The above video is a guide on how to manage an e-learning project internally. Dornbush speakes about the different stages in project management such as Planning, Content Gathering, Instructional Design, Storyboarding, Development and Production, Quality assurnace and Intergration and Delivery. This video tutorial should get you started in an e-learning environment. Most of all this tutorial is an e-learning Development Project Management outline.
Although these kind of courses require alot of work, and at Mcast time is very much restricted due the amont of workloads we have, I think e-learning based programs are very interesting. Most teachers fear that e-learning means that we will loose our jobs. I think these programs can be used in conjuction to the traditional learning methods ultimately helping students reaching the required goals in less time.
Various teachers are of the notion that e-learning is compromising our teaching jobs. I must claim to differ, as I am of the opinion that e-learning will open new opportunities. I must admit that it is also a great challenge but very interesting. It will give us better tools to convey our message or lectures to students. If the program is well designed and well managed, it may enhance motivation amongst students. I see this opportunity as a very interesting and challenging venture. Who knows it might even create motivation amongst us teachers as well.
I agree with the comments above. It does make the whole affair difficult to implement quickly. People are very resistant to change, especially when they see it as a threat or when they are unfamiliar with it. One of the best ways to overcome this is to allow people to become gradually familiar with these new technologies and given them time to adapt. As teachers we can start with simple things such as for example, setting up our own blog for students. I am for one looking forward to use the new smart board which is being set up at out institute (ICS).
I cannot see what is the problem of having the Moodle accessible in every MCAST Institute with immediate effect. Can anyone please explain?
At IBAC we are desperately in need of such software as this will facilitate immensely the e-learning process. We have our own computer labs and a lecturer in charge, so what`s the problem?
I cannot understand why we need to re-invent the wheel when we can start with such software as a pilot project and then move on to whatever will be developed across MCAST. The resistance to change will thus be less, if at all and the e-learning process greatly facilitated.
No amount of inaction has ever produced anything in life and consequently I must criticise MCAST`s present attitude on this topic. Or was it because Moodle was not a success as expected? Can anyone illuminate me?
Very interesting video. Actually the process of needs assessment of designing the syllabus is quite similar to traditional face to face instruction. I agree that shifting to such method of instruction could not be an easy task as such change is bound to bring resistance. However, I feel that we have to be sensitive and not get overwhelmed with the idea of shifting to this method prematurely. The educational system has to ensure that it is giving its' students the neccessary tools to be able to feel confident in engaging in elearning courses and ensure a shift smooth to such method.
I enjoyed watching this video. Ms Dornbush stresses on the professionalism for successful e-Learning project. The stakeholders – are the educators. Mastered implementation requires gathering of learning material and course content. This presentation promotes the vision that the job of the teacher is not at risk, but essential for the conception of an e-learning based course. The teacher has a key role in these projects, he has to weigh, assess and guide in the development of the course content. As expressed in this video an experienced educator, with fruitful background on a subject, irrelevant of his level of knowledge in the new technologies, is an asset and a stakeholder in the development of an e-learning set-up course. The data acquisition, information and knowledge are the mastery of the educator experienced in the subject. The situation in MCAST; the educator is bound to be the one to integrate e-learning in a course and be the developer of such material. The individual energy utilised in this struggle to develop e-learning material, would be easier implemented corporately, through professional project management implementers. For professional E-learning implementation, execution requires the well trained developers in the sector. The teacher’s role is the precious source contributor in these programs, rather than the jack of all trades. Although a lecturer may have poor competence in computing skills, he is the competent professional in learning and education. The educator’s contributions are the background, the knowledge in the subject, the strategies to reach the learning objectives, the modelling of the course structure. E-Learning based or integrated courses should be developed in harmony with the educational setup. The acquisition of knowledge and skill of handling new technologies is a necessity now days. The limited skill is no barriers for e-learning implementation. Successful implementation results with proper management and implementation, especially using a common e-learning platform and most of all adequate training of staff.
I would like to refer to Jason Aquilina’ s comments about the introduction of the Smart boards or Interactive White boards (IWB) at ICS. Needless to say, I am sure that all of us are looking forward to using this latest tool in order to enhance learning, and promote more interactivity and motivation among our students. According to THE ICT IMPACT REPORT which reviews European schools:
• 24% of teachers claim their subject is not suited for the use of ICT (Empirica, 2006).
• 81% of teachers taking part in the interactive whiteboard project believe that their workload has increased, but 35% of these consider the increase only temporary.
This statistical information emphasizes:
• the need for communication between all stakeholders (administration, teachers, students and parents wherever applicable) in order to iron out initial resistance to change; and • the necessity of CPD or continuous professional development for teachers
I think teachers need to be convinced that, if nothing else, there are considerable time savings when technology is incorporated into the lesson plans. Jason and I spend hours drawing organ systems on conventional white boards using coloured markers. Sometimes we end up begging each other not to rub off the precious drawings so that we utilise them with other classes later on during the day. Alas, this is not always possible given the acute shortage of space within our block!
According to Underwood (2006), "changes that take full advantage of ICT will only happen slowly over time, and only if teachers continue to experiment with new approaches."
Bibliography http://insight.eun.org/shared/data/pdf/impact_study.pdf Empirica (2006) ‘Benchmarking Access and Use of ICT in European Schools’, Empirica, 2006. http://ec.europa.eu/information_society/eeurope/i2010/docs/studies/final_report_3.pdf Higgins, C. et al. (2005) ‘Embedding ICT in the Literacy and Numeracy Strategies: Final Report’, UK: University of Newcastle, Becta, April 2005. Accessed at: http://www.becta.org.uk/page_documents/research/univ_newcastle_evaluation_whiteboards .pdf Underwood, J. et al. (2006) ‘ICT Test Bed Evaluation-Evaluation of the ICT Test Bed Project’, UK: Nottingham Trent University, March 2006. Accessed at: http://www.evaluation.icttestbed.org.uk/
I totally agree with KD, I do not think that e-learning means we will loose our jobs. We can utilise technology to enhance our teaching methods. One can create a Blog which will be used to complement the lesson. Students will be asked to post feedbacks and discuss the topic that was tackled in class. Their feedback may be used as a type of formative assessment where the lecturer can go through these threads and analyse the quality of the comments that the students have posted. In this way the lecturer will understand if his/her students are familiar with the topic. Now after looking at the bright side let take a look at the problems that we will encounter if we start this new project. There are three problems with this concept. One the lecturers need to be trained properly. The second problem is that every lecturer needs to be provided with a laptop like all other State teachers. The last problem is that the administration needs to understand this concept and hence allocate proper time to the lecturer. The lecturer in turn have to utilise this dedicated time to assess and if need be improve this concept of e-learning.
These tools do indeed increase interactivity within class. I think we should plunge into this technological change and move forward for the benefit of all. It makes everything simply more interesting. I don’t believe e-learning will one day replace the lecturer in class, but it is crystal clear that we are heading into an era of highly interactive teaching fashions.
Technology should not be a barrier to anyone. Until producing such material is made easy for us to use, we should be provided expert assistance to be able to leap into this new style of teaching. Like many said above, we lecturers are the competent professionals in our subjects and therefore we can only produce the content. If the college offered technical assistance for us to produce such e-learning resources, there would be no barriers to change as the actual change becomes easier. As regards to the use of smart boards, I find that these could be very useful especially when one needs to show the students the actual thing and write notes on the same object. The smart board makes teaching faster as both the real and the virtual can be done at one time, making teaching much more interesting and also efficient.
On an ICT level, there is much more for us to explore. On the other hand it does not mean that we should throw traditional teaching methods out of the window and replace them with modern ones. Technology should be used where it will make things easier, more interesting and more interactive for the student and the lecturer.
The fact that moodle wasn’t successful does not mean that this type of technology can’t be successful at the college. Such platforms can only give us the opportunity to be much more organised and reachable. It may be the case that there needs to be something more user friendly and interesting to use. I’m sure it will be easier for students to download there notes or readings from such software, rather than retrieving the information from us or their colleagues. It will also help us to share information and disseminate work between each other and also students. We should not allow resources to hinder us from advancing forward.
The above video is a guide on how to manage an e-learning project internally.
ReplyDeleteDornbush speakes about the different stages in project management such as Planning, Content Gathering, Instructional Design, Storyboarding, Development and Production, Quality assurnace and Intergration and Delivery.
This video tutorial should get you started in an e-learning environment. Most of all this tutorial is an e-learning Development Project Management outline.
Although these kind of courses require alot of work, and at Mcast time is very much restricted due the amont of workloads we have, I think e-learning based programs are very interesting.
ReplyDeleteMost teachers fear that e-learning means that we will loose our jobs. I think these programs can be used in conjuction to the traditional learning methods ultimately helping students reaching the required goals in less time.
Various teachers are of the notion that e-learning is compromising our teaching jobs. I must claim to differ, as I am of the opinion that e-learning will open new opportunities. I must admit that it is also a great challenge but very interesting. It will give us better tools to convey our message or lectures to students. If the program is well designed and well managed, it may enhance motivation amongst students. I see this opportunity as a very interesting and challenging venture. Who knows it might even create motivation amongst us teachers as well.
ReplyDeleteI agree with the comments above. It does make the whole affair difficult to implement quickly. People are very resistant to change, especially when they see it as a threat or when they are unfamiliar with it. One of the best ways to overcome this is to allow people to become gradually familiar with these new technologies and given them time to adapt. As teachers we can start with simple things such as for example, setting up our own blog for students. I am for one looking forward to use the new smart board which is being set up at out institute (ICS).
ReplyDeleteI cannot see what is the problem of having the Moodle accessible in every MCAST Institute with immediate effect. Can anyone please explain?
ReplyDeleteAt IBAC we are desperately in need of such software as this will facilitate immensely the e-learning process. We have our own computer labs and a lecturer in charge, so what`s the problem?
I cannot understand why we need to re-invent the wheel when we can start with such software as a pilot project and then move on to whatever will be developed across MCAST. The resistance to change will thus be less, if at all and the e-learning process greatly facilitated.
No amount of inaction has ever produced anything in life and consequently I must criticise MCAST`s present attitude on this topic. Or was it because Moodle was not a success as expected? Can anyone illuminate me?
Very interesting video. Actually the process of needs assessment of designing the syllabus is quite similar to traditional face to face instruction. I agree that shifting to such method of instruction could not be an easy task as such change is bound to bring resistance. However, I feel that we have to be sensitive and not get overwhelmed with the idea of shifting to this method prematurely. The educational system has to ensure that it is giving its' students the neccessary tools to be able to feel confident in engaging in elearning courses and ensure a shift smooth to such method.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed watching this video. Ms Dornbush stresses on the professionalism for successful e-Learning project. The stakeholders – are the educators.
ReplyDeleteMastered implementation requires gathering of learning material and course content. This presentation promotes the vision that the job of the teacher is not at risk, but essential for the conception of an e-learning based course. The teacher has a key role in these projects, he has to weigh, assess and guide in the development of the course content. As expressed in this video an experienced educator, with fruitful background on a subject, irrelevant of his level of knowledge in the new technologies, is an asset and a stakeholder in the development of an e-learning set-up course. The data acquisition, information and knowledge are the mastery of the educator experienced in the subject.
The situation in MCAST; the educator is bound to be the one to integrate e-learning in a course and be the developer of such material. The individual energy utilised in this struggle to develop e-learning material, would be easier implemented corporately, through professional project management implementers. For professional E-learning implementation, execution requires the well trained developers in the sector. The teacher’s role is the precious source contributor in these programs, rather than the jack of all trades.
Although a lecturer may have poor competence in computing skills, he is the competent professional in learning and education. The educator’s contributions are the background, the knowledge in the subject, the strategies to reach the learning objectives, the modelling of the course structure. E-Learning based or integrated courses should be developed in harmony with the educational setup.
The acquisition of knowledge and skill of handling new technologies is a necessity now days. The limited skill is no barriers for e-learning implementation. Successful implementation results with proper management and implementation, especially using a common e-learning platform and most of all adequate training of staff.
I would like to refer to Jason Aquilina’ s comments about the introduction of the Smart boards or Interactive White boards (IWB) at ICS. Needless to say, I am sure that all of us are looking forward to using this latest tool in order to enhance learning, and promote more interactivity and motivation among our students. According to THE ICT IMPACT REPORT which reviews European schools:
ReplyDelete• 24% of teachers claim their subject is not suited for the use of ICT (Empirica, 2006).
• 81% of teachers taking part in the interactive whiteboard project believe that their workload has increased, but 35% of these consider the increase only temporary.
This statistical information emphasizes:
• the need for communication between all stakeholders (administration, teachers, students and parents wherever applicable) in order to iron out initial resistance to change; and
• the necessity of CPD or continuous professional development for teachers
I think teachers need to be convinced that, if nothing else, there are considerable time savings when technology is incorporated into the lesson plans. Jason and I spend hours drawing organ systems on conventional white boards using coloured markers. Sometimes we end up begging each other not to rub off the precious drawings so that we utilise them with other classes later on during the day. Alas, this is not always possible given the acute shortage of space within our block!
According to Underwood (2006), "changes that take full advantage of ICT will only happen slowly over time, and only if teachers continue to experiment with new approaches."
Bibliography
http://insight.eun.org/shared/data/pdf/impact_study.pdf
Empirica (2006) ‘Benchmarking Access and Use of ICT in European Schools’, Empirica,
2006.
http://ec.europa.eu/information_society/eeurope/i2010/docs/studies/final_report_3.pdf
Higgins, C. et al. (2005) ‘Embedding ICT in the Literacy and Numeracy Strategies: Final
Report’, UK: University of Newcastle, Becta, April 2005. Accessed at:
http://www.becta.org.uk/page_documents/research/univ_newcastle_evaluation_whiteboards
.pdf
Underwood, J. et al. (2006) ‘ICT Test Bed Evaluation-Evaluation of the ICT Test Bed
Project’, UK: Nottingham Trent University, March 2006. Accessed at:
http://www.evaluation.icttestbed.org.uk/
I totally agree with KD, I do not think that e-learning means we will loose our jobs. We can utilise technology to enhance our teaching methods. One can create a Blog which will be used to complement the lesson. Students will be asked to post feedbacks and discuss the topic that was tackled in class. Their feedback may be used as a type of formative assessment where the lecturer can go through these threads and analyse the quality of the comments that the students have posted. In this way the lecturer will understand if his/her students are familiar with the topic. Now after looking at the bright side let take a look at the problems that we will encounter if we start this new project.
ReplyDeleteThere are three problems with this concept. One the lecturers need to be trained properly. The second problem is that every lecturer needs to be provided with a laptop like all other State teachers. The last problem is that the administration needs to understand this concept and hence allocate proper time to the lecturer. The lecturer in turn have to utilise this dedicated time to assess and if need be improve this concept of e-learning.
These tools do indeed increase interactivity within class. I think we should plunge into this technological change and move forward for the benefit of all. It makes everything simply more interesting. I don’t believe e-learning will one day replace the lecturer in class, but it is crystal clear that we are heading into an era of highly interactive teaching fashions.
ReplyDeleteTechnology should not be a barrier to anyone. Until producing such material is made easy for us to use, we should be provided expert assistance to be able to leap into this new style of teaching. Like many said above, we lecturers are the competent professionals in our subjects and therefore we can only produce the content. If the college offered technical assistance for us to produce such e-learning resources, there would be no barriers to change as the actual change becomes easier.
As regards to the use of smart boards, I find that these could be very useful especially when one needs to show the students the actual thing and write notes on the same object. The smart board makes teaching faster as both the real and the virtual can be done at one time, making teaching much more interesting and also efficient.
On an ICT level, there is much more for us to explore. On the other hand it does not mean that we should throw traditional teaching methods out of the window and replace them with modern ones. Technology should be used where it will make things easier, more interesting and more interactive for the student and the lecturer.
The fact that moodle wasn’t successful does not mean that this type of technology can’t be successful at the college. Such platforms can only give us the opportunity to be much more organised and reachable. It may be the case that there needs to be something more user friendly and interesting to use. I’m sure it will be easier for students to download there notes or readings from such software, rather than retrieving the information from us or their colleagues. It will also help us to share information and disseminate work between each other and also students. We should not allow resources to hinder us from advancing forward.
Mariella