EDU6145 Project Management

The start of a new course and another adventure.  This summer has been very busy so far and will get busier as I take on the day care of my two year old twin granddaughters.

I will be posting quite often in this course.  We are learning the role of the Project Manager and the work that he or she does.  I learned a great deal reading our resources this week, it is good to know what goes on before the Instructional Designer starts her part, I can see that there is some overlap.
I am looking forward to an exciting 8 weeks.

Reflections of Distance Learning

            Distance learning is not a new 21^st century form of learning; distance learning has been around for decades.  Correspondence was the original form of distance learning, lessons were sent in the mail, completed, then returned for grading and new lessons were sent.  Next came the open universities in Europe, which used distance education structure to deliver education to hundreds of thousands of people. In the last decade distance education with the increased use of internet has become very popular in the United States (Simonson, n.d.).  In the past distance education was the topic of many jokes.  I remember hearing jokes about people getting some sort of training or degree on line. If a student was unable to meet the entrance standards or rigor of higher education, the joke was that they should just get an online degree, they could do that.  When applying for a job an online degree was not considered a   “real” degree and would be disregarded.  As technology becomes more widespread and used by millions of people around the globe distance learning has become internet-based learning.

            The future of distance education is exciting; new technology and improvement of the old has led to increased interest in distance learning, respected colleges and universities offering more online degrees, and the availability of financial aid for online degress.  An online degree has gone from a degree with little respect to one which is highly respected and admired.  Employers have come to realize that a perspective applicant with an online degree is:

• Good communicators
• Able to collaborate and work with others in a global community
• Self-disciplined
• Good manager and are able to schedule their time for family, work, and studies
• Able to use the computer and other technology

The next five to ten years will be a time of great growth in distance education.  As graduates of distance education programs gain recognition in the work force as well educated valuable employees the perception of distance education will increase.  Instructors will be well trained and certified to teach distance education as well as those offering distance education programs will need to be accredited to offer the classes.

            Then in ten to twenty years as distance education reaches the point of critical growth and while it will grown significantly there will not be the exponential growth seen earlier (Simonson, n.d.).  Distance education will have reached its highest level of prestige.  Just as in all areas there will always be some who are do not believe that distance education can be of high quality but more will.  There will always be the traditional classroom and as technology improves and becomes less expensive for school districts and individuals it will be a part of all education programs.  My own academic prediction is that in ten to twenty years there will be another form of education that is introduced and there will be a discussion on the perception of it compared to distance education and traditional education.  It will be the instructional designers who set the pace for learning and to keep all learning regardless of the form high quality with a positive perception by society.

            One of the duties of an instructional designer is to be a proponent for improving societal perceptions of distance learning.  Instructional designers are used to misunderstanding and at times not accepted as a reputable part of a team. The instructional designer is responsible for the appropriate application of technology to the teaching and learning process.  Societal perceptions of distance learning will be increased as the instructional designer continues to develop effective learning programs and to maintain a professional and ethical attitude (Simonson, Smaldino, Albright, &Zvacek, 2012). 

As I come close to completing my degree I have learned how important it will be to maintain a positive attitude and to continue improving the field of distance education. Not all of us desire to be high profile in our work; some want to be instructors and work directly with the students while working with other instructors in developing good quality effective learning programs.  I hope to be able to use my experience in distance learning and traditional learning to develop and teach courses that will help students learn the content of the course as well as how to create and think for themselves, to maintain a balance between all aspects of their life, and work cooperatively in a global community.

References

Simonson, M., (n.d.) Distance Education:  The Next Generation, (video).  Walden University, EDUC 6135, Distance Learning

Simonson, M., Smaldino, S., Albright, M., & Zvacek, S. (2012). Teaching and Learning at a

            Distance: Foundations of Distance Education (5th ed.). Boston, MA: Pearson.

Converting a Program From Face to Face to Blended Learning Format

                                              

CONVERTING A PROGRAM FROM FACE TO FACE

TO BLENDED LEARNING FORMAT

PRE-PLANNING STRATEGIES TO CONSIDER BEFORE CONVERTING PROGRAM

The following is a checklist of considerations to follow when making plans to convert a face-to-face to blended program:

·      Format the way the program will be presented

·      Determine the equipment needed

·      Determine the software needed

·      Which learning management system if any will be  used

·      Can learning management system be used for server to make learning materials available

·      Write the goals of the program

·      Determine the schedule for the program

·      Prepare documents which will provide all users with the criteria of the program and all that is expected of them.

·      Plan for assessment of program and trainers

     (Simonson, Smaldino, Albright, & Zvacek, 2012)

BLENDING ORIGINAL PROGRAM WITH DISTANCE LEARNING FORMAT

Characteristics of Learning Programs	Face to Face Learning	Distance Learning	Blended Learning
Fosters intellectual freedom and creativity	X	X	X
Self-directed learning: Students take responsibility for own learning		X	X
Challenges people just a little above present level of ability		X	X
Active involvement in learning: Students and instructors interact and communicate in real time	X		X
Student centered		X	X
Set meeting time and place	X		X
Attend class when convenient for student:  Any time – Any place		X	X
Real time group discussions	X		X
Student works at home/independently as well as in a classroom			X

(Billington, 1996)

              In the table above you can see that blended learning is a combination of face to face learning and distance learning.  It is like getting the best of both worlds.  Dorothy Billington the author of the paper,  Seven Characteristics of Highly Effective Adult Learning Programs, the characteristics which she discusses  are relevant to all learners.  The full text can be found at http://education.jhu.edu/newhorizons/lifelonglearning/workplace/articles/characteristics/index.html  from John Hopkins University School of Education New Horizons for Learning.  

FACILITATING COMMUNICATION AND LEARNING AMONG STUDENTS

         Guide on the side is a term used for the facilitator of communication and learning in a distance learning community.  The guide on the side guides the learners as they create through dialogue with each other.  The role of the guide on the side facilitator:

·      Gives regular and manageable feedback

·      Culture building activities

·      Virtual “hand-holding” to the “digitally challenged”

·      Acknowledges diversity

·      Organizes post and discussion

·      Maintains effective interaction

·      Deepens dialogue by promoting full spectrum of questioning

·      Offers students opportunity to make connections

·      Supports a community that offers multiperspectives

·      Allows ownership of the direction of the dialogue to remain with the learners

(Kirk, 2003)

PLANNING FOR FACILITATOR’S ROLE IN BLENDED LEARNING ENVIRONMENT

         Planning for facilitating in a blended environment is very much like planning for a face to face classroom.  The most time consuming and critical area for a success is to know the software which will be used.  The facilitator needs to know and practice using the software that they and the students will be using.  The facilitator needs to learn all the things that can be done with the software  (Piskurich, n.d.).

         The second important aspect to be learned well is the lesson plans.  Again, as the facilitator the lesson plan may have been created by a team including the instructional designer, an expert in the content area, and if possible, the facilitator.  The facilitator must know what is happening next so that there are no surprises, even a short pause can break the student’s engagement and it may take awhile to get them back on task.   Everything that is needed for the lesson should be readily available (n.d.).

         Next, if possible, the facilitator should learn as much as possible about the learners not only because if is important know them but also to know their cultural background could be helpful to save an awkward situation (n.d.).

         So in conclusion, the facilitators planning for their role in blended learning is just as the blended learning is to face to face; similar but different.

Resources

Billington, D. D., (1996). Seven characteristics of highl effective adult learning.  John Hopkins Univesity School of Education New Horizons for Learning.  Retrieved from http://education.jhu.edu/newhorizons/lifelonglearning/workplace/articles/characteristics/index.html

Kirk, D. (2003).  Book Review:  Facilitating Online Learning, Effective Strategies for Moderators, (Authors: Collison, G., Elbaum, B., Haavind, S., & Tinker, R.).  Educational Teaching Society, 6(12).  Retrieved from http://www.ifets.info/journals/6_2/8.html

Piskurich, G., (n.d.).  Facilitating Online Learning, (video).  Retrieved from Walden University 6135 classroom.

Rossett, A., (2012).  Insructors Role in Blended Learning.  TrainingDepartment.com. Retrieved from http://www.trainingdepartment.com/tmain/Online-Training-Article08-InstructorBlendedLearning.asp

Simonson, M., Smaldino, S., Albright, M., & Zvacek, S., (2012). Teaching and Learning at a Distance Foundations of Distance Learning (5^th ed.).  Boston, MA: Pearson.

        

Collaborative Training Environment

Collaborative Training Environment

          A new automated staff information system was recently purchased by a major corporation and needs to be implemented in six regional offices. Unfortunately, the staff is located throughout all the different offices and cannot meet at the same time or in the same location. As an instructional designer for the corporation, you have been charged with implementing a training workshop for these offices. As part of the training, you were advised how imperative it is that the staff members share information, in the form of screen captures and documents, and participate in ongoing collaboration.

          In the above scenario the instructional designer’s task is to first of all to implement a workshop that can be given at different times in six different locations, next it is imperative that the staff members from all locations share information in the form of screen captures and documents, and finally the staff will participate in ongoing collaboration.

Implementing Workshop

            Asynchronous workshops are necessary to meet the needs of this corporation.  A learning management system or classroom management system could be used in implementing the workshop.  A learning management system (LMS) is a web-based technology used to plan, implement, and assess a specific learning process. A LMS provides an instructor with a way to create and deliver content, monitor learner participation, and assess learner’s performance. Also provided is the ability to use threaded discussions, video conferencing, and discussion forum (http://searchcio.techtarget.com/definition/learning-management-system  ).

          An LMS would provide the staff with the ability to log onto the website and start their workshops.  Content will be delivered in using text, screen captures, as well as links to other web sites.  Ongoing collaboration will be through discussion forums, and virtual chat (Piskurich, n.d.).

          Another asynchronous technology that could be used to meet the needs of the corporation are web discussion technologies.  Tangler and Nobble are two tools which are free and can be embedded in web pages.  With these tools media can be added as well as synchronous and asynchronous conversations can be held (Piskurich, n.d.). 

          Wiki is a tool which is part of some LMS’.  Wiki is a website that users can add, modify, or delete content.  An example of a wiki is a group of friends planning a surprise party for a friend, the individuals add their ideas to the wiki, and then another person could add something and perhaps change what the first person added.  A wiki can be set up to control who can make changes or deletions. 

          The wiki would be very useful for the staff members from every location of the corporation to use.  There could be drawbacks to the use of the wiki with too many people.  Wikis could be started taking into account the tasks that the staff are doing.  In this way the wikis would be more manageable and the staff would get more benefit from its use.

          eLogic Learning, http://www.elogiclearning.com/Public/success-stories.aspx  a company which sells their services to clients.  The company uses LMS, I am not recommending the company, the success stories of the clients are typical of most LMS users.

           Johnson Controls, http://www.johnsoncontrols.com/content/us/en/products/building_efficiency/case_studies2.html   works with clients to use web based technology to create a successful business.  Follow this link to read the case studies of a number of businesses using web-based technologies to make their businesses successful. I am not endorsing Johnson Controls; they have a good many success stories of using web-based technologies.

Reference

Piskurich, G., (n.d.).  Planning and Designing Online Courses, (video).  Walden University, EDUC 6135, Distance Learning.

 

Resources for Success in Online Clases

Resources for Success in Online Classes

            The transition from high school to a higher education program can be difficult.  The purpose of this module is to assist you in becoming familiar with resources you will in online classes.  You should review each resource given, complete any activities included in the resources, and complete any activities that were added in.  If you are working on your personal computer, book marking the cites for easy future reference is highly suggested.

            As you will notice many of the sources are from colleges or universities.  While the format may be different from those offered at the higher education institution that you will be attending.  I have included these resources, first of all hey have good information for all online learners regardless of where they are attending school and secondly to make you aware that similar resources may be available at the education institute you will be attending.

Study Skills and Time Management

• Orientation Study Skills and Time Management – Distance Education – Texas A & M University: http://distance.tamu.edu/current/orientation/orientation-study-skills-time-management.html This website has a worksheet to help you estimate how much time you will need for your studies.  This worksheet will be helpful for you to see where your time is being spent and if you need to adjust your priorities in order to fit the necessary study time in.  Also included on this website are tips for making time for studying and to make the most of your study time.
• Tips for Becoming a Successful Online Learner – California State University, Fullerton: http://distance-ed.fullerton.edu/manage_your_time.asp    Managing your time is one of the most important skills you will need to learn: The following eight tips will help make your online learning less stressful.  Write a short paper identifying what you have the most trouble with in managing you time.  Then identify the tip that will be most helpful to you.  When a learner writes out information that he or she wants to remember the information will become a part of your long-term memory.
• Study Skills for Distance Learners – Mount St. Vincent University: http://www.msvu.ca/en/home/studentservices/academicadvisingsupport/studyskills/studyskillsfordistancelearners.aspx    On this site you will find six study skills specifically for distance learners: 

1.     Be motivated

2.     Be confident

3.     Learn time management

4.     Set goals

5.     Review your courses

6.     Use your communication skills

Print out these six study skills.  Beside each skill write something personal to you that will help you remember to do what it says, example: 2. Be confident – I know that I can get an A on my work.  Whatever it takes.  Do not forget to use you communication skills if you do not understand the meaning of something or if you need help in figuring out what you could put down by the skill.  Put this list up in your study space.  Practicing these six skills will increase your learning.

Miscellaneous Helpful Tools

•  Assignment Calendar – Kansas State Libraries – http://www.lib.k-state.edu/apps/ac   This site demonstrates how to use a date planner to help in keeping track of assignments and when the assignment is due and big projects can be broken down with a date for each part for completion of that part.  This type of planning can help keep you on track to assure you get assignments done on time with no last minute cramming and substandard work.  Assignment planners can be found in most bookstores, and stores such as Wal-Mart, Target, and other discount stores. 
• http://www.ctdlc.org/remediation/   This short and easy web based course is to help you with computer skills.  Even though you have probably used the computer for a very long time, the skills you have now are probably different from the ones you need in online courses.  Four computer skills you will use regularly in your classes are; computer skills, email skills, work processing skills, and web skills.  Are found on the last page of this site at the bottom of your computer screen.  Click on the first computer skill and read through the lessen.  Then there is an activity and a quick quiz.  Take the quiz, you will get a score and you will see what areas you need to work on.  Work your way through each skill given.  This activity will help you see areas of weakness and what you need to fix it.  Remember to use your communication skills if you need any help.

Have fun going through these resources.  If you have any websites that you have found and are not listed here please post them in the class blog to share with the rest of the class.

Plan and Design of an Open Course Website

I chose the Open Course Website - Open Yale Course; The American Novel Since 1945


http://oyc.yale.edu/english/engl-291

Plan and Design of the Course

Distance Learning Environment

This course, The American Novel Since 1945 is planned and designed as a face-to-face course. There is a statement on the home page which states that the course is taught on campus and was recorded in the spring of 2008.  Also, students were coming in late and walking in front of the camera, another indicator that this course was designed to be face-to-face.

The course was planned and designed for a typical face-to-face higher education classroom.  The video with George Piskurich (n.d.) provided a base of understanding for the following discussion. The web page was well designed and easy to navigate with the exception of not being able to download the course material.  The syllabus was very vague; there was no information provided on how to get in contact with the instructor, the course description was very short, and the grading information just gave the percentage equivalency of letter grades.  This open course class would be very difficult for a distance learner to stay focused on and to complete.  

Textbook Recommendations for Online Instruction (Simonson, Smaldino, Albright, Zvacek, 2012)

·      In a distance learning environment it is important to plan activities where students work together in groups.

·      Another important aspect of distance learning is to provide opportunities for discussion between the peers and instructor.

·      Distance learning instruction should have visual presentations, and engaged learners.

·      Good instructional goals are the basis of good learning.

·      Online courses need deadlines.

·      Students should present projects.

·      Communicate high expectations
Planned Activities

In The American Novel Since 1945 course there were no planned activities that I could find.  When I was an adjunct for the Oglala Lakota College, the college was transitioning from the traditional all lecture classes to classes that included more collaboration and teamwork among the students.  This was going well and as they have started to offer more online classes, planned activities such as group projects are included in the planning of all courses.

References

Piskurich, G., (n.d.).  Planning and Designing Online Courses, (video).  Walden University, EDUC 6135, Distance Learning.

Simonson, M., Smaldino, S., Albright, M., & Zvacek, S., (2012). Teaching and Learning at a Distance Foundations of Distance Learning (5^th ed.).  Boston, MA: Pearson