Blog #4, June 30, 2014
June is almost over and in this last week or
so we have explored more on learning theory and course design and development.
Chapter 5 in our book had me reading about
instructional design systems models such as ADDIE (Analysis, Development,
Implement and Evaluate) and ISD (Instructional Systems Design). So many
acronyms in DE! Planning is emphasized
in ISD and I see why it is a monumental job for teachers to plan all their
teaching strategies. I found the different stages in instructional design easy
to follow (for a change!) and understand that all of the components of the
students required performance are part of this stage. I drifted back to Gagne
and Bloom and their objectives. The importance of the right development team
came to mind and I think the course team model is much more effective than the
author-editor model, especially in distance education. I realize the costs
involved, and the time to prepare can be very expensive and lengthy. The
information on creating lessons gave me good insight into how the work breaks
down into segments. This will help me on my next paper, as well as the piece on
multimedia tools. Designing student participation is more involved than I
anticipated, but I was happy for the information and tips this week from this
chapter. Training teachers in using instructional design models remains
extremely important.
We also got into our team assignment or Wiki
exercise. Everyone in my group is great and so far it is a good experience. We
have a lot done already, so I am feeling pretty good about my first wiki
exercise. Another tool we are learning, so helpful.
We participated in discussions on learning
theory, instructional design and online teaching philosophies, based on the
articles by Sangra and Kanuka I talked about how I personally agree that designers
and faculty need to fully comprehend the impact
of using the various modes of delivery when class designs are utilizing the most
up to date technologies. We need to be able to adapt strategies to facilitating,
learning, or being a facilitator. I have my views on e-technology philosophy. I
like the combination of uses determinism and social determinism. Using
technology as a “tool” to learn, not using technology to control learning. That
is something that stuck with me from Kanuka’s chapter where she talked about an
analogy by Jonassen. The analogy is a carpenter uses his tools to build, the
tools do not control the carpenter.
Kanuka, H. (2008). "Understanding
eLearning Technologies in Practice through Philosophies-in-Practice" from The Theory and Practice of Online
Learning (online
book). pp. 91-118
I was talking with some people at work today about ISD and ADDIE and one of them complained about all the acronyms, so your comment made me LOL. :)
ReplyDeleteDesigning/developing/delivering DE really is costly so it's worth the planning to ensure the quality stands up to the test of time. Only by using materials repeatedly and teaching multiple classes can we reach enough students to bring the costs per student down.
Like you, I'm really enjoying this topic. Am getting a lot out of the class. Deb
Hi Deb, I understand the cost of the desgn and implementation more now that we are moving through this class. Let's hope the costs start to decline as DE continues to grow. thanks for making me laugh on the acronyms!
DeleteTerrie
I think you bring up an excellent point here by being specific and mentioning the course team as the "right development team." There must be good chemistry in the team in order to work effectively. I think we have all struggled and succeed in group projects when there are times when we have to push our teammates to complete a task. I have not experienced the team approach in DE as I was the author and editor of my courses but I would love to work with others.
ReplyDeleteI think that teams of instructors and experts is a great idea because it can help instructors learn how to work in teams. It is interesting to note that instructors encourage students to work in teams but instructors themselves have a lot of problems working with others. I remember when I started teaching and some instructors were hesitant when another instructor recommended activities to facilitate learning. As a first year teacher I remember incorporating activities that took me out of my comfort zone in order to learn about what worked in my classroom. The team approach, presented in the course readings to design a course, can be an aspect that should be incorporated in traditional instruction. Instead of providing an instructor with a syllabus and a book, teams can help develop innovative activities and avoid having to reinvent the wheel.
Thanks so much for the responses. CPO- I am not a teacher (yet!!) but I think it is great that you were brave enough to step out of your comfort zone, very wise. It is great to be open and learn and incorporate other activities that you saw working elsewhere.
ReplyDeleteTerrie