As the Olympics are now finished and the TV no longer becomes a magnet for my attention, I begin to re-focus on the task at hand; completing the ETEC 565 course. While I had every intention of working during the two week break, I was a little hampered by my lack of access to the Moodle site. So now, I have a file full of text that I will begin to add to my Moodle course. Thus, my experience to date with the platform is rather limited. To date, I have enjoyed this course immensely.
The readings that I have benefited from the most are Bates and Poole Chapter Four: A Framework for Selection and Using Technology and Anderson’s Towards a Theory of Online Learning. This literature will and have already reframed my perceptions of courseware design, acquisitions for e-learning and usage of technology in the classroom.
The group activity focusing on the LMS evaluation was also highly beneficial. I have taken some time to review my current work processes and I have added criteria focusing on 1) Integration with Existing Systems and 2) Compatibility. These were two areas that I did not focus on prior to beginning this course. As technology rapidly changes and new software providers enter the market, I believe that these two issues will be almost as important as the pedagogical and user interface criteria.
My goals posted under Flight Path are as follows:
1. Develop a stronger understanding of effective formative and summative assessment in a digital format;
2. Develop a wider understanding of individual learning goals within standardized performance oriented content. (With a focus on digital environments); and
3. To learn more about educational technologies that may benefit the schools in my organization.
I believe I am achieving these goals through my own individual work, research and participation in discussion forums. In my opinion, I am learning more from my co-students experiences and perceptions then I am learning from the course instructional materials.
References
Anderson, T. (2008). Towards a Theory of Online Learning. In: Anderson, T. & Elloumi, F. Theory and Practice of Online Learning. Athabasca University, Accessed online 3 March 2009.
Bates, A. W. and Poole, G. (2003) Chapter 4: A Framework for Selecting and Using Technology. In Effective Teaching with Technology in Higher Education: Foundations for Success. (pp. 77-105). San Francisco: Jossey Bass Publishers.