The evolution of the tools and the mediums we use to connect with has promoted the communication we have with others. The ability to communicate anywhere, anytime, to almost anyone has increased global participation and awareness. To interact with people globally there needs to be access to the infrastructure and tools that provide connections.
Based on the video there still seems to be some struggle with collaboration, meaningful collaboration, among members of organizations. Communication seems to be the key element to continue positive interactions that impact global diversity, and collaborative interaction.
Laureate Education, Inc. (2008). Principles of Distance Education. Baltimore: Siemens.
There is a growing number of resources available to online learners. Although, I think, one of the videos stated that online libraries are not as inclusive as one might assume. (No reference I heard this in a passing moment. I will look for it.) In addition, some library sites require membership of some form. It is also difficult to know the credibility of some of the information that is found strictly from a search engine search.
The social networks are useful as simply a one stop resource to locate and communicate quickly with a current, and expanding, set of friends or professionals. Not to mention the links that are part of the network. (Facebook, Linkedin) Since returning to classes, I have learned more about YouTube, SlideShare, Blogging, Bookmarking and Cloud Computing.) The change from computer space to cloud saving is amazing and scarey to the tweener generations, such as myself.
How do you feel about credibility of the online libraries? What do you think about Wikis? I have just comnpleted my third residency and it was empowering to really focus on my reading of academic journals which I can only access online unless I join the professional organization. How difficult do you find the process of collaborating online?
ReplyDelete1. Online libraries, I have only used access via Walden. It might depend on which library one uses. 2. I, personally, like wikis. They are a good starting point. It is important to check facts with other resources. 3. Collaborating online seems to have promise. A hurdle for some may be the lack of visual contact with another humans. I find it odd at times; however, it is convenient. Again, depending on the situation it might need to be monitored and guided.
ReplyDelete4. Which professional journals can you only access on line? Which ones do you prefer in you field?
It is amazing the potential for collaborating online with just about anyone in the world. Recently, I had the opportunity to meet and work with a woman in England to develop a CSS design for a Moodle theme. We never met, but we were able to work together and complete our task.
ReplyDeleteI think the challenge for educators in creating effective and successful collaborative activities is designing authentic tasks. Much of the work I do as an English teacher in a high school setting is somewhat artificial.
While the benefits of social learning and collaboration in schools has been studied and recognized for quite a few decades in face-to-face settings, I have to wonder if students need to develop new skill sets to learn how to create their own sense of presence, belonging, and commitment to an online collaborative group.
Siemens noted that people are becoming more comfortable creating meaningful relationships in online communications, but what exactly does meaningful mean in this context?
Cheers