Example 3: Asynchronous Training
In an effort to improve its poor safety record, a biodiesel manufacturing plant needs a series of safety training modules. These stand-alone modules must illustrate best practices on how to safely operate the many pieces of heavy machinery on the plant floor. The modules should involve step-by-step processes and the method of delivery needs to be available to all shifts at the plant. As well, the shift supervisors want to be sure the employees are engaged and can demonstrate their learning from the modules.
“Today’s workplace requires that individuals create and collaborate within the constraints of time and place. These needs have given way to technological advancements that allow for real-time communication among peers and co-workers who stay connected over the Internet. It is no coincidence that these same advancements bring a fresh promise to distance education. New tools promise to create a stronger learning community where members can build expertise and develop problem-solving skills”. (Beldarrain, 2006) With that being said in this asynchronous training scenario, I would have to use a multimedia format, such as streaming media training videos and materials on the Web, in order to implement the elements needed for employees to be trained on safety in the plant. This option provides a reliable video source, one which can be accessed through Internet connectivity. Simply put, placing the course training module on the Web affords employees 24-hour access and at their own convenience to training materials from any location with an Internet connection.
The online videos will provide an in-depth look at training modules and include exercises to assist employees with learning the course materials. It will be arranged by several modules or sections that will help the plant improve its poor safety record, and to comply with more stringent regulations that are aimed to protect people and the environment. Upon completion of each module the employees will be evaluated with an online assessment. After completion of the online training module and assessment, the shift supervisors will then evaluate each employee on safety as they work in the plant. This will help ensure that the employees were engaged and were able demonstrate that they have learned from the safety training module.
I found two external resources that is very similar to the solution in which I’ve just described. They showcase how these technologies have been successfully used in distance learning.
http://www.trainosha.com/
http://wisha-training.lni.wa.gov/Training/articulate/HazcomOnlineMod1/default.htm
References:
Beldarrain, Y. (2006). Distance education trends: Integrating new technologies to foster student interaction and collaboration. Distance Education, 27(2),139–153.
Safety Training, OSHA Training & Compliance Courses. Retrieved November 19, 2010 from Web site:
http://www.trainosha.com/
Simonson, M., Smaldino, S., Albright, M., & Zvacek, S. (2009). Teaching and learning at a distance: Foundations of distance education (4th ed.) Boston, MA: Pearson
Washington State Department of Labor and Industries (2009). Hazard Communication. Retrieved November 19, 2010 from Web site:
http://wisha-training.lni.wa.gov/Training/articulate/HazcomOnlineMod1/default.htm
Saturday, November 20, 2010
Saturday, November 6, 2010
Distance Learning Mind Map
Please click on the link below to view my Mind Map:
http://www.mywebspiration.com/publish.php?i=631141a841a
http://www.mywebspiration.com/publish.php?i=631141a841a
Defining Distance Learning
My personal definition of distance learning was simply learning online from a distance. Now after the first week of class, I’ve discovered that distance learning is a formal education in which the learning group of teachers, students and resources are separated by geography and/ or by time. Today distance education is widely adopted and is approaching a critical mass in our society by using technology based instruction. My definition falls closely to what is believed from this week resources, and that is it is self study at a distance using technology as a tool for instruction, collaboration, and communication.
My thoughts on distance learning have changed from the time I took my first BlackBoard online course in 1999 to the present online experience at Walden University. My experience was not positive, mainly because I didn’t succeed back then. I believe when I took my first online course I didn’t set my own pace and schedule for the course, I was not focused, I didn’t spend enough time in my class, I did not have as much accessibility as I have now with internet and computer access, and I was not as tech savvy as I am today. My experience at Walden University has been more positive because the instructors and courses are personable and inviting, there is more social interaction, I’m and adult learner and more focused, I have acquired more technical skills, and I can manage my time better.
Before I began this course, I didn’t realize that distance learning was around for a long time. I’ve learned from Dr. Simonson’s video resource and the interactive timeline, that the history of distance education could be tracked back to the early 1700’s and 1800’s in the form of correspondence education.
Dr. Simonson mentioned the Chautauqua movement, which sparked my curiosity. Through further research I found that during the 1870's, the Methodist Episcopal Church held summer training sessions for its Sunday school teachers and other church workers. At the annual assembly of 1874, held at Lake Chautauqua in western New York State, it was decided to broaden the curriculum's frankly religious nature to include the arts, humanities and sciences. Eight-week sessions were staged each summer and were later opened to the general public. In 1878, William Rainey Harper, a prominent educator of the day, developed a home study program for those who could not attend the summer sessions. Local reading groups formed in communities throughout the nation to discuss the leading issues of the day. Later, a formal correspondence school was established, which provided certification for those who completed the rigorous studies and passed examinations (Foster, 2004).
Distance learning will definitely continue to grow in terms of introducing new forms of technology into the online environment. I don’t see it every replacing the traditional classroom setting, but I believe that it will be incorporated into more educational settings in the near future. A prime example is how Historically Black Universities are now beginning to make that transition to online learning. An online education service has been created in conjunction with their distance learning program, which was also inspired and founded by radio personality, Tom Joyner. The program, HBCU’s Online, partners with select Historically Black Colleges and Universities to provide access to accredited online degree programs, educational resources, student support and empowerment tools to help student succeed. This scenario definitely shows us how institutions of higher education have increasingly embraced online education, and the number of students enrolled in distance programs is rapidly rising in colleges and universities throughout the United States.
References:
Chautauqua Movement. Retrieved November 5, 2010 from Web
site: http://www.u-s-history.com/pages/h1202.html
Foster, A. (July 18, 2004). The Prescott Chautauqua Reading Circle:
Days Past. Retrieved November 5, 2010 from, Sharlot Hall Museum
Web site:
http://sharlot.org/archives/history/dayspast/text/2004_07_18.shtml
Simonson, M., Smaldino, S., Albright, M., & Zvacek, S. (2009). Teaching and learning at a distance: Foundations of distance education (4th ed.). Boston, MA: Pearson.
Simonson, M. Video Program: “Distance Education: The Next Generation". Retrieved from Walden University.
My thoughts on distance learning have changed from the time I took my first BlackBoard online course in 1999 to the present online experience at Walden University. My experience was not positive, mainly because I didn’t succeed back then. I believe when I took my first online course I didn’t set my own pace and schedule for the course, I was not focused, I didn’t spend enough time in my class, I did not have as much accessibility as I have now with internet and computer access, and I was not as tech savvy as I am today. My experience at Walden University has been more positive because the instructors and courses are personable and inviting, there is more social interaction, I’m and adult learner and more focused, I have acquired more technical skills, and I can manage my time better.
Before I began this course, I didn’t realize that distance learning was around for a long time. I’ve learned from Dr. Simonson’s video resource and the interactive timeline, that the history of distance education could be tracked back to the early 1700’s and 1800’s in the form of correspondence education.
Dr. Simonson mentioned the Chautauqua movement, which sparked my curiosity. Through further research I found that during the 1870's, the Methodist Episcopal Church held summer training sessions for its Sunday school teachers and other church workers. At the annual assembly of 1874, held at Lake Chautauqua in western New York State, it was decided to broaden the curriculum's frankly religious nature to include the arts, humanities and sciences. Eight-week sessions were staged each summer and were later opened to the general public. In 1878, William Rainey Harper, a prominent educator of the day, developed a home study program for those who could not attend the summer sessions. Local reading groups formed in communities throughout the nation to discuss the leading issues of the day. Later, a formal correspondence school was established, which provided certification for those who completed the rigorous studies and passed examinations (Foster, 2004).
Distance learning will definitely continue to grow in terms of introducing new forms of technology into the online environment. I don’t see it every replacing the traditional classroom setting, but I believe that it will be incorporated into more educational settings in the near future. A prime example is how Historically Black Universities are now beginning to make that transition to online learning. An online education service has been created in conjunction with their distance learning program, which was also inspired and founded by radio personality, Tom Joyner. The program, HBCU’s Online, partners with select Historically Black Colleges and Universities to provide access to accredited online degree programs, educational resources, student support and empowerment tools to help student succeed. This scenario definitely shows us how institutions of higher education have increasingly embraced online education, and the number of students enrolled in distance programs is rapidly rising in colleges and universities throughout the United States.
References:
Chautauqua Movement. Retrieved November 5, 2010 from Web
site: http://www.u-s-history.com/pages/h1202.html
Foster, A. (July 18, 2004). The Prescott Chautauqua Reading Circle:
Days Past. Retrieved November 5, 2010 from, Sharlot Hall Museum
Web site:
http://sharlot.org/archives/history/dayspast/text/2004_07_18.shtml
Simonson, M., Smaldino, S., Albright, M., & Zvacek, S. (2009). Teaching and learning at a distance: Foundations of distance education (4th ed.). Boston, MA: Pearson.
Simonson, M. Video Program: “Distance Education: The Next Generation". Retrieved from Walden University.
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
Learning Network Reflection
How has your network changed the way you learn? My network has made me change the way I learn because of my ever evolving experiences from childhood to adulthood. I learn more by doing and exploring the things that I want to expand on and want to know more about for instantaneous use. I can access much more information by utilizing current technology, educational resources and personal references. Through my current learning network, I use internet and digital tools such as Blogs, computer programs and learning software. As a student I utilize digital libraries, text books and other helpful resources. I also utilize my occupational resources such as training on the job and using knowledge and information from past and present jobs.
Which digital tools best facilitate learning for you? Recently, I have been using a lot of digital tools offered through Walden University, such as their digital library. I’ve also been introduced to technology resources, such as Mind Mapping Resources, (webspiration), Blog Sites (wordpress.com) and RSS Aggregators (reader.google.com). At my job we use Google docs. and smartboards to help facilitate student and teacher learning.
How do you gain new knowledge when you have questions? I gain new knowledge through others, experience, books, internet and television when have a question. When you think about it, as children we learn from adults, such as or parents and teachers. We learn by experiencing new things through out our lives. We read to further or thought process. We utilize the internet to get find the information we need at the time. We definitely watch television to find out what’s going on in the world. That is what I am surrounded by on a daily basis and that is what I use to gain additional knowledge.
In what ways does your personal learning network support or refute the central tenets of connectivism? My learning network definitely supports the central tenets of connectivism, because it directly correlates with the idea of learning that takes place through the technology and the digital age. My learning is geared by using existing knowledge, thinking, doing, working in a social network, seeking more information, and being open to the fact that learning happens in many different ways. The concept of connectivism closely relates to how I learn, because I am evolving, adjusting and changing everyday to keep up with the information that is given me on a daily basis.
Which digital tools best facilitate learning for you? Recently, I have been using a lot of digital tools offered through Walden University, such as their digital library. I’ve also been introduced to technology resources, such as Mind Mapping Resources, (webspiration), Blog Sites (wordpress.com) and RSS Aggregators (reader.google.com). At my job we use Google docs. and smartboards to help facilitate student and teacher learning.
How do you gain new knowledge when you have questions? I gain new knowledge through others, experience, books, internet and television when have a question. When you think about it, as children we learn from adults, such as or parents and teachers. We learn by experiencing new things through out our lives. We read to further or thought process. We utilize the internet to get find the information we need at the time. We definitely watch television to find out what’s going on in the world. That is what I am surrounded by on a daily basis and that is what I use to gain additional knowledge.
In what ways does your personal learning network support or refute the central tenets of connectivism? My learning network definitely supports the central tenets of connectivism, because it directly correlates with the idea of learning that takes place through the technology and the digital age. My learning is geared by using existing knowledge, thinking, doing, working in a social network, seeking more information, and being open to the fact that learning happens in many different ways. The concept of connectivism closely relates to how I learn, because I am evolving, adjusting and changing everyday to keep up with the information that is given me on a daily basis.
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