E. Mitchell's Navigate 3.1.3 – Tools within the LMS Quest

Which tools would be most valuable in the online classroom? Which would be of least value?


Most valuable and why:

1. Commenting/feedback - The systems allows me to leave commentary in diverse forms, from text to outside links to videos to voice recordings.  In an environment where I can not sit down and discuss face to face my commentary about student work, the variety of options gives me the ability to capture the student's attention as well as ensure I can accurately get my points across.
2. Rubrics - These ensure the subjectivity is removed from grading so no student or parent can call "favorites".  Rubrics allow for an honest assessment of work and set expectations of student work before completion--they know what they have to do to get the A.  Additionally, the system allows for me to have the assignment open in one window and the rubric in another making for efficient grading.  
3. Notification System - Since communication is a key component of the online environment, a notification system is imperative not only for course updates and emergencies but also issues where the system may be offline due to maintenance procedures. 

Least valuable and why:

1. Blogs - Though the feature is nice to have, it is one rarely used.  Most students have a blog that they personally created or one created for another course.  I think having a blogging site outside of the system helps teach our students a new skill as well as netiquette on the open internet rather than in a protected area.   
2. Social Profiles - Though is may help students establish friendships outside of the classroom, I think it provides a distraction and should be kept minimal.
3. Self-assessments/surveys - I just honestly do not think most students when required to complete a self-assessment truly reflect and have this momentous introspective moment.

E. Mitchell's Navigate 3.1.2 – Creation and Investigation into Courses Quest

What were those steps? Is it important to follow these steps? 

Not too long ago I had to chance to work as a developer for a revised AP Psychology course.  Previously the course was more based on student reading and quizzes, with a few written assignments.  I worked as the content specialist to devise the material for the course.  I created new discussions, assignments, exams, as well as multimedia presentations for notes.  I worked closely alongside another individual who helped with the available features that Softchalk could provide---like flashcards, fill in the blanks, and matching--to serve as content checks.  I would zip a file with the desired content, assignments, as well as animations and videos, and they would place in the system.  I would then be able to check formatting, make sure all links were opening properly, as well as verify any copyright issues.  

It was definitely a tedious process that require the help of multiple people.  Checking along the way is necessary to ensure a correctly working final product; one misstep and the course will not be effective.  

E. Mitchell's Navigate 3.1.1 – LMS Tool Categories Quest

Discuss the most relevant features offered in an LMS, which relate directly to effective online instruction. How might these be used in the online environment?

There are numerous features offered in an LMS that enable an effective online environment.  

A personal favorite of mine is the discussion forum.  The forum allows me to create an area where students can express content knowledge as well as personal applications.  It mirrors traditional classroom conversations, which are a critical component of AP Psychology.  Students are free to comment (with a minimum expectation) as many times as they wish.  I have some students who make 6-10 posts per discussion.  The forum gives students a voice who, in a traditional setting, may not feel comfortable speaking in front of classmates.  

Another feature that I believe is highly beneficial is the content delivery.  I can use multiple forms of delivery---videos, demonstrations, animations, captured lectures.  I also like the ability to link the content to current happenings in the world with just a hyperlink for them to read more about.  With the incorporation of an online textbook that can be bookmarked and highlighted in, the course is accessible from virtually anywhere.  

E. Mitchell's Navigate 2.1.4 – Lecture Capture Quest

Address the following questions in your blog concerning Lecture Capture:

• How would the resource function in the online classroom?
• How would the integration of Lecture Capture modify teaching methods?

When teaching AP Psychology I overly stress to the students how the course is designed much like a college course.  I have referred to lectures done by psychology professors uploaded to platforms like TeacherTube to show my students.  With my traditional students I can balance lecture and activities.  With my online students I often find this difficult.  I feel pressured to use my weekly Adobe sessions to lecture rather than do class activities.  When I read survey comments about online classes and speak to most parents, their concern is the loss of lecture---some students just need to hear the material from the teacher.  

I would enjoy being able to capture some lectures of mine for the online classroom.  Teaching a course that is not as objective as others, it would be great for me to provide ample examples in relation to explaining class material.  I could then use my weekly Adobe time for review, activities, and class discussions.  In an AP class where I am assessed with student scores, I feel compelled to provide lectures when I can to clarify material.  I feel having this option as an extra resource for students would be beneficial though time consuming to create at first.  

E. Mitchell's Navigate 2.1.3 – Commercial versus Open Virtual Classrooms Quest

When would an open source application take precedence over a commercial product?

It seems that an open source application would take precedence over a commercial product for accessibility and cost reasons. With the online environment, depending on the size of the online school, open source may be a viable option but of the financial side at first.  But with growth, a learning environment needs consistency and support.  With open source, there is not as much of a guarantee as with a commercial product.  However accessibility is a large factor, and budget costs for traditional schools utilizing online learning environments have limited funds.  I believe one can combine both open source and commercial depending on the functions to provide for the students.    

E. Mitchell's Navigate 2.1.2 – Recorded Session Quest

Discuss the experiences with this quest and the process of recording a session. Was the task easy? Challenging? Did the process present problems? Document the responses and general reflections on synchronous learning and the recorded session in your blog.

When I first started at GaVS years ago we did use another synchronous delivery system (Elluminate Live!).  Because that was the first system I used as an instructor, it quickly became my norm.  So when we were introduced to Adobe Connect not too long ago, it seemed like it was going to be a major change for me.  To be honest I was a little intimated by the ease in Jeff's tutorials because it seemed too easy to use!  When we really started to use the system at GaVS I was taking a semester off to focus on family.  When I returned I felt inadequate in my knowledge to run a session as I did with Elluminate.  But the more I used the system and really just created meeting times so I could go in a play around with the functions, I felt very comfortable with the delivery.  I can switch applications and sharing abilities.  I have yet to try to incorporate a video or music as hosts of our faculty meetings do.  But I still feel I can run a decent session where my students are active in discussion and benefit.  Here is a link to a session I hosted on 11/4/14.

http://gavirtualschool.adobeconnect.com/p94n8yry5u5/  

E. Mitchell's Navigate 2.1.1 – Delivery Methods and the Synchronous Vendor Market Quest

Compose a blog post regarding the available options in the synchronous delivery market for learning.

The appeal in taking an online class is the ability to complete the coursework on one's own time schedule.  Students as well as teachers do not have to make a commitment to be on the computer at the same time in order to assign work and grade.  However, with online learning communication is key.  And just having the opportunity to be able to speak with the teacher and be able to have him/her provide notes/videos/practice problems directly to the student does alleviate some confusion online students experience.  

There are many options available for synchronous delivery.  An organization, school or business, must decide on one though that can functionally cater to the size of the group as well as provide the necessary tools to enhance the synchronous experience.  Through research I have learned about a couple different systems: Adobe Connect, Elluminate Live!, WebEx Training, Microsoft Live, GoToMeeting, Interwise Connect, D2L, LearnLinc, and Second Life.  (file:///C:/Users/e200511093/Downloads/sls_abstract_625%20(2).pdf)

With my experience at GaVS, I am familiar first-hand with D2L, Adobe Connect, and Elluminate Live!.  I decided to further investigate the appeal of other synchronous delivery options.

LearnLinc:  This one seems to be geared more to the corporate (i.e. specifically medical) learning experience.  It does have similar functions to Adobe such as audio conferencing, the ability to talk or be "on air" (though only one can speak at a time), hand raising ability, text message--both private and public.  Additionally it does provide the user with a network bandwith monitor.  By the appearance of the system, it is not as aesthetically pleasing as Adobe Connect. (http://learnlinc.com/)

Interwise Connect: This is provide by AT&T business so it is catering to a specific audience.  The appeal is that it enables "mobile collaboration" so connectivity should not be an issue.  On the go once can schedule business meetings and easily desktop share applications like Outlook.  In addition, there is always an available meeting room that a simple email with the link to the room is enough to set up a collaborative meeting.  (http://www.business.att.com/enterprise/Family/unified-communications/business-collaboration-services/)