BLOG RESPONSE INVENTORY
8/31/2009, Chris Lambert, Blog 1,9/7/2009
9/21/2009, Jose Lugo, Blog 2, 9/12/2009
12/20/2009, Xayy Siharath, Blog 4, 10/13/2009
11/9/2009, Seth Harrelson, Blog 5, 10/26/2009
11/16/2009, Robert MOrris, Blog 6, 11/10/2009
11/30/2009, Spencer Touchberry, Blog 6, 11/16/2009
12/2/2009, Dr. Keane, Open Source Education is Gaining Support, 7/18/2009
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Blog 8
METACOGNATIVE BLOG
After reflecting on my experiences in TSTM 544 this semester, it is rewarding to realize how much I have learned about the importance of E-learning and online training. It is obvious how one can use this knowledge to increase efficiency in the workplace. One factor that is discouraging many businesses from investing in corporate development is cost. When one uses open source software like we have in class, it shows managers that there is a way to cut expenses, and at the same time, offer the training that is necessary. We have used many open source programs offered through Google Apps. This is undoubtedly an amazing asset since it provides many resources that otherwise cost money. For my group project, I was responsible for instructing teachers on the benefits of using open source software to enrich their lesson plans and simplify every-day activities. Overall, I have learned much more about this software myself, and I have experienced the satisfaction resulting from my students appreciation of being introduced to these services. I am thankful that I have learned about different learning principles and the usefulness of E-learning. It will assuredly benefit me for the rest of my career.
After reflecting on my experiences in TSTM 544 this semester, it is rewarding to realize how much I have learned about the importance of E-learning and online training. It is obvious how one can use this knowledge to increase efficiency in the workplace. One factor that is discouraging many businesses from investing in corporate development is cost. When one uses open source software like we have in class, it shows managers that there is a way to cut expenses, and at the same time, offer the training that is necessary. We have used many open source programs offered through Google Apps. This is undoubtedly an amazing asset since it provides many resources that otherwise cost money. For my group project, I was responsible for instructing teachers on the benefits of using open source software to enrich their lesson plans and simplify every-day activities. Overall, I have learned much more about this software myself, and I have experienced the satisfaction resulting from my students appreciation of being introduced to these services. I am thankful that I have learned about different learning principles and the usefulness of E-learning. It will assuredly benefit me for the rest of my career.
Monday, November 30, 2009
Blog 7
FINAL PROJECT REFLECTION: GOOGLE APPS
The topics covered in Module 1 of the Google Apps curriculum consisted of iGoogle and Google Calendar. By the conclusion of this phase, participants were expected to have a solid comprehension of how to use the software to both enhance and simplify tasks relating to professional and personal areas. Prior to starting the project, it was decided that CamStudio videos would be the most effective way of presenting the lessons. After the module outline was approved by the other group members, scripts were drafted to ensure that the necessary material was covered. This practice also served as a tool to structure the training videos and ensure that the content transitioned smoothly. Following the finalization of the scripts, tutorials were filmed, reviewed, and uploaded onto the web. Homework assignments and discussion topics were also posted on Nicenet.org, the web site used for the presentation of the curriculum. For the remainder of the project, posts by the participants were observed and addressed. Based on the responses, it can be concluded that the students successfully comprehended the material. Similar methods were used by other group members to structure the remaining modules of the curriculum.
I believe that this project was a very educational and rewarding experience. By using the web to present lesson plans, the effectiveness of E-learning was assuredly demonstrated. Irony exists in the fact that our group used freeware to instruct students on how to use the open source software offered by Google. By the conclusion of the curriculum, I feel that participants will leave with an enhanced knowledge and appreciation of technology. There is an old saying that states, “Give a man a fish and feed him for a day, teach a man to fish and feed him for a lifetime.” Since both parties learned material that will benefit their careers and personal lives, it can be concluded that this phrase applies to both instructors and participants. Undoubtedly, I have left with a greater understanding of E-learning and am certain that our teacher participants have gained a greater respect for freeware such as Google Apps.
The topics covered in Module 1 of the Google Apps curriculum consisted of iGoogle and Google Calendar. By the conclusion of this phase, participants were expected to have a solid comprehension of how to use the software to both enhance and simplify tasks relating to professional and personal areas. Prior to starting the project, it was decided that CamStudio videos would be the most effective way of presenting the lessons. After the module outline was approved by the other group members, scripts were drafted to ensure that the necessary material was covered. This practice also served as a tool to structure the training videos and ensure that the content transitioned smoothly. Following the finalization of the scripts, tutorials were filmed, reviewed, and uploaded onto the web. Homework assignments and discussion topics were also posted on Nicenet.org, the web site used for the presentation of the curriculum. For the remainder of the project, posts by the participants were observed and addressed. Based on the responses, it can be concluded that the students successfully comprehended the material. Similar methods were used by other group members to structure the remaining modules of the curriculum.
I believe that this project was a very educational and rewarding experience. By using the web to present lesson plans, the effectiveness of E-learning was assuredly demonstrated. Irony exists in the fact that our group used freeware to instruct students on how to use the open source software offered by Google. By the conclusion of the curriculum, I feel that participants will leave with an enhanced knowledge and appreciation of technology. There is an old saying that states, “Give a man a fish and feed him for a day, teach a man to fish and feed him for a lifetime.” Since both parties learned material that will benefit their careers and personal lives, it can be concluded that this phrase applies to both instructors and participants. Undoubtedly, I have left with a greater understanding of E-learning and am certain that our teacher participants have gained a greater respect for freeware such as Google Apps.
Monday, November 9, 2009
Blog 6
SECOND LIFE
Recently, we learned how virtual worlds are being utilized as a tool for online learning. It allows users to create characters or "avatars" of themselves in an online environment and interact with other users. Second Life is undoubtedly one of the most popular virtual environments. An article on CNN.com entitled Going to the virtual office in Second Life explains how many companies are starting to use these programs to host meetings and collaborate with employees or customers. According to Linden Lab, creators of Second Life, more than 1,400 organizations -- including large companies, educational institutions, government agencies and even the U.S. military -- use Second Life to hold meetings, conduct training and prototype new technologies more efficiently. It is understandable why this is a popular solution, because it prevents the need to spend a lot of capital on teleconferencing and other communication tools. In addition, many users are able to collaborate in one location at once. Based on this information, I believe that applications of virtual worlds will only increase in the future.
Source: CNN
Recently, we learned how virtual worlds are being utilized as a tool for online learning. It allows users to create characters or "avatars" of themselves in an online environment and interact with other users. Second Life is undoubtedly one of the most popular virtual environments. An article on CNN.com entitled Going to the virtual office in Second Life explains how many companies are starting to use these programs to host meetings and collaborate with employees or customers. According to Linden Lab, creators of Second Life, more than 1,400 organizations -- including large companies, educational institutions, government agencies and even the U.S. military -- use Second Life to hold meetings, conduct training and prototype new technologies more efficiently. It is understandable why this is a popular solution, because it prevents the need to spend a lot of capital on teleconferencing and other communication tools. In addition, many users are able to collaborate in one location at once. Based on this information, I believe that applications of virtual worlds will only increase in the future.
Source: CNN
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Blog 5
TRAINING PROJECT REFLECTION: 2
This past week has been busy and productive. I was responsible for creating training videos and assignments for iGoogle and Google Calendar. At first, the project seemed intimidating, but after completing my module, I am thankful for learning about many new topics. Before creating my videos, I was unfamiliar with Camstudio and uploading/editing media. However, after much experimentation, I am now familiar with these principles. I also learned how to use sites that allowed free web hosting for files and media. This will be very useful knowledge for the future, because most companies are always looking for cost-efficient methods. Overall, I believe that my project was a success, and I am thankful for the skills that I have learned.
This past week has been busy and productive. I was responsible for creating training videos and assignments for iGoogle and Google Calendar. At first, the project seemed intimidating, but after completing my module, I am thankful for learning about many new topics. Before creating my videos, I was unfamiliar with Camstudio and uploading/editing media. However, after much experimentation, I am now familiar with these principles. I also learned how to use sites that allowed free web hosting for files and media. This will be very useful knowledge for the future, because most companies are always looking for cost-efficient methods. Overall, I believe that my project was a success, and I am thankful for the skills that I have learned.
Monday, October 5, 2009
Blog 4
TRAINING PROJECT REFLECTION: 1
My group’s training project involves educating teachers on the benefits of using Google Apps to promote an E-Learning environment. Our team conducted a needs assessment meeting with the project coordinator, and we discussed the applications that would be used in the curriculum. The coordinator promptly notified us of the final lesson plan, and we began dividing the material into modules. I was assigned with creating and implementing module 1. The subject matter pertains to internet basics, an introduction to Google Apps, iGoogle, and Google Calendar. I then created a storyboard for my assignment. This aided in outlining the order in which I would address these topics, and it provided the team with some insight into my ideas. Currently, I have not received any negative feedback on my posting, and I am starting to create and upload my module material. I feel positive about my group’s progress and believe that our curriculum will be both enriching and beneficial for the students.
My group’s training project involves educating teachers on the benefits of using Google Apps to promote an E-Learning environment. Our team conducted a needs assessment meeting with the project coordinator, and we discussed the applications that would be used in the curriculum. The coordinator promptly notified us of the final lesson plan, and we began dividing the material into modules. I was assigned with creating and implementing module 1. The subject matter pertains to internet basics, an introduction to Google Apps, iGoogle, and Google Calendar. I then created a storyboard for my assignment. This aided in outlining the order in which I would address these topics, and it provided the team with some insight into my ideas. Currently, I have not received any negative feedback on my posting, and I am starting to create and upload my module material. I feel positive about my group’s progress and believe that our curriculum will be both enriching and beneficial for the students.
Monday, September 28, 2009
Blog 3
GOOGLE DOCS, GEARING TOWARDS STUDENTS
Interestingly enough, my group's project for TSTM 544 involves instructing teachers on how to use Google Docs. Many times, we needed to discover how using these applications would benefit them. The perfect response came in the form of an article posted by the The Web Services Report. It states, "Google Docs' summer interns this summer were tasked with working on improvements and additions to the service geared toward students. The results of their work, now available to try out, include new features such as an equation editor, superscripts and subscripts, document translation, improvements to surveys, and more outlining options." These features are aimed at assisting students with their other classes. The article concludes by stating, "Students comprise one of the core groups of users and potential users of Docs, so it makes sense to build out the feature set to support the kinds of word-processing, spreadsheet-tweaking, and presentation-building tasks that they typically need to perform." In relation to my project, it could be useful to state that one of the largest audiences that use Google Docs, are in fact, students.
Source: Cnet.com
Interestingly enough, my group's project for TSTM 544 involves instructing teachers on how to use Google Docs. Many times, we needed to discover how using these applications would benefit them. The perfect response came in the form of an article posted by the The Web Services Report. It states, "Google Docs' summer interns this summer were tasked with working on improvements and additions to the service geared toward students. The results of their work, now available to try out, include new features such as an equation editor, superscripts and subscripts, document translation, improvements to surveys, and more outlining options." These features are aimed at assisting students with their other classes. The article concludes by stating, "Students comprise one of the core groups of users and potential users of Docs, so it makes sense to build out the feature set to support the kinds of word-processing, spreadsheet-tweaking, and presentation-building tasks that they typically need to perform." In relation to my project, it could be useful to state that one of the largest audiences that use Google Docs, are in fact, students.
Source: Cnet.com
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