but can they motivate and challenge struggling students? My belief is that the majority of El/MS/HS students need a positive role model as well as a teacher. They need to be with someone who has a genuine interest in the subject area and their personal life. This will benefit the student most and produce the best long term result. On the other hand, as a graduate student and mother of four, I have greatly appreciated the benefit of online learning. The opportunity for me to go back to school would be greatly diminished without this tool. Therefore, in the right context and with a motivated student, instructional design and technology is needed in our society and I believe will continue to grow as better tools are made available.
As a science educator, I have been able to utilize many wonderful media within the context of my science class. The options for videos and microscopic images is astounding. Properly used these can be very beneficial tools in introducing your class to some complex subjects. I have utilized Khan academy numerous times with my students. These are short lectured videos that introduce topics. These are helpful for students to hear from a different perspective and for the repetition.
The scenario presented seemed very dull. In this situation, I interpreted that they took a traditional classroom with textbooks, workbooks, student study guides and teacher curriculum and put them all in electronic form on a laptop. They did not address any teacher training that took place to integrate the new method. There was no mention of a new method of teaching to incorporate more technology instruction. The difference is they would open a laptop instead of a book. I fail to see the benefit of this situation, with the exception of kids carrying one laptop as opposed to a text, workbook and study book for each class. It did not appear that the teachers were using the technology available to their fullest extent. A development of a blog, online grade book and some actual on-line instruction would have benefited the student.
I believe it will be very challenging to ever replace a teacher effectively. Technology can provide us with some incredible teaching tools, but can they motivate and challenge struggling students? My belief is that the majority of El/MS/HS students need a positive role model as well as a teacher. They need to be with someone who has a genuine interest in the subject area and their personal life. This will benefit the student most and produce the best long term result. On the other hand, as a graduate student and mother of four, I have greatly appreciated the benefit of online learning. The opportunity for me to go back to school would be greatly diminished without this tool. Therefore, in the right context and with a motivated student, instructional design and technology is needed in our society and I believe will continue to grow as better tools are made available.
Tuesday, July 15, 2014
Videos-Josh Wilson
My family and I were able to see this artist perform Sunday night in Grand Haven. We really enjoyed him.
Thursday, July 10, 2014
Blogs, RSS Readers and Wikis: Week 2 Reflection
This week has opened my eyes to the seemingly endless possibilities of the internet. The technology-based tool that I enjoyed the most was setting up the Wiki. I was not familiar with this tool and found it to be easy to use. This is a tool that I would find very beneficial in my classroom. As a science teacher, I could assign a group project on genetics that students would be able to collaborate together using a wiki. There are some great educational options within pbworks that would suit my classroom.
In years past, I set up a blog for my classroom. This allowed for great communication from teacher, parents and students. Each week I posted the material we covered in class and the assignments for the week. This was a great forum for students to access and parents to receive much needed information.
The most intriguing tool was the RSS Reader. I am not, what most consider computer literate. The idea of having all the sites I follow in one source was very new to me. I really liked the option to categorize the information and to see it all in one glance. This would be a great source to have my students utilize if there are certain sites I would like them to follow. They could also have the classroom blog on their RSS Reader which would help keep them informed.
Because a Wiki could be used for group activities, I would place a wiki around the middle of Dale's Cone (demonstrations, educational television, collaboration). A blog would be used more for individual projects or information. I would place blogs higher up on Dale's Cone (visual symbols and pictures). Feedly is interesting because a student will have a greater desire to stay in tuned to their RSS Reader. The majority of the sites they follow will be of interest to them. A person's interest will drive there education on the subject. Therefore, I believe it would be toward the bottom of Dale's Cone (direct purposeful experience). With the desire to learn, they will learn very quickly.
I really enjoyed Siegel's article! As I stated previously my son was enrolled in an on-line charter school. Our experience was very monotonous. My son lost his desire to learn. I sat through a number of his lessons and understood why. A teacher would be teaching the lesson in a 2"x2" square in the upper corner and notes would pop up on the screen as he/she was talking. At the end of a 7-12 minute lesson there was a quiz. The problem arose if you had little to no interest in the subject. The lesson was tedious.
I would love to see some student interaction being utilized through on-line communication. A teacher could post a question to the class blog and students could respond and collaborate answers. This would benefit students to think outside of themselves and stretch their interpersonal skills.
An imaginative way to utilize wiki and feedly would be to have students post on their wiki page a weekly summary from their feedly account. A class could be studying a specific subject such as, cell reproduction. They could be following information on their feedly account and then required to put a group report together using their wiki. I find the possibilities exciting. I would love to apply these technology tools to my classroom and help encourage collaborative learning.
In years past, I set up a blog for my classroom. This allowed for great communication from teacher, parents and students. Each week I posted the material we covered in class and the assignments for the week. This was a great forum for students to access and parents to receive much needed information.
The most intriguing tool was the RSS Reader. I am not, what most consider computer literate. The idea of having all the sites I follow in one source was very new to me. I really liked the option to categorize the information and to see it all in one glance. This would be a great source to have my students utilize if there are certain sites I would like them to follow. They could also have the classroom blog on their RSS Reader which would help keep them informed.
Because a Wiki could be used for group activities, I would place a wiki around the middle of Dale's Cone (demonstrations, educational television, collaboration). A blog would be used more for individual projects or information. I would place blogs higher up on Dale's Cone (visual symbols and pictures). Feedly is interesting because a student will have a greater desire to stay in tuned to their RSS Reader. The majority of the sites they follow will be of interest to them. A person's interest will drive there education on the subject. Therefore, I believe it would be toward the bottom of Dale's Cone (direct purposeful experience). With the desire to learn, they will learn very quickly.
I really enjoyed Siegel's article! As I stated previously my son was enrolled in an on-line charter school. Our experience was very monotonous. My son lost his desire to learn. I sat through a number of his lessons and understood why. A teacher would be teaching the lesson in a 2"x2" square in the upper corner and notes would pop up on the screen as he/she was talking. At the end of a 7-12 minute lesson there was a quiz. The problem arose if you had little to no interest in the subject. The lesson was tedious.
I would love to see some student interaction being utilized through on-line communication. A teacher could post a question to the class blog and students could respond and collaborate answers. This would benefit students to think outside of themselves and stretch their interpersonal skills.
An imaginative way to utilize wiki and feedly would be to have students post on their wiki page a weekly summary from their feedly account. A class could be studying a specific subject such as, cell reproduction. They could be following information on their feedly account and then required to put a group report together using their wiki. I find the possibilities exciting. I would love to apply these technology tools to my classroom and help encourage collaborative learning.
Wednesday, July 9, 2014
Next Generation of Software:Harnessing Collective Intelligence
The face of the internet is continuing to change. This change is determined by the users of the web. Blogs have been instrumental in this change by directing and feeding the desires of the internet user. Information is being shared and spread at lightning speed.
http://smtyler98.pbworks.com/w/page/82736557/FrontPage
http://smtyler98.pbworks.com/w/page/82736557/FrontPage
Friday, June 27, 2014
Technology and Learning
These articles address a current educational trend that has many pros and cons. My family is in the midst of a "new way to educate". I enrolled my son into a on-line charter school in Zeeland, Iacademy. The theme for Iacademy is "Just Right Learning". The meaning behind this is that each student was tested, according to their academic ability, and placed into the "just right" course work. The past 2013-2014 school year was the institutions first year in operation. My son completed his 6th grade year through on-line learning. The school provides each student with a tablet that has a complete year of course work set up. Students were also given the opportunity to attend a couple days of week at the Learning Campus. This provided students an opportunity to meet with their learning coach or teachers to move ahead in their course work.
This model of education worked well for disciplined, attentive students.
However, the students who struggle with discipline and attention, became discouraged because they were falling behind and the course work was "boring". One of the repeated negative comments this year (at Iacademy) was "My child lost his/her love to learn".
Technology is an excellent tool to cater a student's education to their level. It can also be used to enhance an educational experience. As a science teacher, I have used videos for cell reproduction that are fascinating, far beyond what I could ever communicate in a class room. However, if my students were only on a computer completing their work they also miss the social interaction that occurs when a new concept is presented. This is a great time for collaboration and excitement. A good teacher can inspire and engage students. This is a downfall with technology. If you have a student that is struggling to pay attention or focus he/she may require a teacher that can hold a student's interest.
As Reigeluth addressed in his article, "there would be a greater leverage if we invest in finding ways that technology can transform the way we teach, ways that technology can allow us to teach that weren't feasible before".
Technology has allowed us as a civilization to accomplish and observe more than many thought possible. There is great potential within the realm of education to utilize this tool to its greatest extent. However, I have a hard time thinking that a quality educator, who has a love and passion for their subject and students could ever be "replaced" with a computer.
Moderation is key when we discuss technology in the use of education.
This model of education worked well for disciplined, attentive students.
However, the students who struggle with discipline and attention, became discouraged because they were falling behind and the course work was "boring". One of the repeated negative comments this year (at Iacademy) was "My child lost his/her love to learn".
Technology is an excellent tool to cater a student's education to their level. It can also be used to enhance an educational experience. As a science teacher, I have used videos for cell reproduction that are fascinating, far beyond what I could ever communicate in a class room. However, if my students were only on a computer completing their work they also miss the social interaction that occurs when a new concept is presented. This is a great time for collaboration and excitement. A good teacher can inspire and engage students. This is a downfall with technology. If you have a student that is struggling to pay attention or focus he/she may require a teacher that can hold a student's interest.
As Reigeluth addressed in his article, "there would be a greater leverage if we invest in finding ways that technology can transform the way we teach, ways that technology can allow us to teach that weren't feasible before".
Technology has allowed us as a civilization to accomplish and observe more than many thought possible. There is great potential within the realm of education to utilize this tool to its greatest extent. However, I have a hard time thinking that a quality educator, who has a love and passion for their subject and students could ever be "replaced" with a computer.
Moderation is key when we discuss technology in the use of education.
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