About my Flight Path
The experience of reading my initial Flight Path was an eye opener. The Flight Path describes my background with technology during my every day job within the Canadian Armed Forces. The organization has a lot of various types of technologies that I interact with. The development of training that co-exists with the technology including simulation is a big aspect of my job. My organization is both on the cutting edge of technology and at the same time stuck in outdated habits with regards to implementing training. The technology must replicate what is currently happening on the battlefield, thus there is a lot of importance and money being poured into projects. The training system is outdated in some regards, as the methods of delivery are mostly focused around stand and lecture. The need to utilizing modern educational methods is evident, a blended approach or flipped classroom would be an asset to the organization.
My thoughts about the training system within my organization lead to the goals that I created in my Flight Path. The goals that I created from ETEC 565A focused around Learning Management System, both in creating courses and understanding the benefits and drawbacks of different Learning Management System.
Upon reading my Flight Path, I came to the conclusion that I was very general in my approach and I did not have the exposure to various educational research regarding online learning technology, current methodology and approaches. My previous exposure to educational technology was not immense. The gains during the 13 week course were evident upon my reflection and I have gained a better appreciation of educational methodologies, approaches, and various educational techniques that exist.
Reflection about ETEC 565A
The course was an excellent blend of theoretical knowledge and practical assignments. The theory created a foundational knowledge that lead directly into the assignments. I felt that I was lacking in some of the theories, but as the course went along, my foundational knowledge increased immensely.
The biggest takeaways from the theory included works from Anderson (2008), Bates (2014), and Chickering and Ehrmann (1996). These three works stood out to me the most because of the relevance of the works regarding the use of technology in the classroom.
Towards a theory of online learning by Anderson (2008) provided a good perspective regarding interaction in an online environment. The use of educational technology can enhance the interaction between peers and students (Anderson, 2008). The chapter discusses the various interactions with the content and this enlightened my understanding of how to create an online space that can provide the students with positive interactions with peers, instructors, and the content.
The SECTIONS Model by Bates (2014) is a useful framework that can be used to integrate technology into learning spaces. Following the framework provides a systematic approach to planning technology integration. Using the SECTIONS Model during the course gave me an understanding of how to use the framework and the confidence of how useful it is. I will be using this model in the future.
The last work that stood out to me during the course was by Chickering & Ehrmann (1996). The seven principles presented are based on “the most cost-effective and appropriate ways to use computers, video, and telecommunications technologies” (Chickering & Ehrmann (1996). Technology is a powerful tool and show be used with the seven principles to ensure that to potential of the technology is full realized (Chickering & Ehrmann, 1996).
The three works discussed above are very useful and I can understand the relevance of each of the three. All three works will be added to my personal and professional toolbox. I will be working with selecting and using educational technology in my professional career and these works will be apart of my repertoire.
The assignments that were conducted in this course were very practical in nature and appreciated by me. Upon completing this course, I have gained skills that I can employ in my day-to-day job. In my initial Flight Plan I discussed my desire to learn a LMS and build a course in a LMS. Both of these have been checked off of my list through the assignments of ETEC 565A.
The value of reflections is another one of my biggest takeaway from the course. I have not employed or conducted reflections very often in my previous educational career. Reflections are very powerful tools and I will be incorporating them into any online course that I will be teaching.
Next Steps
The next step for me with regards to educational technology is to finalize the current course that I have been developing in SABA publisher. I will also be teaching a serial of the course in the near future. This will be my first experience of teaching a course using educational technology. I will be building a few other courses in SABA Publisher; I am looking forward to refining my skills as a designer.
I hope to explore Articulate Storyline 2 and Adobe Captivate. I have used the first edition of Articulate Storyline but not to create a formal course.
Another project in the near future will be to present the army leadership the benefits of Flipped and Blended Classrooms. The organization is not currently employing these methodologies to the level in which they should be employed. I will present the argument to employ these methods for our courses. Also, I will be presenting the educational technology that currently exists in the organization and potential educational technology that can be used in our organization.
Final Thought
ETEC 565A has been an extremely good learning experience. I have gained knowledge and skills that will continue to be useful in the courses I have remaining in the MET program as well as my professional career as a Training Developer and Advisor.
References
Anderson, T. (2008a). Towards a theory of online learning. Theory and practice of online learning. Edmonton AB: Athabasca University. Retrieved from http://cde.athabascau.ca/online_book/pdf/TPOL_chp02.pdf
Bates, T. (2014). Teaching in digital age Retrieved from http://opentextbc.ca/teachinginadigitalage/
Chickering, A. W., & Ehrmann, S., C. (1996). Implementing the seven principles: Technology as lever. American Association for Higher Education Bulletin, 49(2), 3-6. Retrieved from http://www.aahea.org/articles/sevenprinciples.htm