Digital Media Literacy Video

Static or Dynamic?

We live in a hybrid society. Much of what I do takes place in virtual environments. I communicate with many others daily through email, social networks, text messaging and other electronic formats; still personal communication is a big component of my social reality. I learn online, in a virtual setting, but I work teaching face to face, and most of what I learn is transferred in person. In other words, I find myself between static and dynamic ways and I enjoy it.

Dynamic formats are more exciting but static ones, when of good and relevant content, are very useful as well. There are many podcast series I enjoy, and honestly attending webinars and live chats is always challenging because they require full attention at specific times, with no flexibility. As far as communication though, the preference is for dynamic. Real time sharing creates opportunities for instant feedback.

The most important thing is to remember that quality and relevance are the goal. Dynamic does not necessarily equal better, and static does not represent obsolete. High quality content may come in different forms, so let's aim to create high quality dynamic educational tools, strategies and environments that are conducive to engagement and success. Simultaneously let's make sure there are static links to the new ways of learning: )

Responses:

Cynthia Shelton - http://shelcy316.blogspot.com/
Laurie Korte - http://lkortecc.blogspot.com/

Innovative Engagement

 

The process by which each one of these tools becomes relevant to the learner will vary. While many learners today are familiar with the majority of these tools there are some who still rely heavily on more traditional ways such as email, cellular phones and simple web 2.0 tools. Transcending into the use of tools that require active participation and continuous feedback brings the learner to the next level of collaboration and contribution. It is and should be the goal of education to lead the learner into an active role of becoming a producer of knowledge rather than a passive role of being simply a consumer of knowledge.

Visiting websites for information is an important aspect, but taking that information and processing it to transform it into a unique and original contribution is necessary for true 21st century skill development. Wikispaces, Nings, blogs and other collaborative spaces provide the platform for learners to explore and learn from each other. Their use in educational environments is long due and should accompany every lesson design, not as an 'incorporation of technology' but rather as an integral component of learning.

Regarding content delivery we have already seen and discussed the benefits of well designed multimedia resources. Podcasts, webinars, tutorials, they all address multiple learning styles and empower learners by making content available on demand.

Finally, communicating makes for effective collaboration. The simplicity of modern tools make sharing easy and facilitate constant and immediate feedback possible. We can even post to our blogs from our mobile devices, and share the post using our Twitter accounts, all in mobility and comfort. Great time for sharing and generating new understanding!

Comments for Module 4 posted on:

Response 1 - Karen Wondergem -  http://wondergemprinciplesofdistanceed.blogspot.com

Response 2 - Cynthia Shelton -       http://shelcy316.blogspot.com

Module 3 Responses

Response 1. Tabitha Edenfield - tabithaedenfield.blogspot.com

Response 2. Robert H - toehaw-nextgenerationoflearning.blogspot.com

Keynote Speaker Storyboard

Keynote speaker storyboard

View more presentations from Luis Avilés.

Responses:
1. To Tabitha Edenfield: tabithaedenfield.blogspot.com
2. Waymers: waymyers-distanceedu.blogspot.com

Learning Communities

Collaborative learning communities are challenging. While most learners understand and value the importance of collaboration it still seems like a lot of what is expected is never or rarely accomplished; yet, results are usually positive if all members take interest and participate, even if they encounter some bumps. After all e mostly go about our lives working together with others. There are very few activities, other than the everyday routines of personal care that we can do on our own. Learning, above all of them, takes place mostly surrounded by others and receiving their influence while they are themselves influenced by our actions.

Collaborative learning is effective. Having good communication with other members empowers and gives the opportunity to see how within a small group each one's ideas and approaches enrich the collective. This is how historically humans have overcome many of their challenges and succeeded in front of many threats. It is also how they have made mistakes that threaten existence but nonetheless it has proven to be an effective approach. Participating in groups, when everything flows and members act accordingly, brings upon a sense of belonging and of acceptance that enhance creativity and improvement.

What happens when one of the members does not cooperate affects the outcomes. While another member may take upon the part of the reluctant one there is still the individuality of that one missing. What each individual contributes to collaborative learning is unique and can never be replaced. Not participating is not enriching the body of knowledge, hampering and diminishing the contribution. Assessment is to be mindful of this, but even when the reluctant member receives fair grading the lack of participation will forever deprive all of the possibilities of enriched contributions.

A reluctant participant should never be forced to be part of a group. A plan should be designed so that a learner who feels that collaborative learning is not convenient in a given situation can complete an alternative assessment. Yet, even though this may benefit all those involved, it still fails to include the reluctant in the group experience and then the next time that same learner is faced with a collaborative team challenge he or she will remain incapable of contributing or ot do so as effectively as expected.

Module 2 Comments

Comments for Module 2 on:

Cynthia Shelton's:
http://shelcy316.blogspot.com/2010/04/global-diversity-and-de.html?showComment=1270395432854#c8175118528601242476
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Laurie Korte's:
http://lkortecc.blogspot.com/2010/03/do-you-agree-or-disagree.html?showComment=1270394566931_AIe9_BFLegW31XRQXA97EnQrAO5JsOLcy
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