Engaging Learners with New Strategies and Tools

Reflection-

According to Durrington, Berryhill, and Swafford (2006), research has indicated that "distance learning can be as effective as traditional instruction when the technologies are appropriate for the instructional tasks, instructors provide timely feedback to students, and levels of students interactivity are high" (p. 190). Therefore, online learning can be as effective as a traditional face-to-face learning environment. This is true because there are technological tools and strategies that are used outside the classroom that can benefit the educational process when implemented in the classroom. For instance, in this day in age, people use email as a form of communication of one another. In an online learning environment, one may email or even communicate through other technological avenues, such as discussion postings, blogs, and wikis. Such technological tools are excellent in an online setting because they are convenient for the busy lifesyle. Also, classmates can stay in constant contact with one another and receive feedback from the instructor, as well as their peers, through discussion postings, blogs, and wikis. This creates the sense of community within an online learning environment.

Elements of Distance Education Diffusion

George Siemens' viewpoint on communication and collaborative interaction was very enlightening. I decided to focus on the element of on both of the elements since they are so close in nature. For instance, we are living in a time in which one must be technologically savvy to nearly survive in the world. It seems as if everything is ran on or by some type of technological machinery. With the advancement of technolgy, and the fact that most people seem to always be so busy, there are technological innovations that have made it easier for people to quickly communicate and collaborate while maintaining their busy lifestyles. There are online tools available today that allows people to interact, such as Skype, email, Wikis, text messaging, cell phones, etc. However, the best tools for more collaborative interaction, such as working on a project in a group, are Wikis and Skype. These tools allow people to interact using technological tools without wasting a lot of time. However, just to casually converse with one another, emailing, SKype again, text messaging (as long as it is not done on the road), are wonderful tools to keep in touch with family, friends, and co-workers.

Video Presentation Storyboard

1.First, I will introduce myself. I will explain that I am introducing the keynote speaker’s address. The topic will be learner engagement and motivation.

2. I will address what learner engagement and motivation is and how important such aspects to education are to learning.

3.I will explain that students’ ability to learn can be affected and based upon the delivery of the lesson(s).

I will provide examples and statistics.

4.I will give learning strategies that are hands-on.

I will give demonstrations of students’ learning the traditional way with just the teacher lecturing and the students taking notes. Then, I will show the difference of how much students will be engaged in the lessons when they each have a part to play in their learning and they are up moving around.

I will also discuss learning about Ron Clarke.

5.I will engage the audience with song and music showing how the presentation of lessons can affect the learner’s motivation and engagement.
Nicole Harris
Video Presentation Story Board
Topic: Learner Engagement and Motivation

Articles on E-Learning

Response to Articles by Muller, Huett, Foshay, and Coleman-


I gathered from their articles that e-learning is definitely in demand. However, it has received some flack from some naysayers. Such opposers question whether or not learners are getting the quality education that those that attend traditional schools are getting. I do not believe that the quality of education suffers on many cases. For instance, being a teacher, I have a busy schedule. I do not have the time to drive to a campus, and listen to someone lecture me on readings. I need to be able to work at my own pace; and be able to chose when I can spend time studying. On the other hand, I am not sure if I agree that distance learning is the best choice for K-12 sectors. I wonder if the students miss out on social skills and recreations that play an important part in a child's life. However, I do see the authors' point when dealing with possible budget cuts, for example, e-learning may make it possible to not have to hire a certain number of teachers (as a teacher, I personally do not like this idea). Also, children learn differently. Therefore, a teacher must differentiate his or her lesson to accommodate the children's unique learning styles. How can a teacher make sure that each child fully understands a concept? I like the idea of e-learning as a supplement. I think that it can serve as a reinforcer of what is taught in the classroom, but not take the place of the classroom. Therefore, I am pro-distant education in various settings as long as the learners' educational needs are fully met.


Thank you,

Nicole Harris