Bitten off too much to chew

Working on my final project, I decided I wanted to install the opensource LMS platform eFront to demonstrate different elements such as file hosting, training records, and the like. I assumed this would be just a simple process of downloading the platform and playing with it. Well, turns out I was wrong. I tried downloading Moodle and eFront and realized that the learning curve is a little steep. XAMPP, Apache, Perl, MySQL, huh? I barely know what an FTP is! It becomes intimidating when you have to edit code. So I have decided to save that battle for another day. But the experience is not without learning. I have now identified some areas that I need to get up to speed with.

Nearing the end

On my first posting on this blog, I highlighted some of the things I wish to accomplish in this class. As we one class away from completing the course, I think now would be a good time to revisit that list. Here is a quick recap of my needs and how the class addressed them:

I want to learn easy ways to facilitate online collaboration
I feel more confident collaborating online. I find using cloud computing platforms to be helpful: Google Docs and the like. I am very excited to use Google Wave in a work related context.

I want to learn online evaluation techniques in the absence of an LMS

Evaluation remains an area that I want to learn more about. I have found some LMS platforms that are open sourced such as moodle.org. I think I will host my next class on this platform.

I want to identify technologies and software that I need to learn in order to advance my career in Training.

Well, I think I've got a handle on Captivate, now I want to study HTML, Flash, Dreamweaver and more Webdesign platforms.

I need to learn the specifics of ID as it pertains to the online world

I think I have a much better understanding of the different pedagogical techniques needed to successfully design online learning.

I want to know what SCORM is and how to design SCORM compliant materials

SCORM is basically just a design template, Captivate will do it for me.

I want to be able to add items to this list for future (or current) study that I am currently unaware or ignorant of. 

Webdesign, Flash

Not bad for results hey? Well, I also had concerns starting the class. They almost seem silly to me now:

My schedule: I have many commitments and I hope I will be able to manage my time

This one was tough, I need a bit of a vacation after this class!

My lack of experience in e-learning: I hope I will find enough material to make this class relevant.

I found tons of things to make the class relevant.

My limited experience in curriculum design: same as above

Nothing that learning in action can't conquer

My limited exposure to the corporate training world: same as above

I felt like had I solid enough background to succeed in this course

I guess I have to get over my feeling of "impostorship" (for those who read The Skillful Teacher by Brookfield, you know what I mean)

I faked it well!

My overall evaluation of this class is excellent. Perhaps the only thing I would like to change is to have more class sessions. Or a PPOCCID I and a PPOCCID II.

How were your expectations met for this class? What about your concerns?

Until next time,

-Ben

Google Wave

Thanks to Markis I was got an invitation to Google Wave. It seems like a very interactive platform, and wished we had it for our teamwork. One of the drawbacks to it right now is the limited access Google has afforded during the preview stage. I was given a grand total of 8 invitations to give out...

New Technologies

My preconceived notions about eLearning were simple: learn Software X and you will be proficient. However, I have come to the realization that there will never be a Software X. Sad to say, but you simply simply cannot master one, two, or even ten programs and be an eLearning professional. The rapid evolution of technologies precludes this notion.

Browsing job postings, one comes across a myriad of different requisite software skills. I am certain that I am not the first to have to research the mystery software skill advertised. Technology is evolving so rapidly, that it seems impossible to keep up with some of the trends.

That being said, software is just a tool. The increasingly easy user interfaces (as well as background knowledge of the user) empowers almost every user to exploit them. Software seems to be becoming more and more democratic. Using it becomes simple.

So maybe at the end of the day knowing what to use when is perhaps the most important. You will never know it all. However, know how to access the tools you need as well as how to learn to use them. This will make you a true eLearning professional.

Need I say more...

Second Life

I decided to explore some game based learning tools and became a member of Second Life. For those of you who aren't familiar with it, Second Life is a virtual reality simulator with stunning graphics and point of vision graphics.

I was very excited to explore the possibilities of this program and eagerly launched myself into it. However once online I perceived several fatal flaws to the learning process.

1. Very complicated to join and learn, the learning curve may be too great for average learner

2. Too many distractions, I found the graphics and interface would interfere with the learning experience. It was just too much.

3. Content was too open. While freedom of speech is always a welcome attribute, the blatant open sex practices on Second Life are too distracting to the learning process.

Above summarizes my opinions of the Second Life platform. Granted I have limited experience with it and would be open to explore more aspects of it.

What have your experiences been with Second Life?

Selling Lesson Plans Online

Ruby Washington/The New York Times

Ms. Bohrer has sold 31 M&M counting exercises, which come with directions, sorting mats and work sheets, for $3 each.

Today I came across this article published in the New York Times. It details the new practice of teachers selling their lesson plans online. The article brought to light some interesting ethical questions regarding the commoditization of learning in the school system.

In the corporate world we have no scruples (or little depending on your organization) about buying and selling learning materials. Reusable learning objects are a cornerstone of eLearning 2.0. Yet somehow there still seems to be a stigma around its use in the educational system.

Merlot.org and other learning object repositories have been a great resource for me in my personal teaching endeavors. I find www.lessonplanspage.com as well as www.enotes.com to be particularly helpful for the courses I teach (Junior level English Lit and Elementary French). I have bought some lesson plans. As a volunteer GED instructor, I teach two classes per week on top of my full time job. I have found that it takes me on average 3-4 hours to prepare for an hour and a half lesson. Taking the short cut of buying a lesson plan for $6 is not only a time savings but a money savings. It also allows me to concentrate my time on facilitating knowing that I have the materials to back me up. I do not feel that it compromises my students learning experience. Using classroom tested materials only buttresses my teaching capabilities.

The gray area that the article brought up was the fact that some teachers may be selling materials that were developed while they were on the public school payroll. In my experience, it seems that most instructional design will occur outside of school hours. Being accomplished on private time makes it fair game for the marketplace. How can this be distinguished though?

What are your thoughts on this? Do you think that academic materials such as this should remain shareable and free, or do teacher/entrepreneurs have the right to sell their information? Or should the information not be shared at all?