Educational Technologies - What I Learned From My Classmates

 

URL:  http://www.pinterest.com

Pinterest is a social media tool that provides a plethora of information to those who are interested, and “…allows people to visually collect, organize and display creativity” (dstgirl27, 2014)).  As a teacher, you can also find techniques for teaching English as a second language or if you are job hunting, you can find tips on how to make your resume stand out from the crowd.  If you are a college student, you can find tips for college-i.e., “27 college tips I learned my sophomore year”, and “7 free apps that make college life easer” (comfyho.me, 2014; blog.gradguard.com, 2014).  As far as how I would incorporate Pinterest into my practice, I can see creating a page for Service Advisors where relevant information can be pinned as well as access to additional resources that will help them in the day to day work they perform in the service drive.

URL:  http://www.gamesforchange.org/play/ayiti-the-cost-of-life/

Ayiti: The Cost of Life, is a game that teaches how to be successful in life (Williams, 2014).  While this game is designed for children, I do have personal experience with facilitating a simulation that teaches automotive dealers the ins and outs of running a profitable dealership.  I believe this concept can be expanded upon and successfully implemented across our curriculum platform.  For example, one of the topics we teach in one of our workshops is how to interact with others based on their behavioral style.  Why not create a virtual environment where participants can “practice” interacting with others?  At the end there could be a role play activity where participants demonstrate their expertise in human interaction.

URL:  http://quizlet.com

“Quizlet’s free study tools and apps are used by over a million students and teachers a day in every country – from grade school to grad school, language learners to vocational students, at home and in the classroom” (Quizlet, 2014).  According to Golden’s Adult Education Technology Blog, she uses Quizlet in her current practice and states “…its impact on learning is significant” (2014).  I could see using this application to develop mobile modules as a quick easy way to remind our participants of something they learned in the classroom.  This tool would make a good tool for reinforcement and sustainment of learning.

References

Dstgirl27. (2014, March 18). Social Networking Technologies that Enhance Adult Education. 

            Retrieved from: http://dstgirl27.wordpress.com/

Pinterest. (2014). Adult Education. Retrieved from:

            http://www.pinterest.com/search/pins/?q=Adult%20education

 Williams, L. (2014).  Educational Technologies Blog: Gizmos and Ayiti. Retrieved from:

            http://lindawilliams4.wordpress.com

Quizlet. (2014). Mission. Retrieved from: http://www.quizlet.com

Digital Citizenship

 

http://www.microsoft.com/security/resources/digital-citizenship.aspx

With the exponential growth of technology, Digital Citizenship is a top priority.  The visual whitepaper Fostering Digital Citizenship discusses why it is so important to foster Digital citizenship in children and what they need to know to guide their path as they grow-up online. “93% of US teens are regularly online and creating their own digital culture; 86% of US parents feel digital media is crucial to preparing their children for the 21^st century” (Microsoft, 2014).  My five year old granddaughter started using an iPAD at the age of two.  I was amazed by how fast she learned to maneuver the digital landscape.  Today, she can pick up an iPAD, turn it on, surf for and explore various educational websites, download age-appropriate apps for gaming, and she even knows how to Facetime.  Her parents continue to encourage her exploration of technology, but with strict monitoring and set guidelines, which she can understand, and I believe is a good thing. 

When it comes to Digital Citizenship, I worry most about children because they are so unknowing and completely vulnerable.  So many children today are left to surf the Internet with absolutely no guideline to follow or adult supervision.  Because some parents and adults (some, not all), are so lax about providing the proper guidance to the children they are responsible for, those left unsupervised to surf the Web are being preyed upon, bullied, or taken advantage of in other ways.  If we are going to put technology into the hands of our children, then we need to take responsibility for teaching them how to utilize technology tools in a positive way, and help develop them into digitally responsible people.  Here are some suggestions as to what parents can do to support good Digital Citizenship in their children:  1) Talk to your children about appropriate and responsible online behavior 2) Install parental controls 3) Establish guidelines to be followed a consequences for misbehavior online (Microsoft, 2014).  Educators like parents have a social responsibility to our children, so here some suggestions: 1) Teach digital citizenship to primary and secondary schools so all young people can learn how to be responsible, respectful, and informed digital citizens and 2) Provide professional development to help teachers and staff with course in digital citizenship (Microsoft, 2014). 

One way I have incorporated Digital Citizenship into my own practice as an educator is to create a web-based training on how to communicate electronically.  We also incorporate Best Practices for communicating electronically into our workshop curriculum.

References

Microsoft (2014).  What does digital citizenship mean to you?  Retrieved from: 

http://www.microsoft.com/security/resources/digital-citizenship.aspx

Microsoft (2014).  Fostering Digital Citizenship.  Retrieved from: 

http://www.microsoft.com/security/resources/digital-citizenship.aspx

 

Distance Learning

Web 2.0 coupled with various social software such as social media, blogs, wikis, podcasts, tagging and social bookmarking, multi-media sharing, as well as RSS and syndication, are all valuable resources in expounding upon distance education.  These technologies “…enable conversation, dialogue, and the building of social rapport” (Lee, M.J.W. & McCloughlin, 2010).  Prior to these technologies being available, distance learners felt isolated.  The lack of interaction with their co-learners and the lack of immediate feedback from their instructors led to learners becoming disillusioned, a lack of motivation and enthusiasm for instruction, and ultimately dropping out of their programs.  As a student participating in a distance learning program, and a facilitator of learners who are spread out across the country, I embrace the advantages of social software.  An example of how we are incorporating social networking into our curriculum is the implementation of a Facebook page.  The purpose of the page is to bring learners together from wherever they may be located, and create a sense of community.  Within this environment we post videos, job aides, and access to other online learning resources.  This Facebook page provides them an environment where they can openly share and learn from one another. 

The most important implication of social software for distance education are the new possibilities for extending and enriching the learning experience, reducing isolation, and utilizing the power and immediacy of the available tools to support the core learning process of reflection, collaboration, knowledge creation, creativity, discussion, and social networking (Lee, M.J.W. & McCloughlin, 2010).

Mobile Technology

 “One of the main barriers of learning in distance education is the absence of interaction in a learning environment” (Makoe, 2011).  Use of mobile technology connects learners with one another and the educator, builds a sense of community, and bolsters interaction between the educator and the learners, and supports learner to learners.  Educators are able to spark discussions through SMS (short messaging systems) and provide access to audio and media-rich resources, such as podcasts and You Tube videos.  Mobile technology can also be used to provide small chunks of information real-time, or whenever the learner needs it the most.  Even developing countries and more rural areas where computers may not be accessible are embracing mobile technology.  “In South Africa alone, the cell phone penetration is estimated at 98 percent. A recent survey found that 39% of urban South Africans and 27% of rural residents are now browsing the internet from their cell phones” (Rao, 2011; Makoe, 2011).  In the world of Parts and Service training, we are using mobile technology to help the service advisor educate himself, as well as his customers.  We are doing this by deploying content through our Mobile Learning and Resource Environment (MLRE) (www.hondamlre.com), which can be access via a smart phone or tablet.  We have also provided service advisors a mechanism to provide us feedback relative to the functionality of the environment and how well it is serving their needs.  In an effort to sustain training full circle, we have integrated exposure to the MLRE into our workshop curriculum as well as our web-based training.  “The use of technology is an essential component of supporting multi-way communication in the education transaction” (Garrison, 2009; Makoe, 2011).

References

 Veletsianose, G. (Ed.). (2010). Emerging Technologies in Distance Education. Edmonton, AB: AU Press,

            Athabasca University.

Makoe, M. (2012). The pedagogy of mobile learning in supporting distance learners. Retrieved from:  

                http://uir.unisa.ac.za

“Games are designed to generate a positive effect in players, and are most successful and engaging when they facilitate the flow experience” (Kiili, 2005).  In addition to the learner becoming engaged, he also becomes more motivated when he begins to experience a state of flow-nothing but what you are doing in the moment matters.  I know that to be true because I have experienced a state of flow when attempting a difficult position while practicing Hot Yoga.  All of a sudden I realize I’m in the perfect stance and I feel like I could stay there forever-no matter how difficult it becomes or how hot the room is.  When it comes to learning, I believe I have observed others experiencing a state of flow during an engaging learning experience.   Oblinger 2006 states “It is important to emphasize that games and play may be effective learning environments, not because they are “fun” but because they are immersive, require the player to make frequent, important decisions, have clear goals, adapt to each player individually, and involve a social network” (https://net.educause.edu).  While I do not have direct experience with “games” as educational tools, I do have experience with simulated learning environments,  that do require the learners to make educated decisions, which have an impact on whether or not they pass or fail.  And, I am here to you,  they take the learning environment very seriously.

http://www.simschool.org

If I were an educator of teachers, simSchool is definitely a tool I would use. 

“simSchool is a classroom simulation that supports the rapid accumulation of a teacher's experience in analyzing student differences, adapting instruction to individual learner needs, gathering data about the impacts of instruction, and seeing the results of their teaching.

simSchool is like a "flight simulator" for educators - a place where instructors can explore instructional strategies, examine classroom management techniques, and practice building relationships with students that will translate into increased learning.

Results of teachers experience are real, measureable, and include:  improvement in general teaching skill, improved confidence in using technology, increased belief that the teacher has the skills and ability to make a difference in a child's or an adult’s life, improvement in pre-service teachers' performance in teacher preparation courses and attitudes toward inclusion of special needs students, significant positive impact on the mastery of deeper learning capacities that comprise the readiness to teach, increased "staying power" on the path to the field of teaching acquired through rapid development of strong self-efficacy and resilience.  In these ways and more, simSchool enables transformational experiences for teachers to help them become more effective leaders in their classrooms and learning communities” (http://www.simschool.org/about).

 https://www.lumosity.com

I believe this game has the potential to help students improve, their speed, agility, memory, and attention span.  I played long enough to set a benchmark for my cognitive health.  Unless we constantly exercise our minds, as we age, we become less agile.  Luminosity is just one of many games one can play to exercise their brain, and there are others that are free-for example, MindDabble.com.   In reality, even young children can benefit from games that exercise their brain.  As I dabbled in the Luminosity environment, I was challenged to do things such as remember where birds were located on a page and what number was associate with the bird, or where colored squares were located in a pattern of several.  It was an interesting experience, and I will definitely investigate further for tools that can provide the same experience without cost, because, I believe that the more we exercise our brain, the smarter and more self-sufficient we become.

References

Kiili, K.  (2005). Digital game-based learning: Towards an experiential gaming model.  Internet and

Higher Education 8 (2005) 13–24.  doi:10.1016/j.iheduc.2004.12.001

Gee, James Paul. “Learning and Games." The Ecology of Games: Connecting Youth, Games, and

Learning. Edited by Katie Salen. The John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation Series on

Digital Media and Learning. Cambridge, MA: The MIT Press, 2008. 21–40. doi:              

10.1162/dmal.9780262693646.021 

Oblinger, D. (May, 2006).  Simulations, Games, and Learning.  Retrieved from:

https://net.educause.edu.

Educational Technologies

 

http://www.apple.com/ipad/

An iPAD is a tablet computer, developed by Apple that runs Apple’s iOS operating system.  Some consider the iPAD a larger version of the iPhone, as they have many of the same functionalities.  The iPAD has a touch screen with an onscreen keyboard.  For those who find the onscreen keyboard clunky, there is something called a stylus that will assist the user with input.  In addition, the iPAD can accommodate audio and visual media, and access the Internet via a WIFI connection.
I selected the iPAD because it is tried and true technology in the learning environment.  “The use of mobile technology in education is a recent initiative fostered by the easy access and fast technological improvements and advancements of the mobile devices, namely smartphones or tablets such as the iPAD” (Silva, 2014).  iPADS have changed the way our organization delivers training and how our participants receive training.   “Mobile technologies have a great deal of utility in adult education and are another way to empower students in their learning, giving them more options and greater control over where and how they learn” (Russell, Lippencott, & Gettman, 2013). Our learning environment use to be one of participant workbooks, meeting leader guides, flip charts, and a facilitator standing up in front of the room delivering from a PowerPoint presentation.  Today, we deliver training via iPad technology.  All participants utilize the iPAD to participate in competitive activities, conduct research to answer questions during open discussion, create role play videos, construct action plans, and complete surveys; these are just a few examples of how we utilize the iPAD.  The iPAD also enables us to customize the learning experience.  Lastly, the iPAD has enabled us to become a more environmentally friendly training organization, which aligns with our corporate culture and vision.

http://www.apple.com/iphone

http://www.samsunggalaxy.com

http://us.blackberry.com

 “A smartphone, or smart phone, is a mobile phone with more advanced computing capability and connectivity than basic feature phones” (http://en.wikipedia.org).  With a smartphone, the user has the capability to download even more functionality than what comes standard on the device.  As they say “there is an app for everything”.  “Unlike traditional phones, which are produced as finished goods, a smartphone enables users to install, add, and delete hundreds of applications” (Song, 2014).  While I’m a Samsung smartphone owner, it is not the only smartphone on the market.  “The transformation of the smartphone market is changing the game from a winner take all to one in which winners take all, as different players tailor their products to different segments of the market” (Mourdonkoutas, 2013).

I chose the smartphone because it is a great tool to leverage for performance improvement and sustainment and reinforcement of previous learning.  Their size and versatility make them a great tool for those who travel or have a need to access learning real-time.  For example, we are planning to implement interactive, multi-media learning that can be accessed anytime, anywhere from a smartphone.  We believe this will provide our target audience with the support to improve their on-the-job performance.  Imagine if you will, a service advisor in the service drive with a customer, attempting to explain why their vehicle is not operating as it should-the customer is confused and wants more information.  The service advisor pulls out his smartphone pulls up an interactive resource that allows him to actually demonstrate to the customer what is happening with their vehicle-to the point where the customer actually experiences an “a-ha” moment.  “Keeping up with the changes in employee needs is crucial to a successful training program. Give your employees the flexibility they’re looking for with mobile training, and give them the freedom to learn beyond the office” (Wroten, 2014).

 References

Russell, M., Lippencott, J., Getman, J. (2013).  Connected Teaching and Personalized

            Learning: Implications of the National Education Technology Plan (NETP) for Adult

            Education.   Retrieved from: http://www.air.org

Silva, C. (2014) Scientific Bulletin of the  “Petru Maior” University of Tîrgu Mureş Vol. 9

            (XXVI) no. 1, 2012, ISSN 2285 – 438X (Online), ISSN–L 1841 – 9267.

Song, HC.  (2014).   Analysis of the global smartphone market and the strategies of its major

            players. 

Mourdonkoutas, P.  (October, 2013).  The Game Is Changing In The Smartphone Market. 

            Retrieved from http://www.forbes.com

Wroten, C.  (February, 2014).  Beyond the Office: Mobile Learning in the Workplace. 

            Retrieved from:  http://elearningindustry.com/mobile-learning-in-the-workplace

 Dear Followers:

www.facebrook.com

Did you know that originally Facebook was only available to those who had a “.edu email address” (www.oregonstate.edu)?  Today, Facebook has over a billion users.  Facebook provides a free forum for people to extensively share information, photos, videos, web plug-ins, ask questions, provide answers, and share successes.  Members can post, read, and respond to classified ads, find others who have the same interests as you and interact, publicize an event, invite guests, and track who plans to attend, create and promote a public page built around a specific topic, see who is online and engage in real-time chat, connect with other sites via Facebook, and it’s all free.  When you try to put it into context, it’s overwhelming.  The trick is not only to know how to use Facebook but how to use it effectively (http://whatis.techtarget.com).

www.twitter.com

“Most people know that Twitter is a micro-blogging network of real-time posts that are limited to 140 characters or less, but few people understand how they might benefit from Twitter” (http://www.gcflearnfree.org).   Twitter is a great way to get share information quickly whether it is news updates, career related information, or what’s happening at the moment with friends and family.  Business uses for Twitter might include a restaurant tweeting the Special of Day, retail stores alerting customers to special promotions, and notifying customers and employees of closure due to weather.  In the learning environment an educator might tweet an assignment update or a student might tweet a great resource he just stumbled upon.  Whatever the need, Twitter is a great way to share important or not so important real-time updates.
“For millions of people, the web is a social space that connects them with their friends, colleagues, family members and even total strangers” (Hung & Yeun, 2010).  I see both Facebook and Twitter as great ways for our facilitators and our development team to stay in close contact with our online and workshop participants.  I also see it as a way for our participants to engage with and stay in touch with each other.  Through Facebook we will create a community of practice (CoP) where our target audience will be able to stay engaged with each other and share Best Practices, new ways of doing the same thing, work related photos and videos, any challenges they may be facing, solutions, and resources that will help them maneuver their daily landscape in the service drive and at the parts counter.  As administrators of the Facebook page, we will post access to new resources, answers to their questions and moderate their discussions.  We will link to other pages and resources they will find relevant.  Facebook will enable provide us a mechanism to invite our participants to special events.  We will also use this tool to seek their feedback on existing training as well as what they would like to see in new training. 

We will utilize Twitter to post breaking news in the automotive industry, create awareness of workshops coming to their area, special workshop pricing, and alert them to new resources being available.  These are just a few of my thoughts as to how we can utilize and make the most of Facebook and Twitter.  Since our experience with social networking is at a novice level, we’ll take baby steps in our implementation and see where it leads us.

References 

(2014).  What is Facebook and how do I use it?  Retrieved from:

            http://oregonstate.edu/international/sites/default/files/atosu/Facebook_Tips.pdf

(2014).  Understanding Twitter.  Retrieved from:   http://www.gcflearnfree.org/twitter101/1

Hung, H. & Yeun, S. (2010).  Educational use of social networking technology in higher

            education.  Teaching in Higher Education.  Vol. 15, No. 6, December 2010, 703714.

                    Dear Followers:

I believe mobile technology including iPads and Smart phones is a great way to enhance learning in the classroom, as well as sustain learning outside of the classroom environment.  Not to mention, some schools, specifically private schools, are finding iPads a more cost effective alternative to hardcover books. “More and more schools are moving toward mobile learning in the classroom as a way to take advantage of a new wave of electronic devices that offer portability and ease of use on a budget” (Wylie 2014).

Two years ago, my team and I started working on a project to take our workshop learning environment paperless.  We knew we would be able to recover the cost of building a training portal and the price of the hardware in less than two years.  Yes, we were spending that much money in paper materials, administrative, printing and fulfillment costs – but, more importantly, imagine being able to provide your learners the opportunity to explore the learning landscape via an iPad and the Internet.  In the workshops we facilitate, this is what we do.  There is nothing more exciting for an educator than to see a 60-something using an iPad for the first time and seeing an entirely new world open up to him.  However, no matter how good the curriculum is or exciting the environment, tools, and technology are, there is always that nagging thought about sustainment.  So, to reinforce and sustain the learning our learners can take full advantage of our Mobile Learning and Resource Environment via a Smart phone, tablet, or PC, post workshop.  Within this environment our learners can find the same resources provided to them during the workshop, along with additional tools and resources that will support their learning and help them be the best they can be on a day-to-day basis.

Social Media is another learning conduit that I have a passion for.  There are so many ways that Social Media can be used to engage learners.  Some examples are: “Tweet or post status updates as a class or to your class, blog posts about what students are learning, connect to other classrooms, create Twitter accounts for special interest projects, ask questions to engage your students in authentic learning, communicate with other classrooms and learners…”, and create communities of learning (Davis 2014). My team and I are preparing to launch a Facebook page that will provide our learners a place to go and share ideas, challenges, and Best Practices.  In addition, it will also provide us a place to post additional learning resources and tools of the trade.  We are excited about the pending launch and expect that our Facebook page will be quickly accepted and embraced.

 References

Wylie, J. 2014. Mobile Learning Technologies for 21st Century Classrooms. Retrieved from:
                http://www.scholastic.com/browse/article.jsp?id=3754742.

Davis, V. 2014. A Guidebook for Social Media in the Classroom. Retrieved from:  

                http://www.edutopia.org/blog/guidebook-social-media-in-classroom-vicki-davis