Interview with Janet Lowe of UCD

Paul Silli

On Tuesday I had the excellent opportunity to interview Janet Lowe who is the Director of Employee Learning & Development at the University of Colorado.  We discussed many aspects of the eLearning field. Included is the presentation of that phone interview (please wait a few seconds for load).

• Powerpoint presentation click: interview1
• For Transcripts: transcripts.pdf

Why Teach through E-Learning?

By Paul Silli
What are some of the reasons you would want to create or teach an eLearning program? There are many advantages and some disadvantages to eLearning.

Advantages of e-Learning

• Anytime & Place: A participant can access the learning program at any time that is convenient -not just during the specific 1-3-hour period that is set for a conventional course. That means they can be anywhere to do the needed work.
• Asynchronous Interactions: Unlike face-to-face or telephone conversations, electronic mail does not require participants to respond immediately. As a result, interactions can be more succinct and to-the-point, discussion can stay more on-track, and people can get a chance to craft their responses. This can lead to more thoughtful and creative conversations.
• Ongoing Assessment Opportunities: Learning is checked everyday by activities and interactions among learners. You can easily see if students are learning through input.
• Group Collaboration: Electronic messaging creates new opportunities for groups to work together, creating shared electronic conversations that can be thoughtful and more permanent than voice conversations.
• New Educational Methods: Many new tools and programs like using Web 2.0 applications can offer innovative learning strategies that can become economically feasible through online courses. For instance, the technology makes it feasible to utilize faculty anywhere in the world and to put together faculty teams that include master teachers, researchers, scientists, and experienced professional developers. Approach is global and media rich.
• Access to Vast Web Resources: Through instructor’s webliographies, del.icio.us and many search engines, the student has the unprecedented advantage of knowledge resources immediately available at the click of a button.
• Integration of Computers: The online learner has access to a computer (hopefully), so computer applications can be used without excluding some participants. This means, for instance, that a mathematical model implemented in a spreadsheet can easily be incorporated into a lesson and downloaded so all participants can run, explore, and refine the model and then share their findings with others.
• Lower Cost: The cost and budget needs are far lower than a traditional summer school program or office setting. This is because the cost to hire an instructor, allocate digital and Internet resources and maintenance are much lower to maintain. The instructor’s salary can be a bit lower, there is little to no insurance, security, paperwork, electricity bills, or support staff needed for an e-Learning program. Because the course is online, costs are greatly reduced.

Disadvantages 

• Access to a Computer /Internet: Some learners may not have a computer or the needed computer skills with programs such as word processing, Internet browsers, and e-mail. Without these skills and software it is not possible for the learner to succeed in eLearning.
• Comfort Levels: Another issue is e-Learners need to be very comfortable using a computer. Slow Internet connections or older computers may make accessing course materials difficult. This may cause the learners to get frustrated and give up. In many cases a students also needs an Internet connection and printer to do assigned work.
• Self Motivation Issues: ELearning also requires time to complete work, especially those with assignments and interactive collaborations. This means students have to be highly motivated and responsible because all work performed is on their own. Learners with low motivation may not complete work on time or at all…
• Isolation: One more disadvantage of e-learning is students may feel isolated or unsupported while learning. Instructors are not always available to help the learner so students need to have good discipline to work independently - without direct assistance. ELearners may become bored or overwhelmed because of the lack of  interactions that can take place within a course setting. 

What do you think? Is eLearning worth the fuss, or is it just a trend?

What is E-Learning?

By Paul Silli

I define e-Learning as the delivery of learning, training or an educational program which is intended to develop skills by use of any electronic means. ELearning involves the use of a computer or some kind of digital device such as a  mobile phone in some way to provide training by an educational institution or corporate setting. ELearning methods use many trendy technologies in which lessons are given to improve skills within a learning community.

How is eLearning evolving in meaning?

+ELearning is more than putting course content on the web, ­ it is about using technology and the Internet to support the learning process. This includes instruction, content, collaboration and assessment.

+ELearning can and should be integrated with other forms of learning such as classroom training, collaboration and using real-life scenarios.

+ELearning should support all processes associated with learning including the management, administration and tracking of trends to improve learning functions. After all, e-learning is constantly changing.

eLearning: Comprehension and Interests

By Paul Silli

For my graduate eLearning class I was asked a few questions about my learning style and interests.

How do I like to learn? I am definitely a visual learner. I must see materials or practice the work by example (in graphical form or repetition) to truly learn. Additionally, I enjoy learning through kinesthetic activities. Hands-on work rocks!  

What are some of my interests and hobbies? For fun, I like just about every outdoor activity from scuba diving, saltwater fishing, boating, white-water rafting, working-out, snow skiing, hiking, bun-gee jumping, to camping at Rocky National Park. As for sports I love football! I’m a big fan of the Broncos, Gators, and Buffs.

What is a favorite memory I have of learning? One of the most rewarding learning experiences I had as a child was in Mrs. Fuller’s 6th Grade Science class. She taught us about the mysteries of volcanoes. We were put into three-member groups to research what volcanoes were, and why/how they developed. We then had to give an oral report about what we discovered. She then showed us some lava rocks which we got to study… and later we saw a cool movie about many volcanoes erupting. Finally, we had the opportunity to create a model volcano and present it to the class for peer review. I think this popular project is a great example of kinesthetic learning. I have never forgotten that wonderful, learning experience.

What don’t I like about formal learning experiences? With formal learning often a student is handed an assignment that includes a particular list of every item he or she will need to know and then given the exact steps that will be involved in the process… This type of teaching practice can lead to complacency of learning; it can hinder creativity, block natural inquisitive outcomes, and deter growth in developing self-learning skills. Formal learning can often restrict learning gains because of the boundaries listed within the discipline.

Instructional Technology Specialist Endorsement

By Paul Silli

There are three basic steps to file for ITS (Instructional Technology Specialist) Endorsement at the University of Colorado.
1. First you must have your final transcripts showing you completed the 24 course credits needed per the ITS program endorsement. Check that you have all of the requirements at: ILT Advising Handbook.pdf (See page 7).

2. Next, review the site criteria at: IT-S Endorsement. You do NOT need to take a place exam if you are earning a Masters of Arts in Instructional Learning Technologies (ILT) and pursuing an ITS Endorsement. However, you do need to take the place exam if you are seeking an ITT (Instructional Technology Teacher) Endorsement, non-degree.

3. Lastly, complete the Colorado Dept. of Education (CDE) Add-Endorsement Packet at: ITS Endorsement Based on Approved Program.pdf, and turn the packet into Jannette Noonan, student advisor. Jannette will then sign and recommend the endorsement and send your packet with transcripts directly to CDE: (UCD makes the endorsement recommendation; CDE adds the endorsement to your certification). That’s it!

Within eight weeks you will receive by mail a new certificate/license with your added endorsement from CDE.

Contact student advisor Jannette Noonan for more info at: jannette.noonan@ucdenver.edu

Technology in Education Conference, TIE 2009

By Paul Silli

It was beautiful weather on Tuesday with warm, clear blue skies and snow capped summer mountains.

The conference started with an upbeat, inspirational speech from the keynote speaker - Tim Tyson. Dr. Tyson reviewed using his families life-experiences the importance of using technology to enhance learning. He shared student-video samples that were created by his high school teachers, and outlined the importance – and privilege of teaching.

Witihin my first session I learned about the program Photo Story (iPhoto) which is an image manipulator — presented by Charlene Baker. This Web 2.0 program is open source, meaning it is free to use online. The program is similar to Adobe Photo Manager – in that it offers you the ability to edit, crop, resize and change the content of images which you can then send multiple pictures to a compile list where your photographs or clipart can be stored to create collages,and digital stories. You can edit graphics and upload them into any internet site, wiki, or other media rich projects. Students can use this program for many purposes from adding graphics to a formal report, to making family photo albums or digital timeline sequences.

The second session to mention was also presented by Dr. Tim Tyson called: “Film Festival Bootcamp.” During this class he showed participants many student movie samples from his high school students which were created for their science classes. He suggested using student movie-productions applications such as MS Movie-Maker to create Digital Reports, and group presentations. He said it is important for students to make an emotional connection with their audience by using zoom-in (panning) features. He also mentioned adding appropriate sound tracks and other sound effects and color schemes to enhance production work. He recommended that if teachers want to use movie productions in their course lessons that they make sure they do not make any money from the movies. Dr. Tyson emphasized the need to uphold copyright laws; and only to distribute the films content for educational purposes. It also was recommended teachers strictly monitor the movie content to make sure it is appropriate for student and adult viewing (PG rating).

I also enjoyed a session about “Podcasting” for students which was presented by Jonathan Bergmann. He explained by using Podcasts’ you can save time by avoiding formal class lectures which can give instructors more time to offer one-on-one assistance to students. He suggested using video-pictures with audio presentations (VodPods or Video Casts) as warm-up sessions, to break-up long units, editing pics, and open lessons to help get students interested and involved (students seem to enjoy Podcasts). One of the greatest elements of using Podcast is students can go back to the video and rewind/play the movie to repeat content. This is especially great for special ability students who often need content repeated for clarity. Podcasts’ offer teachers the opportunity to give more hands-on projects to kids. It just will take some time to create them for your curriculum…

Additionally I liked learning about the Digital Story Telling application called: “Frames-4, by Tech4Learning.” This program offers you the opportunity to teach your students how to use flash media, make animated movies with clipart and movie images and songs, edit and make movie pictures and format your work into .gifs which is universal viewable formats. The program was given to each participant “free” to use for education purposes. If you want to use the program at home for personal use you can purchase a license for about $38. Receiving the program free was terrific! I will be using this program with my kids next school year.

PDF XChange Reader & Writer Open Source

By Paul Silli

Have you ever wanted to edit or write on a pdf (Portable Document Format)? With the XChange PDF Viewer you can now write directly onto pdf files just like you could on an Omni form. It is a great, free open source program to download to your desktop or notebook.

Those of you who wish to view PDF files on their Windows PC’s now have a choice when it comes to Viewing PDF files — the PDF-XChange Viewer is smaller, faster and more feature rich than the ole’ Adobe Reader. This program allows you to read pdf’s, add graphics, edit spelling, type directly onto a pdf form, color highlight text, mark stamps, and does much more. It totally rocks!

Instead of printing out a pdf file, and then hand writing to a form, you now can professional type directly to a pdf file. 

If you want an excellent free program to edit your pdf’s you should give PDF XChange Viewer a try.

Filezilla for FTP Host Editing

By Paul Silli

Hey, to all you FTP’ers out there! I am somewhat new to using FTP site editing for uploading & downloading files such as: .docs /.ppts /.pdfs and jpegs. My main domain and website host is at fatcow.com.  It was recommended that I use Filezilla (client version) to install onto my pc so I could easily upload files to my host site, and then create direct URL links to the files so people could access my work on the Internet.

The Filezilla program is Open Source, meaning it is free for private use. It is easy and fun to use. However, it will take some time to learn (For example, dragging and dropping your files into the proper folders through its multiple layered windows); but the program works well.

For all of your FTP solutions, both a client and server-based version are available. There is Filezilla help support through its forums and wiki trackers. If you are new to FTP, you may want to give it a try. Let me know what you think.

Creating a Good Website Layout

Here are a few suggestions you can use to create a well balanced, legible, user friendly website layout design. You should ask yourself or a client some key questions such as:

• Is the product design theme: (light, friendly & fun), (sleek & professional), (innovative & techie), or (scientific & savvy)? Please describe the “feel” you want from the design. The feel of a site is essential!
• What colors do you want in the product? (Primary, pastel, or mixed-fresh). Visit this site for some great info and HTML Colors: http://www.w3schools.com/html/html_colors.asp
• What graphics, logos, images might help deliver the product message? Do you have any on-file images you want in the design?
• What kind of layout do you prefer? For example, do you want a lot of white space and text block design, white-text on dark backgrounds (text blocks), three columns or two column designs, or maybe a simple one textbox content area?
• Do you want a custom Header /Banner with your institution name and/or logo? What colors do you prefer?
• Is there any text content messages you want highlighted in the layout (maybe important titles or communication tools emphasized – near top of site or center zone)?
• Is there anything important you want to see in the site or product? (You could have them draw a sketch or explain)
• Is there something I did not ask that you want included within the design or content of the site? (Please be specific)

Three Fundamental Layout Designs (Without getting too busy)

1. Text block with center navigation bar (Basic)
2. Two Column with side bar navigation left or right (Traditional)
3. Three Column with side bar navigations (This site uses three column design)

The more your know about what you or your client wants the better the output. Please let me know your thoughts about layout design.

Educating Students using Twitter

By Paul Silli

Your students have already gone home for the day, and you forgot to remind them that homework is due tomorrow. A state of frustration runs through your mind knowing this assignment is key for them to turn in because it’s a major component of their final project. What can you do? Twitter them! Twitter has become one of the most popular micro-blogging applications. It is a free Web 2.0 service with near one million users called “twitterers” who can send and receive text messages via the web, short message service (SMS), and by instant messaging through cell phone communications.

 

For example, if you did forget to inform your students about an assignment, all you would have to do is login to your twitter account, type the message in the text box (you are allowed 140 characters per message), and then send the message directly to your students via cell phone text messaging. As you may know cell phones are a great educational tool – and just about every student has one. Using them as activity reminders is a wonderful, innovative method.

 

For students to get your messages they would need to subscribe to your twitter “feed” which is a free application where students are only charged by their text messaging service which in most cases, they already have… I’m sure you’ve seen them texting messages to their friends all over campus.  

 

What exactly is Twitter?

According to Wikipedia online, twitter is a free social networking and micro-blogging service that enables its users to send and read other users’ updates known as tweets while on the internet or by use of a mobile phone service. Tweets are text-based posts which are displayed on the user’s profile page and delivered to other users who have signed up to receive them.

 

For the past year many educators as well as popular newspapers, and TV shows have been using Twitter to connect with one another to share ideas and resources.

 

How to Sign Up for Twitter?

To get an account simply create an ID, password, and have a valid email address. Once logged in you can add pictures to your profile, and customize your color background. Then you can get online to find friends within the twitter network. To broaden your network tell your friends, co-workers and students to create a twitter account, and then they can subscribe to your feed so you can communicate with each other.

 

→ How else can Twitter be used in Education? Please add your comments.