To continue my musings (while I still have the "Runners HIGH") from my earlier post ...I got to thinking what is it really that is allowing the rapid development of Innovations in Distance Learning communities? We've been talking about iPODS, educational multimedia videos and Avatars. These are a lot of Tools... great for learning...but why do they work so well and why are little machines like iPODS and the information in them so easily consumable by us? Well, we are social animals and most of us have an instinctual need to stay connected with our tribe.
What set the stage for all of these cool devices and what relationship do they have to Distance Learning? Could it be Web 2.0? What is Web 2.0? If you are not really sure and have never seen this now classic video called "The Machine is Us/ing Us", please click here...then come back and (if you want to) finish reading my blog.
It is Web 2.0 applications which have set the stage for Distance Learning to grow at such a rapid pace. Web 2.0 has changed the way we communicate, forever! The World Wide Web seems to have evolved from a one-directional Cyberplace (my word)-- for example, the Library of Congress online, where you used go to get information about American History, (read it, download it and use the information to write a school assignment, then hand in the hard copy to your teacher, etc.)--- into a globally interconnected system/network of people participating in a multi-party Dialogue (talking, laughing, dancing, if you like, in real time).
Think about it...all the free Social-sharing and networking applications which have evolved during the past decade, such as Flickr; My Space; Google Blogs, Wordpress, Wikis and others have provided a platform on which everyone can play a Dynamic role (imagine a huge broadway Stage circling the planet and we are talking, laughing and dancing). We now share photos, videos, and Blogs which are supported by RSS (Real Simple Syndication). RSS makes it easy to send my own content to a chosen network of friends or others.
The relatively small Social networking system that was once only used by social anarchists to rail against the system or the hermit-like technophiles, happily working out their networking schemes, is the same network (now a considerably larger animal) being used to Spread Learning by your more conservative K-12 schools and Institutions of Higher Learning. All of the Web 2.0 applications and online anarchist and geeky communities have evolved into our newer Distance Learning Communities. Distance Learning is headed into the future at Warp Speed with no turning back...
It does make me wonder...what will those societal anarchists and cave-dwelling tektites work on now---Teleportation??
Diane
Monday, March 16, 2009
Rain, Running & the National Repository of Online Courses
While on my morning run in the Georgia rain today, I got thinking about how innovations in distance education are realized. I wondered about the many and various types of resources available to support instructors in creating courses. Creating courses is time consuming and challenging. I got thinking about Deni's 2nd post where she discussed the University of Georgia's Learning Repository.
Deni discussed how this repository allows Georgia University instructors to multimedia content lessons and save them in the repository for other instructors to use. This is certainly a time-saving resource very much welcomed by over-tasked online instructors!
So, after returning home from my run, I sat down at my desktop and did some searching. I wanted to learn more about my own Alma mater (the University of West Georgia) and what other innovative resources might be available to online instructors.
I opened up my WebCT, went to my Online Learning at UWG page and opened Faculty Resources. I opened the link to the National Repository of Online Courses (NROC).
This repository provides free resources through (OER), Open Educational Resource.
As well as the free resources available, NROC also offers memberships (for a fee) to institutions. For $3000 - $100,000 annual fee, online teachers can have access to custom content (learning object), webinars, white papers, iPod downloadable versions of course content, participation in content development projects and campus ownership of collaboratively developed content.
(The fees seem a bit steep, but could be worth the cost, depending on the budget and needs of the individual institutions).
I would be curious to know how many institutions have paid memberships and how satisfied they are with NROC. Georgia's Learning Repository is free, but I wonder whether the NROC resources (e.g. the podcasts), would be cost effective for the University of Georgia's system to consider?
Thank you for reading,
Diane (almost dry...)
Deni discussed how this repository allows Georgia University instructors to multimedia content lessons and save them in the repository for other instructors to use. This is certainly a time-saving resource very much welcomed by over-tasked online instructors!
So, after returning home from my run, I sat down at my desktop and did some searching. I wanted to learn more about my own Alma mater (the University of West Georgia) and what other innovative resources might be available to online instructors.
I opened up my WebCT, went to my Online Learning at UWG page and opened Faculty Resources. I opened the link to the National Repository of Online Courses (NROC).
This repository provides free resources through (OER), Open Educational Resource.
As well as the free resources available, NROC also offers memberships (for a fee) to institutions. For $3000 - $100,000 annual fee, online teachers can have access to custom content (learning object), webinars, white papers, iPod downloadable versions of course content, participation in content development projects and campus ownership of collaboratively developed content.
(The fees seem a bit steep, but could be worth the cost, depending on the budget and needs of the individual institutions).
I would be curious to know how many institutions have paid memberships and how satisfied they are with NROC. Georgia's Learning Repository is free, but I wonder whether the NROC resources (e.g. the podcasts), would be cost effective for the University of Georgia's system to consider?
Thank you for reading,
Diane (almost dry...)
Thursday, March 12, 2009
MAKING TEACHING FUN!
WELCOME BACK!
To play my video just press the play button (arrow)!! You will need to make sure that you have Shockwave Flash player installed on your computer for the video to play. It's a free download.
I've been having so much fun the past few days! In searching for institutions utilizing innovative technology for distance education communities, I found a wonderful site from a primary school in Australia. Leopold Primary School has a fantastic weblog site and their teachers have been busy promoting e-learning for their students and fellow educators. If you are in need of some inspiration from teachers who are very creative, please check out their blog!
On this blog, you will see an avatar created by one of the students. I decided to create a Diane-Avatar, which is the animated video you can listen to above. I recorded my voice using my home microphone (plugged into a USB port on my computer). If you'd like to make your own avatar character, this is the link: voki
Isn't this a great idea for integrating multimedia into an elementary curriculum? I'm going to search for similar types of multimedia integration for high school and college level instruction, and will post it in my next blog submission!
Thanks, as always, for reading!
Best to you!
Diane
To play my video just press the play button (arrow)!! You will need to make sure that you have Shockwave Flash player installed on your computer for the video to play. It's a free download.
I've been having so much fun the past few days! In searching for institutions utilizing innovative technology for distance education communities, I found a wonderful site from a primary school in Australia. Leopold Primary School has a fantastic weblog site and their teachers have been busy promoting e-learning for their students and fellow educators. If you are in need of some inspiration from teachers who are very creative, please check out their blog!
On this blog, you will see an avatar created by one of the students. I decided to create a Diane-Avatar, which is the animated video you can listen to above. I recorded my voice using my home microphone (plugged into a USB port on my computer). If you'd like to make your own avatar character, this is the link: voki
Isn't this a great idea for integrating multimedia into an elementary curriculum? I'm going to search for similar types of multimedia integration for high school and college level instruction, and will post it in my next blog submission!
Thanks, as always, for reading!
Best to you!
Diane
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Surgery Live! at Penn State Hersey
Hello and welcome back to my blog!
After reading Sheri's most recent blog post, http://healthcaredistancelearning.blogspot.com/
I must admit that she inspired me to look for other institutions that are providing innovative health and medical distance learning programs .
As a science educator, I wondered how other colleges and universities were doing in this arena. The best one I've found so far is Penn State's Surgery Live!.
On March 5, 2009, the Whitaker Center for Science and the Arts and Penn State Medical Center announced the launch of an innovative partnership designed to stimulate the interest of high school students in health care careers. The Science Center will make it possible for students with aptitude and interest to "enter the operating rooms" of Penn State Hersey Medical center through interactive high definition videoconferencing technology.
As Sheri discussed in her post a physician shortage is anticipated and action has to be taken to insure that there are enough doctors available in our futures, as the population ages.
Surgery Live! gives high school students a closer and more intimate insight into the life and career of a physician by providing audio/video exchanges and discussions with a real time surgical team of professionals. The goal is to inspire young people to pursue medical careers.
I know that as a high school student, I would have devoured this opportunity, even if I did not go on to pursue a career as a physician, I think I would have been inspired to pursue a career in health care!
After reading Sheri's most recent blog post, http://healthcaredistancelearning.blogspot.com/
I must admit that she inspired me to look for other institutions that are providing innovative health and medical distance learning programs .
As a science educator, I wondered how other colleges and universities were doing in this arena. The best one I've found so far is Penn State's Surgery Live!.
On March 5, 2009, the Whitaker Center for Science and the Arts and Penn State Medical Center announced the launch of an innovative partnership designed to stimulate the interest of high school students in health care careers. The Science Center will make it possible for students with aptitude and interest to "enter the operating rooms" of Penn State Hersey Medical center through interactive high definition videoconferencing technology.
As Sheri discussed in her post a physician shortage is anticipated and action has to be taken to insure that there are enough doctors available in our futures, as the population ages.
Surgery Live! gives high school students a closer and more intimate insight into the life and career of a physician by providing audio/video exchanges and discussions with a real time surgical team of professionals. The goal is to inspire young people to pursue medical careers.
I know that as a high school student, I would have devoured this opportunity, even if I did not go on to pursue a career as a physician, I think I would have been inspired to pursue a career in health care!
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Shortage of Middle skills workers is looming: How does this affect academic policy decisions?
Welcome back to my distance learning blog!
As I was doing research and thinking about how academics are affected by our present economy, I came across an article in the online site NHBR.com a business resource site for New Hampshire. Before sharing this article with you let me first offer this advice from Gellman-Danley & Fetzner (1998) ,who say that one of the most important aspects to consider when designing and creating online programs is needs assessment.
The article on NHBR directly addresses the economic needs assessment of our 2st century and states that "...the U.S. Department of Labor estimates that in just four years there will be a shortage of more than 10 million skilled workers."
"Middle-skill jobs include construction workers, welders, HVAC technicians, medical assistants, nurses, firefighter/EMTs, childcare workers, electricians and other positions that are crucial to New Hampshire's infrastructure and health. According to the national Skills2Compete Campaign, the pathway to 45 percent of America's good jobs is a certificate or associate degree earned at a community or technical college."
"In New Hampshire, Governor Lynch and the Legislature have created the Job Training Grant, which funds 50 percent of the cost of employee training to help New Hampshire companies upgrade the skills of their workforce. Under the grant, New Hampshire's community colleges are the "trainers of the first resort."
I believe that the future shortage of middle skill workers is applicable to the needs assessment nationwide as community and technical colleges find themselves in budget shortfalls. These budget shortfalls can be remediated and at the same time, people can be trained in important and critical jobs, leading to a strong state economy with well trained citizens who are contributing to their families wellbeing.
To view the complete article click here.
References:
Gellman-Danley, Barbara & Fetzner, Marie, J. (1998). Asking the really tough questions: Policy issues for Distance Learning. Online Journal of Distance Learning Administration, vol. 1 (1), University of West Georgia, Distance Education.
Thanks again for taking time to read my blog,
Diane
As I was doing research and thinking about how academics are affected by our present economy, I came across an article in the online site NHBR.com a business resource site for New Hampshire. Before sharing this article with you let me first offer this advice from Gellman-Danley & Fetzner (1998) ,who say that one of the most important aspects to consider when designing and creating online programs is needs assessment.
The article on NHBR directly addresses the economic needs assessment of our 2st century and states that "...the U.S. Department of Labor estimates that in just four years there will be a shortage of more than 10 million skilled workers."
"Middle-skill jobs include construction workers, welders, HVAC technicians, medical assistants, nurses, firefighter/EMTs, childcare workers, electricians and other positions that are crucial to New Hampshire's infrastructure and health. According to the national Skills2Compete Campaign, the pathway to 45 percent of America's good jobs is a certificate or associate degree earned at a community or technical college."
"In New Hampshire, Governor Lynch and the Legislature have created the Job Training Grant, which funds 50 percent of the cost of employee training to help New Hampshire companies upgrade the skills of their workforce. Under the grant, New Hampshire's community colleges are the "trainers of the first resort."
I believe that the future shortage of middle skill workers is applicable to the needs assessment nationwide as community and technical colleges find themselves in budget shortfalls. These budget shortfalls can be remediated and at the same time, people can be trained in important and critical jobs, leading to a strong state economy with well trained citizens who are contributing to their families wellbeing.
To view the complete article click here.
References:
Gellman-Danley, Barbara & Fetzner, Marie, J. (1998). Asking the really tough questions: Policy issues for Distance Learning. Online Journal of Distance Learning Administration, vol. 1 (1), University of West Georgia, Distance Education.
Thanks again for taking time to read my blog,
Diane
Friday, January 30, 2009
Governance of the New Hampshire System of Community Colleges
Hello and thank you for coming back!
Today I'm discussing governance. This is what I found out. The online learning programs within the community college system of New Hampshire are under the governance rules of the Colleges' Board of Trustees. The members represent business, industry, education, health care, law enforcement, vocational education, technology, labor, students and alumni. The Board executes all policies and procedures of the Foundation in accordance with the provisions of the Articles of Agreement, the By-Laws, and the Statues of the State of New Hampshire.
The Community Colleges of NH Foundation (CCNHF)was incorporated in 2002 for the purpose of securing funds and grants to supplement and enhance the System's traditional revenue sources. It is the official entity for managing private resources for the Community College System of New Hampshire, and is overseen by a Board of Directors.
The Foundation is a 501(c) (3) organization which operated independently, but in conjunction with, the colleges. The Foundation provides student scholarship assistance, faculty and staff enrichment programs, educational facilities and support for innovative programs.
The vision of the Foundation is "Access for All". "Well run programs take time to develop or reformulate strong governance infrastructures before the courses are offered... advance policy deliberation and development is extremely important." (Gellman-Danley & Fetzner, 1998). From researching the governance infrastructure and policy decisions of the NH Community Colleges, it appears they are doing a good job of providing online and traditional education to the citizens of New Hampshire. Two hundred and three online classes are currently offered with a substantial online support center. Enrollment has increased during the past 10 years; please click here for press release.
And it appears the Community College System has enough of a budget to allow for some major capitol improvements! Click here for the list of CI's.
Thanks again for reading! I'll be back tomorrow with some information about Academics at the New Hampshire Community College System.
Cheers!
Diane
References:
Gellman-Danley, Barbara & Fetzner, Marie, J. (1998). Asking the really tough questions: Policy Issues for Distance Learning. Online Journal of Distance Learning Administration. V 1, (1), University of West Georgia, Distance Education.
Today I'm discussing governance. This is what I found out. The online learning programs within the community college system of New Hampshire are under the governance rules of the Colleges' Board of Trustees. The members represent business, industry, education, health care, law enforcement, vocational education, technology, labor, students and alumni. The Board executes all policies and procedures of the Foundation in accordance with the provisions of the Articles of Agreement, the By-Laws, and the Statues of the State of New Hampshire.
The Community Colleges of NH Foundation (CCNHF)was incorporated in 2002 for the purpose of securing funds and grants to supplement and enhance the System's traditional revenue sources. It is the official entity for managing private resources for the Community College System of New Hampshire, and is overseen by a Board of Directors.
The Foundation is a 501(c) (3) organization which operated independently, but in conjunction with, the colleges. The Foundation provides student scholarship assistance, faculty and staff enrichment programs, educational facilities and support for innovative programs.
The vision of the Foundation is "Access for All". "Well run programs take time to develop or reformulate strong governance infrastructures before the courses are offered... advance policy deliberation and development is extremely important." (Gellman-Danley & Fetzner, 1998). From researching the governance infrastructure and policy decisions of the NH Community Colleges, it appears they are doing a good job of providing online and traditional education to the citizens of New Hampshire. Two hundred and three online classes are currently offered with a substantial online support center. Enrollment has increased during the past 10 years; please click here for press release.
And it appears the Community College System has enough of a budget to allow for some major capitol improvements! Click here for the list of CI's.
Thanks again for reading! I'll be back tomorrow with some information about Academics at the New Hampshire Community College System.
Cheers!
Diane
References:
Gellman-Danley, Barbara & Fetzner, Marie, J. (1998). Asking the really tough questions: Policy Issues for Distance Learning. Online Journal of Distance Learning Administration. V 1, (1), University of West Georgia, Distance Education.
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Who, What, Where, When and How?
Hello and Welcome to my blog!
In this blog I will be exploring the uses of distance learning in higher education, K-12, business and government, identifying issues in these learning communities and sharing with you how to find important distance learning resources.
In searching the internet I found dozens of world wide distance learning associations dedicated to promoting development, training and application of distance education in K-12, college and university, military, government and business. Please see my side bar with several of these websites. As a science teacher interested in human health and environmental issues, my focus will be on how to help organizations integrate distance learning into their programs.
In a few months I will be relocating to New Hampshire and I am in the process of employment hunting. New Hampshire has a community college system with a dozen campuses located across the state and a distance education department which currently offers (203) 100% online classes. I am hoping to find work as an adjunct instructor, and/or within the distance learning department.
What types of issues is the state of New Hampshire dealing with? Well, let's talk about the positive side first. Enrollment at community colleges has been on the increase, Community Colleges Report Increased Enrollment. (CCSNH news).
See also The Community College Enrollment Boom.
Initiatives maintained by the Governor, John Lynch, over the past 2 years include:
Project Running Start, run by New Hampshire's Community Technical College System, opens the door to college for many students. It allows high school students to take college-level classes right at their own local schools. They can earn credits that are transferable to colleges across the nation. That is why this budget provides the funding necessary to double the number of students enrolled in Project Running Start.
The community technical college system plays a critical role in the training of NH workforce and in expanding opportunities for citizens. NH's budget invests in strengthening the community technical colleges and in keeping them affordable with an additional $10 million budgeted over the biennium.
To keep our public colleges and universities vibrant, we must also make sure they have up-to-date facilities. That is why the capital budget keeps the promise we made to the University System and provides $39.5 million to continue to upgrade its academic buildings. And it provides $17 million in general funds, and $32 million overall, to the community technical college system, including money to build a health education technology center in Nashua; to build a health education center in Concord; and to renovate the Pease campus.
So the state budget and the demand for community college education places New Hampshire in a favorable position to continue to develop its distance learning community. I'm hoping to become part of it.
Please check back tomorrow when I'll be talking about academic and governance issues.
Thanks! Diane
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