New Technologies

Last year the requirement for the online grading system (that was separate from the Moodle system where online class information is posted) to be in effect for all classes and all grades was fully enforced. This required parents and students to be responsible for checking the grading system on aregular basis for grades and notes. As part of the orientation process, we went over this process with parents and students as needed. Parents were resistent to the online process. Many parents felt overwhelmed and frustrated with the process. Parents would be less than curtious towards the training process. If parents experienced difficulties, they would claim the program was not functioning properly or that teachers were not entering inforamtion correctly so they could find it. Since the individuals were a mixture of parents of my students and parents of students who I did not have in my classes, it could be difficult to address all their questions when it pertained to a subject specific grade issue or posting. When considering Keller’s ARCS, the first issue – attention- it would have been better to talk with the parents about what their expectations were for communication concenring progress. Next – relevance – it would be important to make sure the parents understand the reason why the requirement for utilizing this type of technology was enacted as well as how the access would be benficial to them as part of monitoring their students progress. This would include the ability to communicate with the teacher through the system. The third step – confidence- it would be important to provide a longer period of time to work with the parents so parents did not feel rushed in the training process. This would have allowed the parents to individually sign into each of their students classes so they were able to see the process. In addition, the training should have been conducted with all teachers in the same training session so each teacher could address issues that were specifically associated with their classes. Finally – satisfaction – it would be benficial to have an adidtional session set up relatively close to the previous session to allow parents who are still having difficulty the opportunity to come back after trying this on their own for a referesher meeting.

Connectivism

• How has your network changed the way you learn?

One of the biggest adjustments I have experienced is handling the numerous methods of communication and networking. It is a little bit of a learning curve to be able to utilize many of the methods effectively. It takes time and practice to start implementing the usage as a part of the everyday life. The effect has been the added time has caused some delay in the process of accomplishing tasks. This can be frustrating, especially when I am accustomed to completing projects and tasks in a timely manner. On the other hand, the additional options provide a larger information and collaboration pool compared to previous options. This has been a benefit by allowing me to find a wide variety of information, as well as, communicate and discuss ideas and concepts with others who would not normally be part of the process.

• Which digital tools best facilitate learning for you?

Online forums, online library resources, and other educational or science specific web sites are the most beneficial digital tools for my learning process. The forums provide the ability to have an interactive course of action as part of the learning experience. The online library resources provide access to a vast amount of research and information pertaining to my educational field. In addition, there are many web sites containing valuable information and resources for science, technology, and education that provide useful approaches as part of the learning process.

• How do you learn new knowledge when you have questions?

When I have questions I look up information through many different media such as books, articles, forums, organizational sites, etc. After I have found the information that is pertinent, I think about the information and how it relates to the application process for the intended goals. I discuss the information and application possibilities with family, friends, and colleagues so I can gain a better understanding of the information. If possible, I try to actively apply information in the educational setting. During this process I will research more information if needed for a better grasp of the information or application. This cycle will continue until I have gained the level of proficiency intended.