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.