Post 5

I just started the FIT’s project and I really like it. I introduced my self very briefly and talk about my being in the IT program as well. I jumped right in and starting asking questions about streaming video. I also viewed the vast PowerPoint detailing information and resources utilizing streaming video.

 

I think I asked too many questions in the beginning, but I was advised to ask fewer questions, which makes scenes, as you do not want to overwhelm the learner. I also saw other students jumping into the conversation from other groups-asking question and I did not know how to respond to that. Should I respond back to people not in the group? I really want to respond to those students not in the group, but as of yet, I have not. The group members have been very responsive. The professor gives feedback promptly and is quite organize.

 

One question raised by one of the students was whether streaming video is available for students with disabilities. I think that is a very important question as students with special needs require modifications in their learning activities.  I feel that streaming video can be used to enhance the teaching and learning process because video offers that extra element to learning. For example, the students can experience information, settings or view demonstration that they otherwise would not be able.

 

So far I like the FIT’s activity, as a teacher I recognize good instruction. This is a good experience as online learning has its own strengths and weakness as well as face-to-face. I do recognize that people require time in responding to post and I will consider that when making future post. Again, I do find this activity very exciting and informative. The textbook really use the 5-stage model to accurately demonstrate learning in an online environment.

Post 4

After reading all the articles, I have learned that online and face-to-face facilitation has received proper examination reverently. According to research, a growing body of literature seeks to identify and describe professors’ roles online and how instructional strategies affect online learning. The concept of Intersubjectvity was a revelation for me, as I never thought about the shared understanding between student and professor in the online environment. Recognizing that teachers and students use a wide range of interpersonal skills to communicate in the online classroom is important for online course facilitator to utilize when one find oneself in an asynchronous setting.

 

It is also important to ensure that online instruction is managed by a proficient online instructor and the teaching and learning strategies should be based on instructional design. All the readings really help me to understand how important it is to employ teaching and learning strategies that are media rich and appropriate so that participations experience social presence while online. Feeling that you are part of a team is another important factor when teaching in synchronous and asynchronous environments.

 

The concept of structuredness is similar to what is called classroom management. In order to effectively teacher in a face-to-face setting or online, clear guideline, rule, consequences, and procedure should be made clear to all participants day one. Although I do not have a group to lead for the FIT project, I have read some of the student’s posts/responses and have a feel as to who is who and what each one brings to the table. I am in the process of developing my teaching approaches and management skills I will use once get the opportunity to lead a discussion and support the FIT group. What I would like to do when it is my turn to work on the FIT project is dialogue with my two group members and approaches the FIT project as a team that way; we can share our insight about online discussions and management skills.

 

Post 3

As I read some of the discussion board responses by the students in the IT 6135 course, I find that much of what I have observed online in regards to student interactions was discussed in Dr. Zhang class the first two nights.  I observed that first stage framework at work. For example, during the first discussion board assignments in IT 6135, a few students were having problems with the technology.

The stage one framework model identified technology concerns: access as a major issue concerning students and facilitator.  I observed students socializing while in the discuss room deciding the groups and which topic they feel are important and changing topic and groups two or three times throughout the experiences. However, in the end, the students were able to form groups and choose topic of interest.  

The students are now at a point where they are discussing various units with specific objectives and sharing thoughts and ideas. The students are getting to know each other strengths and weakness. At this stage, the information exchange is vital as it helps the students build knowledge and gain skills from others while online.  The students exchanged ideas, talk about how technology funding and protocol at their schools influences technology utilization and other important topics.

By now, I have concluded that the students should enter the knowledge construction stage where they are conferencing and designing their presentation.

First post

Per the first blog I have to admit I have been a little frustrated trying to get access to the Black board guest site for IT 6135. I understand how the character in Salmon (2002, pp., 13) feels; however, everything is fine.

What I have learned from the readings that stands out in my mind is the five-stage framework model. See (Salmon, pp., 11). I like this learning model as it gives the reader a look at the way in which teaching and learning occurs online through online networking.

Through scaffolding, learning occurs in five stages: Access/motivation, online socialization, etc. At each stage an E-moderating and technical support mile-stone has to be overcome before moving on to the next stage.

I like this model as it gives you a very exact and easy way of knowing what to expect or what could happen at each stage. It is always good to know what might happen, that way, one can prepare for possible solutions. This models is great because it outlines what the instructor can do to help the learner experience e-tivities day-one.

For example, motivating students with welcoming comments helps the learner get settled into the course. Making sure that everyone has the correct technology and or access to the appropriate technology resources is important in the first few day/stage, as this will determine how the learner will experiences the online environment. I really like this model and will use it in the future.

Post 2

I am a little frustrated about the blackboard activity. With all the emailing, I am still not sure if I know what is going on. I go to the site, look at all the discussions, and course content etc., but I feel as if I am lost. I have read many of the students post and they are insightful and show that they have a grasp of the reading. The students have read the materials and are able to enjoy the unit discussions. However, I feel like an outsider. I have been welcomed into the course by the professor; yet, I am still in a quandary as to what my responsibilities are. I have been reading the text and it has helped me to understand many of the concepts related to online filication, but until one gets the opportunity to teach an online activity, its kind of hard to know what’s happing from day to day.

 

I have been looking at the content of the activities and they are very clear and concise, covering lots of information on various topics related to technology integration in the classroom. The students typically read material for the week and respond to a unit discussion posted by the professor. The students have had three-unit discussion thus far. The professor has done a wonderful job of setting-up the course and providing resources and feedback for the students. The professor has done a good job of responding to the students in a timely manor. Responding to students in a timely manor is vital to the discussion activities as it provides an exchange of information and reflection.

While there have been many challenges for me in getting into the course and understanding what my duties are, it has been interesting learning all the skills and strategies required to teach online learners effectively.