Trends 4.1.1

I think the future of education is continuing to move more and more technology based. I think that the way the courses are moving are moving towards all courses being hybrid courses.

Here is a forecast from the E-learning blog.

Personalized Learning Experience (PLE)

You  may know more of it as personalization or localization, but if you take a real deep dive you will see more vendors going PLE.  The PLE is all about the learners as it should be and achieving PLE includes the following:

• Widgets – select as few or as many for each learner (BTW, expect more systems to offer widgets or something similar in 2016).  In the widget game, you as the learner has three widgets, me, I have six.  The administrator sets this up and in a few cases, each learner can select the widgets themselves (based upon what has been turned on)
• Each learner has their own theme.  One vendor already has this capability and several others offer nearly it, but are not really there – since the learner can’t have it throughout the system (usually it is just the home page)
• Each learner selects their own language (already appears in many systems)
• Each learner creates their own learning experience which is tied in many ways to deep learning (hello – another feature on the rise in 2016).  While systems going back from the dawn of LMSs have provided the opportunity for a learner to select their own courses, the factor of course is the administrator has to allow that; with deep learning obviously that changes things.  But for PLE, it is goes to the next tier. Everything is designed around me (as the learner).   In other words, what I want to see and need to gain new insight, knowledge and to build upon that knowledge and it is achieved using two key components.

a. Deep learning. 

b. Allow the learner to select from a variety of options and choices to change the front end – the learner side, more to their learning side, rather than perceived learning side defined by the system and/or administrator. 

Think of it this way, to expand about a PLE.  The ideal online course is one setup as non-linear, where I as the learner gets to choose what area or chapter or whatever to focus on to learn more, gain, synthesize more. So, what if you could take that mechanism if you will and expand it across the LMS?   A PLE does that (in simpliest terms) and more.  

I do think you will see more systems hit the first three bullet points, but the fourth point is the big “tada” moment.  I know of a couple that are getting close to delivering a PLE – as defined here.   Am I expecting the masses? No.  But as noted above, everything is pointing to more widgets/blocks, personalized learning in nature and oh yeah, Deep Learning!

Now I think that Personalized learning is the trend that will be making the most impact. With the future of online learning and traditional courses becoming more and more in the past personalized learning will allow for students to tailor their learning experiences and will become a trending fad.

Can a Best be Determined? 3.2.1

Trying to determine which LMS to use is like trying to get 20 women to decide they like the same pair of sandals.  Each vendor has its own merits depending on what you are looking for and the student audience you are trying to communicate with. For example professionals looking for job development courses are different that teaching on a k-12 level.

One article discussed the fact that the best for k-12 was Moodle and Sakai. Personally I found Moodle harder to navigate as a student and in the creation. As a student I preferred Blackboard. When I used Blackboard it was in the beginning stages. When I created a Blackboard for the creation quest, I saw that it had gone leaps and bounds above what I had used before. I feel like Blackboard would be good for college courses as well as k-12. It might not be as effective for a professional development course just for the simple fact that a professional development course might not need as much intricacies as a high school or college course.

Data Driven Assessment 3.1.4

With all the technology and resources available we as educators are expected to teach and reteach according to a data driven system. Results and progress of each student's learning is based on data that can be gained from all the different kinds of assessments we complete. Whether in the classroom or online classroom progress monitoring of our students is a must. We need a beginning level as can be documented by a pretest. Then we can start progress monitoring in different ways available through formal or informal assessments and other performance based assessments.

Different analytics for progress monitoring in the LMS are a progress bar where students can track their progress for completion as well as keep track of their actual grades. Blackboard offers opportunities for collaboration with peers as well as instructors which I feel is extremely important for learning. Blackboard also offers feedback venues and encourages involvement with facilitators and peers. Charts and graphs are also part of analytics.I think these things are the most important in monitoring and tracking progress for students.

A Plethora of Tools 3.1.3

List of tools available to use through Blackboard.

Achievements
Announcements
Blackboard Help
Blogs
McGraw Hill Higher Education Products
Grades
NBC Learn -  archived videos and news film
NBC Learn Playlist - personal media library
Rosters
Email
Calendar
Tasks
Voiceboard - audio based threaded discussion
Coursesites Live - synchronous learning and collaboration
Discussion board
Glossary
Groups
Journals
MERLOT research
WileyPLUS - etextbook
Wikis
Voice email
Voice podcasts
Groups
Journals

I think the basics that I discussed earlier are necessities for an online learning environment. However, these tools available through just an opensource LMS are amazing. It is very exciting to see this side of the course creation. I have been in online classes previously. Seeing the creation side of the course gets me very excited to actually be able to facilitate a course.

Creating a Course 3.1.2

To being creating a shell of a course, I went to the LMS that I had most recently used as a student, Moodle. Finding where to start on Moodle was not user friendly, but I finally found. It required a zipped download that once downloaded seemed impossible to navigate. I quickly gave up on it.

Next I went to Blackboard because I had also worked with Blackboard. It required a simple and quick log in. Once that was set up it gave options to create a course from scratch or upload a course already created.

 I chose to upload the zipped course package provided by GA Virtual Schools. I labeled it Test Learning Community. Once the content pack was uploaded, which did not take very long, links were provided to access the course, links for student logins, and also tutorials for students to be invited to the course.

Once in the actual course Blackboard allows for personalization and preferences. The areas for course content were set up, discussion boards, as well as a huge list of tools utilize. Bloggers, grades, achievements, announcements, podcasters, were among the many listed.

Overall, this was very easy to navigate. I would suggest using the Blackboard platform for anyone familiar or not familiar with online Learning management systems.

LMS Basics 3.1.1

When deciding the most relevant tools in a Learning Management System you must look to the basics. The more tools you have the better but, in my opinion, the basics must be in place for effective instruction to begin. I think the very basics are email and discussion boards. Once these two things can take place a virtual learning environment can begin. Discussion boards provide the opportunity for students and facilitators to communicate back and forth in almost a real time group discussion. Email also provides a medium for individual questions and allows those involved to send and receive assignments. Granted other tools are very useful and needed in creating an effective environment but an online learning environment could not exist without these two, in my opinion.

Lecture Capture 2.1.4

Lecture capture resources have completely changed the online learning world. In a virtual classroom, the face to face communication and peer interaction are the elements of a traditional classroom that are lost. With lecture capture tools this element is brought back into the non traditional classroom setting. The possibilities are almost limitless. Instructors have the capability to lecture to their students as well as have the students make tradition type presentations. Lecture capture is what we could call the missing link in online classrooms. If all virtual classrooms used this to the full capabilities this would fit with all learning styles as well as pedagogical styles.

Commerical vs. Opensource Software 2.1.3

The main difference for the purposes of a synchronous learning environment is the fact that commercial software is static. Open source software can be edited and manipulated by anyone and used for any purpose. The code is available to anyone who wishes to edit or modify it. The licensing agreements are certainly different for open source since there is no proprietary use. That being said within the virtual classroom setting commercial software provides more structure, stability, and continuity than an open source software can. One upside it that commercial doesn't always mean expensive. There are several commercial software such as google hangouts that are free. As always when you are  building a learning environment, it is important to go with the software that supports the pedagogy that you use. Another point is that with both types of software you are building a social and educator presence that is what is normally missing from an online environment.

Making a Presentation 2.1.2

As a course instructor there is learning curve with any of the formats that your institution has chosen to use. Keep that in mind when you are learning one of these methods. I think that within these programs there are many different ways to do what needs to be accomplished. Take the time to work with it and learn what you need to learn in order to facilitate your content to your students.

I think that within a traditional classroom setting these features would be most beneficial. For example in a math classroom. The teacher could make a presentation going over a math concept. The recording could be accessed by students who need extra help at home or for tutoring sessions. I think the main barrier to not using these types of things is simply not using them.

Making a Presentation 2.1.2

As a course instructor there is learning curve with any of the formats that your institution has chosen to use. Keep that in mind when you are learning one of these methods. I think that within these programs there are many different ways to do what needs to be accomplished. Take the time to work with it and learn what you need to learn in order to facilitate your content to your students.

I think that within a traditional classroom setting these features would be most beneficial. For example in a math classroom. The teacher could make a presentation going over a math concept. The recording could be accessed by students who need extra help at home or for tutoring sessions. I think the main barrier to not using these types of things is simply not using them.

Course Delivery Methods... 2.1.1

To google or not to google? This is the question. There are many delivery methods for virtual classroom environments. I think that there are as many up and downs of each method. Some of them fall only to personal preference of those that are taking the courses as well as the facilitators and administrators.

Here are some of the points that I see.

Google hangouts. Its free. However, for a classroom environment it does not provide the structure needed on the whole. I think that for a discussion group, study group, or small group breakout Google hangouts would suffice.

Big Blue Button. Its also free. Upon first look Big Blue Button looks like it might have everything that a virtual classroom needs. It is a Moodle resource. I have used Moodle for courses previously. It was a big tedious to find and not as user friendly as one would hope. However, maybe they have seen those flaws and have improved it with Blue Button. The only ting here that makes me leery is the fact that it is free. I know that seems to be counterproductive but if something that awesome is free...then is is going to be dependable for a structured school environment?

Cisco webex. I've worked with WebEx as well. It provides a clear way to conference call or video chat for meetings, clubs, or whatever. It provides security for those involved. It allows users to add that sychronous element to an asynchronous environment. Sometimes though there are chances where the signal isn't good and it is difficult to understand. Dropped calls have been an issue.

Adobe Connect.  I have not used Adobe but the adobe connect may have the product name speaking volumes. Adobe products are top of the line even if they are a bit difficult to learn. It looks like it has all the aspects a company would need to provide or access Webinars.

Blackboard. I have also not used Blackboard. It seems to have everything that blue button has to offer. I think that its the perfect way to distribute a course that is synchronous rather than just needing elements that are synchronous.



I see that within any of these things there needs to be an IT person that is just dedicated to working with the distribution systems. Also depending on the environment one would work beter than the others. For example, a higher education facility would have different needs than a business looking for a new way to train employees. I think that the cost of these things for businesses would in the long run be more fiscally advantageous than having to send employees on training or business trips. But we need to remember that there will be a learning curve to any of these things that are used.

Course Delivery Methods... 2.1.1

To google or not to google? This is the question. There are many delivery methods for virtual classroom environments. I think that there are as many up and downs of each method. Some of them fall only to personal preference of those that are taking the courses as well as the facilitators and administrators.

Here are some of the points that I see.

Google hangouts. Its free. However, for a classroom environment it does not provide the structure needed on the whole. I think that for a discussion group, study group, or small group breakout Google hangouts would suffice.

Big Blue Button. Its also free. Upon first look Big Blue Button looks like it might have everything that a virtual classroom needs. It is a Moodle resource. I have used Moodle for courses previously. It was a big tedious to find and not as user friendly as one would hope. However, maybe they have seen those flaws and have improved it with Blue Button. The only ting here that makes me leery is the fact that it is free. I know that seems to be counterproductive but if something that awesome is free...then is is going to be dependable for a structured school environment?

Cisco webex. I've worked with WebEx as well. It provides a clear way to conference call or video chat for meetings, clubs, or whatever. It provides security for those involved. It allows users to add that sychronous element to an asynchronous environment. Sometimes though there are chances where the signal isn't good and it is difficult to understand. Dropped calls have been an issue.

Adobe Connect.  I have not used Adobe but the adobe connect may have the product name speaking volumes. Adobe products are top of the line even if they are a bit difficult to learn. It looks like it has all the aspects a company would need to provide or access Webinars.

Blackboard. I have also not used Blackboard. It seems to have everything that blue button has to offer. I think that its the perfect way to distribute a course that is synchronous rather than just needing elements that are synchronous.



I see that within any of these things there needs to be an IT person that is just dedicated to working with the distribution systems. Also depending on the environment one would work beter than the others. For example, a higher education facility would have different needs than a business looking for a new way to train employees. I think that the cost of these things for businesses would in the long run be more fiscally advantageous than having to send employees on training or business trips. But we need to remember that there will be a learning curve to any of these things that are used.

Course or complete systems management 4.1.3

Learning management systems and Course management system according to Ferriman differ in one small way. The course management systems (CMS) are narrower in capacity. Learning management systems (LMS) when the courses offered include instructor led courses needs a CMS as well. The way that I'm understanding it is LMS when offering a complete environment of learning is the umbrella system which the entire program is made of. The CMS is the courses that are underneath the system of administration. This to me means that unless a course is offered in a singleton, not as a part of a program is the only way that a CMS would function without a LMS as the administrative guide.

For a specific example I think of the courses that we are allowed to register for in PDexpress are an example of CMS. These courses for the most part stand alone are not working towards a total goal. The college programs or high school programs that are offered online need governing administrative body with purpose. That is an example of LMS.

I also think that every LMS should contain a CMS. I think that the more structured these virtual systems and environments the greater they can serve those that are trying to benefit from them.

Course or complete systems management 4.1.3

Learning management systems and Course management system according to Ferriman differ in one small way. The course management systems (CMS) are narrower in capacity. Learning management systems (LMS) when the courses offered include instructor led courses needs a CMS as well. The way that I'm understanding it is LMS when offering a complete environment of learning is the umbrella system which the entire program is made of. The CMS is the courses that are underneath the system of administration. This to me means that unless a course is offered in a singleton, not as a part of a program is the only way that a CMS would function without a LMS as the administrative guide.

For a specific example I think of the courses that we are allowed to register for in PDexpress are an example of CMS. These courses for the most part stand alone are not working towards a total goal. The college programs or high school programs that are offered online need governing administrative body with purpose. That is an example of LMS.

I also think that every LMS should contain a CMS. I think that the more structured these virtual systems and environments the greater they can serve those that are trying to benefit from them.

Roles within Roles in a learning environment. 4.1.2

I'm generally not really big on flowcharts. I am a visual learner but flow charts aren't always the way that things make sense to me. However, this flowchart posted by Georgia Virtual schools perfectly outlines the roles within a learning community.

I do think that within an online community the teacher is actually better described at the facilitator. Often times the teacher becomes what we would call the "sage on the stage" and the facilitator is more of a "guide on the side." I think that for each course the facilitator must gauge their students to see what type of facilitator role works best. Some students need more guidance than others. Also in a virtual environment must take different actions to get to know and understand their students as well as their students' needs. Every student does have different needs and being in a virtual environment doesn't change that. The facilitator needs to find a way to understand those needs and see where a student needs extra help or is struggling. This may not be as easy online as it is in a face to face environment.

Roles within Roles in a learning environment. 4.1.2

I'm generally not really big on flowcharts. I am a visual learner but flow charts aren't always the way that things make sense to me. However, this flowchart posted by Georgia Virtual schools perfectly outlines the roles within a learning community.

I do think that within an online community the teacher is actually better described at the facilitator. Often times the teacher becomes what we would call the "sage on the stage" and the facilitator is more of a "guide on the side." I think that for each course the facilitator must gauge their students to see what type of facilitator role works best. Some students need more guidance than others. Also in a virtual environment must take different actions to get to know and understand their students as well as their students' needs. Every student does have different needs and being in a virtual environment doesn't change that. The facilitator needs to find a way to understand those needs and see where a student needs extra help or is struggling. This may not be as easy online as it is in a face to face environment.

Real time vs. On Your Own Time 4.1.1

The face of classrooms across the world have changed drastically since the explosion of technology. I think that those of us around and approaching 40's have seen the best of all worlds, for the most part. Those in my generation know what its like to grow up without a cellphone being our link to the world. We know what it's like to do research by hand. We know what the contraption called a typewriter is, how it works, and even how to type without looking at the keys. During our high school careers households didn't generally have computers and if you lived in the country as I did, didn't even have cable. It was considered an awesome opportunity for our high school to begin to offer a new elective...computer programming, and we learned the basics of BASIC-A and Pascal. We used dot matrix printers and thought that we were up and coming in the world. In college we began to learn how to use EBSCOhost to research and joined online chat rooms via AOL. We are a product of the "you've got mail" generation.

That being established we are a generation that went through high school as well as college in a synchronous classroom environment. In our lifetime we have seen the majority of the curriculum changes that those of us still in the education world are familiar with. Some of us in getting additional professional degrees have gone through our masters, specialists, or doctoral coursework in alternative forms of environments. In the basic forms of early education, I feel that a synchronous classroom environment is necessary to provide for the foundations of learning.

As we get past the high school stage...even though high schools now that are offered online offer synchronous as well as asynchronous environments, we as adults are in need of flexible learning environment. I have been through all of these types of learning environment. I feel that each has its virtues. I feel that total asynchronous learning environments require strict internal motivation for students. This seems to be doubly hard for the general population of high school students. I think this can be attributed just simply to a lack of maturity or understanding of the importance of education. But within that we cannot control life around us and see that sometimes life just happens. Things happen now to students that are out of their control or even within their control that an alternative environment becomes necessary. That to me is where a synchronous element of an asynchronous course is needed. The synchronous elements such as a conference call, video chat, or other element allows for accountability. I think that accountability is a strength in motivation.

Real time vs. On Your Own Time 4.1.1

The face of classrooms across the world have changed drastically since the explosion of technology. I think that those of us around and approaching 40's have seen the best of all worlds, for the most part. Those in my generation know what its like to grow up without a cellphone being our link to the world. We know what it's like to do research by hand. We know what the contraption called a typewriter is, how it works, and even how to type without looking at the keys. During our high school careers households didn't generally have computers and if you lived in the country as I did, didn't even have cable. It was considered an awesome opportunity for our high school to begin to offer a new elective...computer programming, and we learned the basics of BASIC-A and Pascal. We used dot matrix printers and thought that we were up and coming in the world. In college we began to learn how to use EBSCOhost to research and joined online chat rooms via AOL. We are a product of the "you've got mail" generation.

That being established we are a generation that went through high school as well as college in a synchronous classroom environment. In our lifetime we have seen the majority of the curriculum changes that those of us still in the education world are familiar with. Some of us in getting additional professional degrees have gone through our masters, specialists, or doctoral coursework in alternative forms of environments. In the basic forms of early education, I feel that a synchronous classroom environment is necessary to provide for the foundations of learning.

As we get past the high school stage...even though high schools now that are offered online offer synchronous as well as asynchronous environments, we as adults are in need of flexible learning environment. I have been through all of these types of learning environment. I feel that each has its virtues. I feel that total asynchronous learning environments require strict internal motivation for students. This seems to be doubly hard for the general population of high school students. I think this can be attributed just simply to a lack of maturity or understanding of the importance of education. But within that we cannot control life around us and see that sometimes life just happens. Things happen now to students that are out of their control or even within their control that an alternative environment becomes necessary. That to me is where a synchronous element of an asynchronous course is needed. The synchronous elements such as a conference call, video chat, or other element allows for accountability. I think that accountability is a strength in motivation.

Remember technology is not glued to your fingertips 4.1.3

I think that it is necessary for all of us to remember that the technology we have available is all forms is a double edged sword. All the wealth of information at our fingertips has opened new worlds for the average person...we can take virtual trips all over the world. At the same time those virtual experiences that we can create for ourselves have lent themselves to a sheltered reality.

Tis true...those of us that did not grow up with technology at our fingertips I think fair a little better than our younger generations. I grew up out in the country where we rode bikes where we needed to go, we came home when we knew mom had dinner on the table, we used our imaginations to create virtual worlds, and we drank from the water hose. We saw the summer as a time to explore. Now it is difficult to make children realize that nothing bad will happen when their technology is offline or turned off for a while.

I think that as a society we need timeout time from technology, from our phones, and even the tv. We need to remember that we can actually pick up a book and turn the pages to let our imaginations soar. We need to sit down together at the dinner table to discuss our day. We need to take walks or hikes outside and rediscover the beauty of the world around us. We need to remember the beauty of watching the sunset or sunrise instead of just looking at someone's post or pictures about it.

I think that if we do this and take it to heart then the generations below us, our children, will realize the importance as well. Children learn by example and if we can't put down our phones long enough to interact with them what are they learning? They are learning that technology needs to take the place of human interaction.

Remember technology is not glued to your fingertips 4.1.3

I think that it is necessary for all of us to remember that the technology we have available is all forms is a double edged sword. All the wealth of information at our fingertips has opened new worlds for the average person...we can take virtual trips all over the world. At the same time those virtual experiences that we can create for ourselves have lent themselves to a sheltered reality.

Tis true...those of us that did not grow up with technology at our fingertips I think fair a little better than our younger generations. I grew up out in the country where we rode bikes where we needed to go, we came home when we knew mom had dinner on the table, we used our imaginations to create virtual worlds, and we drank from the water hose. We saw the summer as a time to explore. Now it is difficult to make children realize that nothing bad will happen when their technology is offline or turned off for a while.

I think that as a society we need timeout time from technology, from our phones, and even the tv. We need to remember that we can actually pick up a book and turn the pages to let our imaginations soar. We need to sit down together at the dinner table to discuss our day. We need to take walks or hikes outside and rediscover the beauty of the world around us. We need to remember the beauty of watching the sunset or sunrise instead of just looking at someone's post or pictures about it.

I think that if we do this and take it to heart then the generations below us, our children, will realize the importance as well. Children learn by example and if we can't put down our phones long enough to interact with them what are they learning? They are learning that technology needs to take the place of human interaction.

Education is the key to Vigilance 4.1.2

Safety is not something that is always on the front burner, so to speak, in a child's mind. Young children are not aware of all the dangers that surround them. That's our job as a parent to protect them  as well as make them aware of how to protect themselves as they grow. However, a teenager is a bit different. They may be aware of danger around, but teenagers often feel invincible. Most teenagers don't see the long term effects of split second decisions that they make. Sadly, they learn too often by a hard learned example.

That being said in the digital world the  most important thing for safety is awareness. Awareness that there are people in the virtual world that are not who they say they are, who are not bound by the moralities that most people are, or just simply aren't aware themselves of the dangers that exist. In this aspect children as well as teenagers can be naive to situations that are outside of their little world, outside of their experiences. To keep them safe we as teachers or administrators of their technology need to educate them to the dangers that exist in a "virtual" setting. Dangers that can have a lasting effect on them. We need to teach them to be wary of things online and not trusting whatever is written. Students often think that everything they read is true just as everything they see on TV is true. We have to show them and provide them with real examples of how education allows them to make informed decisions. My prime example of that is Orwell's Animal Farm. Terroristic leaders rule those beneath them by keeping the "underlings" uneducated. It is so important to teach students that their education keeps them from blindly following the leader.

A digital community is no different education and awareness are the tools to promote safety. Ultimately it is the individuals using the digital services that are responsible for their own actions.

Education is the key to Vigilance 4.1.2

Safety is not something that is always on the front burner, so to speak, in a child's mind. Young children are not aware of all the dangers that surround them. That's our job as a parent to protect them  as well as make them aware of how to protect themselves as they grow. However, a teenager is a bit different. They may be aware of danger around, but teenagers often feel invincible. Most teenagers don't see the long term effects of split second decisions that they make. Sadly, they learn too often by a hard learned example.

That being said in the digital world the  most important thing for safety is awareness. Awareness that there are people in the virtual world that are not who they say they are, who are not bound by the moralities that most people are, or just simply aren't aware themselves of the dangers that exist. In this aspect children as well as teenagers can be naive to situations that are outside of their little world, outside of their experiences. To keep them safe we as teachers or administrators of their technology need to educate them to the dangers that exist in a "virtual" setting. Dangers that can have a lasting effect on them. We need to teach them to be wary of things online and not trusting whatever is written. Students often think that everything they read is true just as everything they see on TV is true. We have to show them and provide them with real examples of how education allows them to make informed decisions. My prime example of that is Orwell's Animal Farm. Terroristic leaders rule those beneath them by keeping the "underlings" uneducated. It is so important to teach students that their education keeps them from blindly following the leader.

A digital community is no different education and awareness are the tools to promote safety. Ultimately it is the individuals using the digital services that are responsible for their own actions.

Acceptable use policies prevent anarchy 4.1.1

The title says it all. Maybe a bit of an exaggeration, but an accurate analogy nonetheless. We, being only human, need guidelines...rules and regulations. A basic need in life is order and expectations. On this smaller scale online usage is no exception. In a society where there is no order or hierarchy, one will evolve, as exampled in Golding's Lord of the Flies. People need structure. Didn't I say that before. We have to realize that everyone does not follow the standard rules of society and the standard rules of social decorum. That being said the small communities that evolve in an online environment are no exception. Because you have people that do not follow the standard "rules" there needs to be what we have deemed "acceptable use policies." These AUP's in a way police the virtual communities to help ensure that rules of decorum are followed. We would like to assume that everyone in such communities especially those communities set up for a learning environment where made up of people that are all professionals and use professional judgement. But, we know what happens when we assume. The acceptable use polices make it possible for the entire community to continue along the same paths, working for the same goals.

Common Sense Media purports that successful AUPs should include the following:

• Use of Network
• Internet Safety (privacy, inappropriate content, unwanted contact)
• Filtering and Monitoring
• Copyright and Ownership of Work
• Network Security and Privacy (student data)
• Disciplinary Action
• Digital Citizenship
• Social Media Usage

I think that those areas cover all the bases. In a digital learning community you are creating and protecting an environment where people should feel comfortable and safe to learn, communicate, and grow as a group. That is where the learning takes place. If a level of comfort is taken away then the entire system of a digital learning community of gone.

Acceptable use policies prevent anarchy 4.1.1

The title says it all. Maybe a bit of an exaggeration, but an accurate analogy nonetheless. We, being only human, need guidelines...rules and regulations. A basic need in life is order and expectations. On this smaller scale online usage is no exception. In a society where there is no order or hierarchy, one will evolve, as exampled in Golding's Lord of the Flies. People need structure. Didn't I say that before. We have to realize that everyone does not follow the standard rules of society and the standard rules of social decorum. That being said the small communities that evolve in an online environment are no exception. Because you have people that do not follow the standard "rules" there needs to be what we have deemed "acceptable use policies." These AUP's in a way police the virtual communities to help ensure that rules of decorum are followed. We would like to assume that everyone in such communities especially those communities set up for a learning environment where made up of people that are all professionals and use professional judgement. But, we know what happens when we assume. The acceptable use polices make it possible for the entire community to continue along the same paths, working for the same goals.

Common Sense Media purports that successful AUPs should include the following:

• Use of Network
• Internet Safety (privacy, inappropriate content, unwanted contact)
• Filtering and Monitoring
• Copyright and Ownership of Work
• Network Security and Privacy (student data)
• Disciplinary Action
• Digital Citizenship
• Social Media Usage

I think that those areas cover all the bases. In a digital learning community you are creating and protecting an environment where people should feel comfortable and safe to learn, communicate, and grow as a group. That is where the learning takes place. If a level of comfort is taken away then the entire system of a digital learning community of gone.

Barriers to access 3.1.1

Continuing the hopefully thought provoking ramblings... The digital access maps for our area say that the county has 100% coverage. While that may be true I feel that many of our students are still in the dark ages of technology. We have high schoolers that come and don't even know how to check their email. They are not aware of muich more technology other than gaming and texting. I think that due to the area and socioeconomics of our area there are students that are still without Internet access at home. They might ahve data and cell phones but they truly don't have technological access. Parents at times aren't educated in technology and therefore don't see the importance of making technology available in homes. Many of the students come from extremely blue collar working families. That being said, it's not necessarily a negative. It's just the culture of the area. We as teachers fall prey to that culture at times and feel that teaching technology as well as content to be a daunting task.

In these situations students can be resistant to learning the intricacies of how technology can improve their lives. I think that teaching them the advantages of technology can be tricky because we sometimes need to be reminded that technology can't takeover our lives. I think the key is to teach these students the benefits of using technology to make improvements to what they already know.

A major barrier to student access to the web is that many students in our area don't have technology or Internet access to them at home. One way our system is trying to combat that is gradually going to one to one with chromebooks.

Barriers to access 3.1.1

Continuing the hopefully thought provoking ramblings... The digital access maps for our area say that the county has 100% coverage. While that may be true I feel that many of our students are still in the dark ages of technology. We have high schoolers that come and don't even know how to check their email. They are not aware of muich more technology other than gaming and texting. I think that due to the area and socioeconomics of our area there are students that are still without Internet access at home. They might ahve data and cell phones but they truly don't have technological access. Parents at times aren't educated in technology and therefore don't see the importance of making technology available in homes. Many of the students come from extremely blue collar working families. That being said, it's not necessarily a negative. It's just the culture of the area. We as teachers fall prey to that culture at times and feel that teaching technology as well as content to be a daunting task.

In these situations students can be resistant to learning the intricacies of how technology can improve their lives. I think that teaching them the advantages of technology can be tricky because we sometimes need to be reminded that technology can't takeover our lives. I think the key is to teach these students the benefits of using technology to make improvements to what they already know. 

Always a work in progress...web resources 2.1.1

How would we ever create an exhaustive list of web resources? I have decided that Google classrrom and the full spectrum of the google resources are continuously being improved. I have developed a special place in my heart for the people at google that have created these resources that are user friendly for younger students such as high school and middle school.

Piggybacking on my previous blog..."no man is an island." Teachers need collaboration, intra- and inter-departmentally.

The following are annotated websites that I find very useful to use with students and as teaching resources:

Kahoot
     https://getkahoot.com/
     Kahoot is an interactive game for students that is web based. Everyone needs their own form of          technology. It is interactive with the smartboard and a great way to review or introduce topics.  
     Kahoot has a great many topics or it will allow you to create your own.

Emaze
     https://www.emaze.com/
     Emaze is a powerpoint presentation on steroids. More interactive than a powerpoint with a lot              more options and some pretty cool feature.

Readwritethink
       www.readwritethink.org
       This is an excellent source for teachers that warrants exploration. Teachers can find worksheets            and graphic organizers that are excellent for visual learners.

Powtoon
      https://www.powtoon.com/2/
      With Powtoon you are able to create animated presentations as videos. It is a very cool resource           that allows you as well as students to have a creative outlet for otherwise dry topics.

Google docs
Google classroom
Google research
     I feel like the Google resources speak for themselves.  Google docs has changed my life. Never          again do we have "

Jeopardy Lab
     https://jeopardylabs.com/
     This is an excellent way to review that the students love. You can use whatever is already created        or create your own.

Prezi
     https://prezi.com/
     Online version of powerpoint. Easy to use after a small learning curve. Better than the normal              powerpoint.

Evaluating Web Resources
         http:unf.int/essential_background/library/items/1420.php
         This provides a good source for students to learn what makes a web source a reputable source.

Tiny Scanner
         This is an app for android or apple users. Turn your camera into a small scanner that links                    directly to your email. Perfect for sharing documents or whatever you need without a copy                  machine.

Peardeck
       https://www.peardeck.com/
       This allows you to allow students access to your computer screen on their device. Very cool and          helps with note-taking as well as is interactive.


This is by no means an exhaustive list. However, these are some really cool tools that I find myself using in my own classroom the most often.

Always a work in progress...web resources 2.1.1

How would we ever create an exhaustive list of web resources? I have decided that Google classrrom and the full spectrum of the google resources are continuously being improved. I have developed a special place in my heart for the people at google that have created these resources that are user friendly for younger students such as high school and middle school.

Piggybacking on my previous blog..."no man is an island." Teachers need collaboration, intra- and inter-departmentally.

The following are annotated websites that I find very useful to use with students and as teaching resources:

Kahoot
     https://getkahoot.com/
     Kahoot is an interactive game for students that is web based. Everyone needs their own form of          technology. It is interactive with the smartboard and a great way to review or introduce topics.  
     Kahoot has a great many topics or it will allow you to create your own.

Emaze
     https://www.emaze.com/
     Emaze is a powerpoint presentation on steroids. More interactive than a powerpoint with a lot              more options and some pretty cool feature.

Readwritethink
       www.readwritethink.org
       This is an excellent source for teachers that warrants exploration. Teachers can find worksheets            and graphic organizers that are excellent for visual learners.

Powtoon
      https://www.powtoon.com/2/
      With Powtoon you are able to create animated presentations as videos. It is a very cool resource           that allows you as well as students to have a creative outlet for otherwise dry topics.

Google docs
Google classroom
Google research
     I feel like the Google resources speak for themselves.  Google docs has changed my life. Never          again do we have "

Jeopardy Lab
     https://jeopardylabs.com/
     This is an excellent way to review that the students love. You can use whatever is already created        or create your own.

Prezi
     https://prezi.com/
     Online version of powerpoint. Easy to use after a small learning curve. Better than the normal              powerpoint.

Evaluating Web Resources
         http:unf.int/essential_background/library/items/1420.php
         This provides a good source for students to learn what makes a web source a reputable source.

Tiny Scanner
         This is an app for android or apple users. Turn your camera into a small scanner that links                    directly to your email. Perfect for sharing documents or whatever you need without a copy                  machine.

Peardeck
       https://www.peardeck.com/
       This allows you to allow students access to your computer screen on their device. Very cool and          helps with note-taking as well as is interactive.


This is by no means an exhaustive list. However, these are some really cool tools that I find myself using in my own classroom the most often.

The Utopia of Learning Communities 1.1.3

To define the uptopia of learning communities, I think we must define the individual goals and individuals needs within the learning community. In some ways a person's education is furthered by teaching others. Realizations are made by the advaning of another person's knowledge. To me that's what makes the world go around. Differences and ideas and ways of doing things is what has allowed our culture to progress to where it has. Advancements are made through discussion, tag teaming, and many times even failure.

Ideas in education are always cycling. The tried and true whole language versus phoentics are schools of thought that always go through hills and valleys. Just as now the idea of learning communities is the "en vogue" route to take. However, in my mind this is a route that works. This is an idealism that exemplifies the thought that "a chord of three strands is not easily broken." There is strength in numbers and when there are those gathered together to further learning then the natural progression is in fact a great escalation in thought processes and attainment of knowledge.

With that framework I think a utpoia of learning communities can exist in many places. There not any necessarily cut and dry elements other than it meets the criteria of a learning community. It could be in a classroom, school, study group, or any number of digital learning communities. The literal definition of a learning community is a group of people that share academic goals and attitudes. That covers a plethora of things that make for a cohesive community. That covers the responsibilities and respectfulness of the members of the community. The community's purpose is to further and extend the knowledge of those involved. As long as the members feel secure, comfortable, and respected true collaboration can exist.

Finally, what qualities are needed to gain admittance? Easy... learning communites are society's way of "paying it forward." Learning communities are an individuals way to promote the process of lifelong learning. Those shared values and shared needs are the only equalizers. Race, background, age, nationality cease to matter when there is one goal in mind.

The Utopia of Learning Communities 1.1.3

To define the uptopia of learning communities, I think we must define the individual goals and individuals needs within the learning community. In some ways a person's education is furthered by teaching others. Realizations are made by the advaning of another person's knowledge. To me that's what makes the world go around. Differences and ideas and ways of doing things is what has allowed our culture to progress to where it has. Advancements are made through discussion, tag teaming, and many times even failure.

Ideas in education are always cycling. The tried and true whole language versus phoentics are schools of thought that always go through hills and valleys. Just as now the idea of learning communities is the "en vogue" route to take. However, in my mind this is a route that works. This is an idealism that exemplifies the thought that "a chord of three strands is not easily broken." There is strength in numbers and when there are those gathered together to further learning then the natural progression is in fact a great escalation in thought processes and attainment of knowledge.

With that framework I think a utpoia of learning communities can exist in many places. There not any necessarily cut and dry elements other than it meets the criteria of a learning community. It could be in a classroom, school, study group, or any number of digital learning communities. The literal definition of a learning community is a group of people that share academic goals and attitudes. That covers a plethora of things that make for a cohesive community. That covers the responsibilities and respectfulness of the members of the community. The community's purpose is to further and extend the knowledge of those involved. As long as the members feel secure, comfortable, and respected true collaboration can exist.

Finally, what qualities are needed to gain admittance? Easy... learning communites are society's way of "paying it forward." Learning communities are an individuals way to promote the process of lifelong learning. Those shared values and shared needs are the only equalizers. Race, background, age, nationality cease to matter when there is one goal in mind.

Digital Learning Communities...The DL 1.1.2

Why digital learning communities? Why bother; why spend time? Simple. John Donne said it best, "No man is an island, Entire of itself, Every man is a piece of the continent, A part of the main." These famous words written in a devotion provide the basis of all communities and relationships within those communities.

Bottom line is people need people. One basic human need is interaction with others. That's why solitary confinement in prison is supposed to be a punishment. We see how much humans need interaction by Tom Hanks's brilliant portrayal of Chuck Noland (C. Noland...see no land) in Castaway (2000). On the island, Chuck is so starved for interaction that he creates a friend, Wilson. This is just a small example of how we seek out companionship.

To me those are perfect examples of why a digital learning community is so significant. We don't learn in a bubble. We must have interaction and collaboration to further education. Collaboration among collegues in any educational or life setting is the basis for lifelong learning.

Digital learning communities for whatever their purpose, motivational, educational, vocational, or avocational are an outlet to where learning can always take place. These learning communities are just that, virtural "areas" to congregate, discuss, and share ideas, thoughts, and passions. On the limitless web there are as many learning communites are there are topics. I also think that finding a community as such that is going to further your education is much like trying on shoes. ou may have to try on several different sizes and styles before you find one that fits your needs.

Now that the discussion has come full circle, life long learning is the goal. Einstein said it best, "Once you stop learning, you begin dying."

Digital Learning Communities...The DL 1.1.2

Why digital learning communities? Why bother; why spend time? Simple. John Donne said it best, "No man is an island, Entire of itself, Every man is a piece of the continent, A part of the main." These famous words written in a devotion provide the basis of all communities and relationships within those communities.

Bottom line is people need people. One basic human need is interaction with others. That's why solitary confinement in prison is supposed to be a punishment. We see how much humans need interaction by Tom Hanks's brilliant portrayal of Chuck Noland (C. Noland...see no land) in Castaway (2000). On the island, Chuck is so starved for interaction that he creates a friend, Wilson. This is just a small example of how we seek out companionship.

To me those are perfect examples of why a digital learning community is so significant. We don't learn in a bubble. We must have interaction and collaboration to further education. Collaboration among collegues in any educational or life setting is the basis for lifelong learning.

Digital learning communities for whatever their purpose, motivational, educational, vocational, or avocational are an outlet to where learning can always take place. These learning communities are just that, virtural "areas" to congregate, discuss, and share ideas, thoughts, and passions. On the limitless web there are as many learning communites are there are topics. I also think that finding a community as such that is going to further your education is much like trying on shoes. ou may have to try on several different sizes and styles before you find one that fits your needs.

Now that the discussion has come full circle, life long learning is the goal. Einstein said it best, "Once you stop learning, you begin dying."

Disjointed Thoughts on the Dawning of the Digital Community 1.1.1

Twenty two years ago I graduated from high school. I really thought that I was "the stuff" that I had a "car phone", the old bag type. The phone was for dire emergencies only (seeing that it cost about $5 a minute to call someone), since I was traveling over two hours away from home for college. When I got to college the new thing was to be able to do part of our research for papers online through EBSCOhost. I guess the old adage..."if I only knew then what I know now..." applies here.

Wow, how time has completely changed. Now with the infinite amount of information at our fingertips the entire world has been forever changed. We cannot go back to the time before technology. We may can visit a simpler time and vacay without technology present, but the possbility of actually being able to funciton without technology are slim to none. The advances in technology have given society as a whole a sometimes unwanted and maybe unneeded facelift. But, it is what it is. Not only the introduction of the Internet and the research capabilities that it inherently comes with, but also the establishment and rapid expansion of social media have almost at times crippled our culture.

But, that being said, there are positives to the expanding digital universe that we live in. The immeasurable amount of knowledge that is available with the touch of a finger can be described as a doubled edged sword. To quote Voltaire as adapted by Stan Lee, "With great power comes great responsibility." The advancements to technology have made us the omnivores of information, not only consumers, but also producers. Being omnivores has given us, as digital citizens, certain inherent rights as well as reponsibilites just as a "conventional" citizen.

Digital citizenship requires even the person with the most rudimentary understanding of the digital world to be accountable for the information accessed as well as exhibited. A life "off the grid" so to speak is almost impossible in this age of information. So, we, the omnivores, by taking part in the digital world must accept and be fully accountable to the community created by the the new culture. 

Disjointed Thoughts on the Dawning of the Digital Community 1.1.1

Twenty two years ago I graduated from high school. I really thought that I was "the stuff" that I had a "car phone", the old bag type. The phone was for dire emergencies only (seeing that it cost about $5 a minute to call someone), since I was traveling over two hours away from home for college. When I got to college the new thing was to be able to do part of our research for papers online through EBSCOhost. I guess the old adage..."if I only knew then what I know now..." applies here.

Wow, how time has completely changed. Now with the infinite amount of information at our fingertips the entire world has been forever changed. We cannot go back to the time before technology. We may can visit a simpler time and vacay without technology present, but the possbility of actually being able to funciton without technology are slim to none. The advances in technology have given society as a whole a sometimes unwanted and maybe unneeded facelift. But, it is what it is. Not only the introduction of the Internet and the research capabilities that it inherently comes with, but also the establishment and rapid expansion of social media have almost at times crippled our culture.

But, that being said, there are positives to the expanding digital universe that we live in. The immeasurable amount of knowledge that is available with the touch of a finger can be described as a doubled edged sword. To quote Voltaire as adapted by Stan Lee, "With great power comes great responsibility." The advancements to technology have made us the omnivores of information, not only consumers, but also producers. Being omnivores has given us, as digital citizens, certain inherent rights as well as reponsibilites just as a "conventional" citizen.

Digital citizenship requires even the person with the most rudimentary understanding of the digital world to be accountable for the information accessed as well as exhibited. A life "off the grid" so to speak is almost impossible in this age of information. So, we, the omnivores, by taking part in the digital world must accept and be fully accountable to the community created by the the new culture.