The Final Synthesis
Flight Path Precis
It seems ETEC565 has led me down my Flight Path. Many of the unknowns about working with media have become knowns. The fact that I’ve constructed the artefacts myself boosts my confidence level – throw a piece of software at me and I can figure it out (ok, so that might be overstepping a bit, but hey! confidence is a good thing!). In other ETEC courses, group collaborating with technology often found the tasks divided by expertise with non-experts not always having the time or opportunity to work on those technical skills.
ETEC565 sent the message home that forethought is the true key to success. Far too many projects fall by the wayside simply because people have underestimated the resources and time commitment required. Little did I know that my closing comment on my Flight Path, “I like to think about what my students will “get” out of using a piece of technology. Will the technology add to their experience?”, would be a focus for three months J
e-Learning Toolkit Experience
Having the e-learning toolkit integrated into the Vista site was a great idea. I often flipped back to it and used it as a resource. The more experienced veterans among us probably, and understandably so, felt it to be busy work but I personally liked having to work through the wiki. Doing so gave an inexperienced person like myself the feeling of having dotting the “i’s” and crossing the “t’s”, so to speak! (Every now and then, I need a dose of external motivation!) Some of the topics were lengthy work through but that is a factor of prior experience.
SECTIONS Model
Applying Bates and Poole’s (2003) SECTIONS model to my e-Portfolio … hmm, applying it to an e-Portfolio. I suppose, starting with “S”, I’m the student. Was the e-Portfolio suitable technology to myself as a student? Absolutely. The routine repeatedly revisiting the blog helped develop my skill set – especially as different reflections needed posting of tables, links, etc. Was the e-Portfolio “E”asy to use and reliable? No issues with reliability, but easy to use? Pretty much (but Moodle’s support style is nicer J). Love the “C”cost to the student – free! How to “T”each me the ins and outs of WordPress? The step-by-step guide at the start of ETEC565 was a definite must to build my confidence and get the ball rolling. Looking back, as a learning tool, the required page layout of the blog made a nice structure to look back on. Reflection is so important for personal growth. Did the e-Portfolio encourage “I”nteractivity? I would say so. Reading colleagues’ reflections made me feel connected (especially when others felt similar frustrations!). The beauty of WordPress is that the “O”rganizational issues are minimal once it is up and going. The “N”ovelty of blog technology has disapated. The popularity of blogs among teachers as a way to communicate with students and parents outside the class is becoming more commonplace each year. The “S”peed that materials, once prepared, can be uploaded is quick (once you know the right place to go!).
The Next Steps
Well, I think I am ready to take flight (albeit a commuter length flight rather than transcontinental!). My goal at the start of this course was to be able to start up a class blog or wiki that had meaning, that was more than a posting of course outlines and assignment lists (although, those will still be there just with a more pizzazz than originally planned). I’m leaning towards a blog and my plan for the next few weeks is to compare Blogger, Wetpaint, WordPress, etc. and now that I know what features I want to use, I can do this more efficiently and effectively. I also like my Prezi application and look forward to raising a student eyebrow or two J
Thanks to everyone for a wonderful experience. The group was amazingly supportive and to John, I truly appreciate your time and involvement in the discussions.
Take care everyone.
References
Bates, A.W. & Poole, G. (2003). Effective Teaching with Technology in Higher Education. Foundations for Success. New York: Wiley, John & Sons, Incorporated. Retrieved July 26, 2009 from https://www.vista.ubc.ca/webct/urw/lc5116011.tp0/cobaltMainFrame.dowebct