Yes, it is true, Generation C rejected me, or i just didn’t fit in well. Hmm…i have read many articles regarding the emergence of generation c and their preference of creating rather than just simply assuming knowledge [discovery learning and constructivist theory]. They have high computer technical abilities and are very familiar with Web 2.0. That is just some of the characteristics of this super race. But sadly, i cannot even transfer a simple blue tooth video to my computer. I know the theory of a lot of technical processes but fail to properly execute them.

I decided that instead of typing my blogs, i would podcast them or put an audio file onto the web. But two factors halted this process. One- i didnt have the cord to connect the phone to the computer, and secondly, i didnt know how to do this process without the cord…Hmmm. Lesson learnt= always make sure you have the right equipment and skills before attempting to try any e-learning tools!

I interviewed a few people at work regarding their knowledge, understanding and attitude towards e-learning and used the video camera on my phone to film it. One funny comment that regularly popped up from the interviewees was in regard to the content of the video…Typical conversation

[*All stressed out*] “Please please PLEASE do not show any one the video…how embarassing!”

Ok but i am going to put it on the net and not on private…

The interviewee begins to relax…”Oh well, its only the internet, no-one is going to look there!”

Ok, so they thought it would be less painful to post the video on the net rather than show it to a few people in the store based on the element of anonomynity and the distance between the two parties means that even if one person is laughing or doing something to hurt the person’s self belief, they are fine. I found that rather interesting. I would say that no i would rather not have it posted on the internet but shown to my friends but that is a complete lie. I would actually hate both. I found it quite scary that i found a file of photos that i had once put on the net but later taken off, still available. As can be said, once posted, lost in space. And i guess it is time for me to log off! Goodbye!

Over the past few weeks we have been learning about the principles of multimedia design and i read something about how when you want to design a website page or any other type of page, you should divide your page into three coloums/rows- 1 top row where the icons are usually held, the side column where you are given more options and then of course the final column which takes up the most space of the page and generally contains the most amount of content. I had a light bulb moment as soon as i read that…Ding! There are many times when you want to copy something off from the internet, and on the surface it looks like plain text with a few pictures, but as soon as you copy it into the word document, suddenly you are bombarded with tables and lines that dont fit in your page, and no matter how many times you adjust the page margin settings, it never comes out right. And so you are either stuck with a very messy page, or if you are a perfectionist [to a degree] like me and sit there for the next half an hour or some until you have individually moved each item of data and pasted it outside the box. By the way, this totally eliminates the reason for cut copying and pasting…

Well that was my lightbulb moment for the day! Harzaaaa!

I recently completed an online First Aid training course followed by a practical session. After learning about e-learning courses, the advantages and disadvantages, and quite recently, how to design e-learning programs, it felt a little weird to actually participate in the course. One of the most significant aspects that i recognised was my ability to procrastinate when it came to completing the course. This was due to knowing that i had the opportunity to complete the course at a time that was convenient to me. And with so many assessments due soon and an overtime work roster, this was often delayed…until a few nights before the practical session of the course was to occur.

In terms of instructional design, the course rated moderately to highly. It used a very simple layout of a main tool bar at the top of the page and a central page containing the topics of the course content. One helpful tool would have been instructions on how to operate the website. Initially i could not find the link to the course material or the assessments. Eventually i found them and it became easier to navigate the site. The colours used on the site were green and white, which were very neutral colours and did not cause the user to go into shock, or visual overload. Later on i made a connection between the choice of colours and the content of the website. The colours of first aid is the white cross on a green background. I found this effective as it helped me to remember the first aid signs. Every time i hear the words first aid, i think of green and white, and the website.

The e-learning course required the participants to complete a series of tests on a range of topics, ranging from the basic aspects of first aid to the tasks of greater diffiulty such as CPR and heart attacks. I found it rather strange that you could only view revision materials, which were the only materaisl available, after completing the quiz. Participants are also able to undertake the tests as many times as possible. During my session, i assume there may have been technical difficulties occuring as i would select an answer, only to be told that it was an incorrect answer. However, they provide you with an explanation of the right answer and why it is the right answer. This greatly affected my scores and reduced my morale.

To make the course more entertaining and to accommodate a range of learning styles, there should have been multimedia incorporated into the course, ranging from simple pictures to high-tech video demonstrations. Reading facts over and over again, but you gain a deeper understanding when you are able to apply the theory into practice. Overall, however, i thoroughly enjoyed the e-learning course but equally enjoyed the practical sessions conducted after completing the online course.

“Yale, you’re embarrassing me” PUNCH!

“Shut-up Ted” PUNCH

 I found this part of the game/video rather funny. What a violent lady, but then again, its better than abandoning your children and strapping yourself with bomb… or having an affair with a police negotiator!

I remember using this online game last year in e-learning experiences, except it seemed a little different, unless i am imagining aspects of a game that don’t exist or even the existence of the whole game itself, but i am sure we viewed a very similar one. You assumed the character of a counsellor who had to help solve a dilemma between a number of characters, and when you gave advice that was deemed as an undesired response, you were virtually slapped…OUCH!  [Negative Reinforcement] and then given an opportunity to re-answer the question until the ‘correct’ [according to the website standards] was chosen. Last year, i quite enjoyed using the different online courses, such as dissecting a frog online or the BBC Online learning centre, where i briefly learnt Chinese….. Bonjour! Kidding….Laoshi Hao! [Hello Teacher] Zaijin [Bye!]As i have not been on these websites in a long time i have forgotten about their existence as well as the benefits they provide, and this may also due to the continual learning process that i undertake each semester, and this semester i have focused largely on e-learning technologies, especially mobile learning, and the different learning theories. Its great to have rekindled the old relationship these websites and i had and pick off where we left it last year. It may also be extremely helpful in regard to the final module and assessments, which i guess is why its an activity. Duh!

I found that in terms of instructional design and the effect it had on the learner was a very effective website. It was easy to navigate and contained great visuals. The faces of the characters seemed very real and changed to match the dialogue being spoken and the tone of voice in which it was spoken. You could see and feel the anger on her face as she spoke to Yale and Ted! And the sound effects also added to the feel of the story, especially the punches and the music that played when the police negotiator slowly moved along the car door and said in a sultry voice “Hello Yale!” 

Another aspect of the program that i enjoyed was being able to choose the course of action undertaken by the characters, and when you chose an incorrect answer, you were given an explanation as to why it was incorrect, and occasionally the characters would ask to speak to you to provide their side of the story, in order to help you make a decision. There was also a hint button in case you wanted to know the correct answer [An arrow pointing at an answer and saying "Pick Me"] You are also able to play the game from either characters viewpoint- either the wife or the husband. The range of options available to choose also allowed you to view the large range of options that can be chosen in situations and how each move undertaken by a character, whether large or small, could impact greatly on the situation portrayed.  E.g. Helen [the wife choosing to get out of the car makes Ted anxious and blows everyone up...Bad Move]

I think that for organisations such as DoCS, applications such as these would be an effective tool for teaching employees how to deal with certain clients and situations, including communication and negotiation skills. The program developers could interact with current and former DoCS employees to brainstorm common situations and clients that employees deal with and the methods adopted to do so. These can then be incorporated into the program, sensoring the names and locations though for ethical and legal purposes.

After trying a couple of different scenarios using the options provided, i found that many of the lines were repeated in each scenario but how in each scenario, the lines gave a different meaning and affected the course of the story in many ways. It makes you wonder about the way people interpret actions and words in different situations and how this affects the outcome of each situation. What may seem negative in one situation may actually be a positive when analysed from another angle or another person’s perspective. For example, in one scenario, Helen decided to have a cigarette after having an argument with Yale and this caused Ted [the hitchhiker] to blow everyone up. Helen seemed very annoying in this situation. But then in another scenario, after viewing the situation from Helen’s perspective, her decision to have a cigarette seemed plausible and the other characters looked like the villains.

Overall, i found this website/programs to be a fun and interactive experience and can definately see the benefits it provides to learners as well as how it can be applied in various e-learning contexts!

Over the past two years, I have undertaken a number of subjects that have focused on the topic of e-learning, its uses and the disadvantages and advantages that the medium offers to students and educators. Well the time has come when i have to stop learning about e-learning courses and actually participate in a full e-learning course. I have previously blogged about how my employers should consider implementing an e-learning course to train employees in a number of customer service topics and as well as the practical skills entailed in the job, such as making coffees and other beverages. Well it seems as though the heavens have heard my prayers, or maybe my employers are reading this blog [Doubt that...:)] but they have introduced an e-learning course. As part of the OHS Committee, we are required to undertake and successfully complete a first aid training course. And due to the time restrictions experienced by most managers in the company, they have decided to administer the theoretical aspect of the first aid training course online, using an external e-learning course. This allows the managers to undertake the course at a time and place that is suitable to them, and eliminates the need to physically travel to a specified location and the need to cover shifts on the management rosters.

 It was a strange feeling when i received the email regarding the online first aid training course. I had been informed that we were required to undertake a first aid training course but there was no mention of the method of training delivery. And so when i received an email from a company i had never heard of, requesting me to complete a course, my initial reaction was to ignore and delete the email. Fortunately for me, the Internet disconnected for a lengthy period and so i forgot about deleting the email….[Fine, i couldn't delete the email even though i wanted to...Stupid Internet disconnection] And when i read the notice at work again regarding the training course, i recognised the name of the training provider mentioned in the email and put the two together. Light bulb moment…

One of the disadvantages often highlighted by literature on e-learning is Internet connectivity, and after my recent experiences, i agree with the literature. I have attempted to complete the online training course but can not get past the registration stage without receiving a message informing me of a failed Internet connection, despite the Internet being connected and other websites working. It is very frustrating knowing that you must complete a certain module before continuing on to the next stage of the training program but not being able to due to technical difficulties. I guess i can try from another computer/Internet connection and if problems persist, consult a qualified professional through an email.

In our last class [14^th May 2008] a group presented on the topic of Podcasts and Vodcasts and their educational uses, benefits and disadvantages. Following the presentation, a group discussion took place regarding which tool was more effective for learning purposes. Sam, one of the presenters, argued that he felt he learnt more from a vodcast as he was a visual learner and that the podcast just sounded like an annoying voice in the background. Others in the class argued that the lack of images in the podcast forced them to listen more intently and therefore engage in more effective learning. I found that this discussion reinforced the notion that each learner has their own preferred learning style, and when designing learning programs, it is important to take this notion into consideration.  During the discussion, I began to think about what type of learning style I preferred and attempted to make a decision as to which method of instruction was more effective- podcasts or vodcasts. Personally, I found both methods distracting yet effective at the same time. With the vodcast, I tended to watch the movements in the video rather than listen to the content being presented but it forced me to pay attention to the presentation for the whole duration. And with the podcast, I found myself to drift off occasionally. However, this was a reduced thanks to the vocal variety incorporated by Sam and the humour portrayed in the speech.  

Over the past few weeks I have been reading about different learning theories and how they are applied in an educational context. During the presentation I found myself thinking of the elements of these theories and tried to apply them to myself. Similar to the cognitivist-Gestalt and humanist theories, I was linking my past experiences and knowledge to create meaning from the content of the learning program.  The presentation reminded me of an activity I undertook earlier during the semester, which sort of relates back to this. One of the modules asked us to watch, or listen to a video, by Stanton Wortham, who described the different learning theories. On the website, you had the option of either watching the video or reading the transcript. I tried to use both options separately but found that, like the podcast, I tended to drift off or could not keep up with the presenter, and therefore could not gain a deeper understanding of the content being presented. When I attempted to read the transcript, due to the lack of grammar used, I could not understand what was written-it was too conversational.  However, when I combined both methods, I developed a blended learning approach that allowed I used a number of senses and understood the content of the presentation. According to Burns [2002 p.289] “Between 50% and 80% of people remember what they hear and see”. And from experience, I agree with this.   

Reference

 Burns, R. 2002, The Adult Learner at Work, Allen and Unwin, Crows Nest

Over the course of the semester, i have gained a deeper knowledge of a range of e-learning technologies. Various academics and researchers have suggested that e-learning is an effective learning strategy that may dominate traditional learning methods, such as classroom based learning and the use of paper-based textbooks. Initially I had totally disregarded this theory to a certain degree, but with the gaining of increased knowledge of this field, I am starting to see their side of the theory. When i think about it, the majority, if not all, of my subjects this semester have a component of e-learning embedded within the learning content and assessment structure, with the most obvious being this subject e-learning design. The subject assessing learning entails weekly online quizzes, while the subject Project Management assesses students based on their participation on online discussion boards and the posting of relevant online resources. UTS Online is another technology encouraged by the university as a means of communication between students and educators, and between students. In the wider community, current Prime Minister Kevin Rudd recognised the growing need for computers in the classroom and the influence of online/e-learning by promising Australian citizens access to computers for all school students.

I have found that the more i learn about these new e-learning technologies, strategies and tools, the more i become interested in using them. When i was first introduced to Second Life i thought it was the most stupid and ‘childish’ application and missed the educational use of the program.  However, i am growing accustomed to the advantages and disadvantages offered by Second Life and am starting to see the occupational benefits to using second life, especially in developing simulations for practical and potentially dangerous activities.

In conclusion, i believe that e-learning will definitely be increasingly used in the future for educational, social and occupational purposes but the traditional classroom based learning strategies and tools will never be fully replaced for we are humans and not robots, so therefore human/physical interactions is necessary for mental, physical and learning development.

I recently completed a module activity regarding the humanist approach, which involved reading an article regarding the topic of humanist approaches and characteristics. I think that the humanist approach is one of the best theories for incorporating e-learning methods and technologies for a number of reasons identified in the articles and from experience.

1. People learn by relating the world to their previous experiences- they learn by doing : e-learning is different from traditional classroom based learning, which on many occasions is a one-off event- students can only attend the same class once. However, in e-learning the learner is able to re-access information, materials and programs to enhance their skills through ongoing practical experiences. Once online or in an ICT program, the learner can access these files at a time and place that is convenient to themselves.

2. People learn in a free environment that permits and encourages development of potential self-expression and self-determination: Through e-learning technologies, such as Wikis, blogs, e-portfolios and social networking websites, these aspects, emphasised by the humanist theory, are able to be met. Through the layout, design, colour and content of the e-learning applications mentioned above, users are able to express their styles, personality, feelings, emotions and level of experience and knowledge of a topic  or situation.

As e-learning programs are based online, it means users are able to complete tasks at a time and place that is convenient to them, allowing them greater flexibility and autonomy. However, it also means that they must have greater levels of self-determination and motivation to complete these tasks as there won’t be as many, if any, reminders of task completion dates as provided by teachers in traditional education settings.

3. People learn cooperatively, which includes constructive feedback in a non-competitive environment: E-learning offers opportunities for social learning and interactions among learners. Applications such as wiki pages and blogs can be made accessible to the public, creating a two way communication channel between the user and the general public/readers. An example i read about earlier in the semester involved a blog user posting an essay they had composed and asking for constructive feedback, which he/she received. Internet websites such as Facebook can be used to create social connections between students of an e-learning program. For example, our BAOL group has a page on Facebook where students have access to other students’ profiles and group discussion boards for communicating ideas, thoughts, opinions and social gatherings.

Overall, i felt that the humanist approach most suited the structure and aims of e-learning programs. I felt that as a student of an e-learning program, i could relate to many of the ideas and characteristics offered  by the humanist approach.

The world is continually experiencing transformations in technologies, and this continuing advancement means that we are able to organise our lives. According to the video on the LearningWiki Website, a Russian named Vygotsky said that people use cognitive tools in order to accomplish tasks they need to do. He referred to this process as “offloading cognitive burden”. The range of technologies on the market today means that people are more able to undertake these processes. Mobile phones, PDAs, laptops and wireless Internet connections means that people are more connected to one another, and are able to store important dates and information while on the go. I know that I have personally done so. While travelling on the train, I will suddenly gain an insight onto an assessment and record my thoughts and ideas onto my mobile phone, reducing the risk of forgetting the idea by the time I get home. I guess this is one of the advantages of e-learning, and in particular mobile learning. The learners are given the opportunity to learn and process thoughts at a time and place that is convenient to them, potentially leading to a higher knowledge of a topic or higher grades in the subject.  

The video regarding the “Sociocultural Approach” gave a brief mention about “school concepts” or “scientific concepts”, things that were learnt at school but not generally used in everyday life. However, these concepts allow the person to develop more complex ways of thinking. I believe that this is the concept behind the university experience. While the theoretical topics taught during lectures and classes may be interesting and useful in the workplace, what they are really trying to teach us students is not the actual theoretical content of the subject, but the processes involved in the topics. These include working individually and in groups, learning to question and analyse tasks and situations, communication skills, time management skills and people skills. I think that it is these skills that will ultimately enhance the student’s success of gaining entry into a graduate role, and these skills will enhance the student’s ability to remember and apply the theoretical knowledge taught during classes.

According to the video on the learning wiki website, from a cognitivist point of view, people want to know what is going on in between the stimulus and the response, and that a person’s internal representations influence their behaviour. He referred to Piaget and the two cognitive processes that people use when placed into a certain context. The two processes were assimilation and accommodation. We attempt to make sense of the context, and if necessary, modify our behaviour to suit the context. For example, if we are attending a job interview, we would not act the way we would were we at a football match, with the screaming and yelling.  

One concept that I found interesting was the notion that educators can’t force change or learning on a student, but must encourage and facilitate the learner to do something differently. Cognitivism believes that people have an intrinsic motivation to learn about what is going on around them, and that extrinsic motivation can undermine or derail the learning process. I found that there have been many times during high school where teachers would use negative reinforcements, such as detentions, in an attempt to make students learn about a certain topic. But if a student does not have an interest in the topic, or they have negative mental interpretations about the topic, then learning will not occur, or only so to a limited degree.

An example in the video was given about a bunch of students using markers to draw, and how the level of interest and motivation to draw diminished once students stopped being paid to undertake the activity. I can sort of relate to this but not in an educational context. At work, employees are required to clean trays used for our products. I find that the method other employees use wastes a lot of water and so I encourage them not to wash the trays, suggesting I will do them. I soon began to enjoy this task, as it was a simple task where thinking was not required and was done voluntarily. However, there have been shifts where I am told I must do the trays and by a certain time. I find that in these instances, I am not motivated to do so and it takes a long time to complete the task. Whereas when I did it voluntarily, I was more motivated, enjoyed the process, and did a more productive job.   

After reading that, in relation to the cognitivist approach, I find it funny how the task I enjoy the most is one that does not require the individual to know what is going on in between the stimulus and the response i.e. me cleaning the trays. Not much thinking is required to complete this task. Very relaxing.

http://www.learningwiki.com/theory