Glossary of Terms

Word Processing

The tutorial was about creating a flyer in a Microsoft Word document. It reviewed changing the orientation of the paper from portrait to landscape to begin. Additional skills were reviewed as well such as formatting text into two columns, creating tables, creating a bulleted list, changing text font and font color, inserting images and shapes, inserting hyperlinks and more.

Spreadsheets

This portion requires users to use Google Drive to create a spreadsheet. It identifies basic formulas included in Google Spreadsheet. It also reviews how to create advance formulas. Examples of completed formulas are shown. This page also reviews inserting tables.

Presentations

This tutorial begins with adding style to your Microsoft PowerPoint presentations by using design templates. Also covered is adding text, images, hyperlinks, and shapes to slides. Additionally, slide transition animations, sound effects, narration, and audio are covered.

Internet & Communication

This tutorial begins with showing you how to take a screen shot of your computer on both Mac and Windows. Links are provided to some common photo editing software and screen-cast websites. Additionally links refer to Google Hangouts, dropbox, and audio/video conversion software.

Maintaining Your Online Success

      To maintain online success, expectations of students should be extremely clear. Both students and teacher should be working to meet goals and master objectives. The facilitator should get to know their students and use the appropriate communication mediums to suit the needs of students. Students should also work to improve their computer skills and individual learning capabilities. The teacher should support this through explicit directions and guided research.

      A facilitator should also promote discussion between students. These discussions should be monitored and guided if necessary. For example, making sure everyone gets a chance to speak and clarify confusing concepts. Many professors make all discussions mandatory. I think a way to differentiate and gauge interests of students would be to have students pick which discussions to participate in and provide examples to support their thoughts.

http://massageonline.wordpress.com/2007/11/18/skills-required-for-maintaining-a-successful-online-learning-community/

Preparing for the First Day of Class

      Preparing for the first day of an online class is much like preparing for your first day in a traditional class. Get your required text as soon as possible. Be sure to have your email address and any needed software updated. Become familiar with the course syllabus and due dates. Also begin setting aside time to complete your classwork.

      Preparing for class means preparing to learn. Not only should you be sure you have all of the proper tools for success but a proper mindset as well. Begin you course with specific goals for learning. Set time lines to complete and keep yourself motivated.

http://www.sinclair.edu/online/start/prepare/

Creating the Ideal Personalized Study Environment

      Everyone learns differently. Likewise, everyone must study differently as well. Students should eliminate distractions. Put pets away and send kids to grandma's if you can.

      Study in a clean and organized place. It would be helpful to organize your computer files prior to studying as well. Some like to study in silence, while others enjoy music to get them going, whatever your preference. Stay away from social networks while studying unless it involves your assignment. Also, to really manage your time, schedule food breaks ahead of time with time limits.

http://studymagazine.com/2010/11/22/creating-productive-work-study-environment/

Computer Concerns

      To be successful in learning online, both students and facilitators should be computer literate. They must be able to easily navigate the internet, search engines, email, and various websites that facilitate online learning. Students should be sure that they have an adequate skill level before enrolling in online courses.

      Other computer concerns related to online learning is unreliable technologies. Sometimes online learning hosts such as Blackboard and LiveText have technical errors or go offline for updates. These instances reflect the importance of not procrastinating. Other computer problems may occur as well. A student's computer may crash or the internet connection may fail. It is important that students remain focused and dedicated even in the face of obstacles. It is also helpful for instructors to keep an open mind and work with students in reasonable circumstances.

http://www.ion.uillinois.edu/resources/tutorials/overview/weaknesses.asp

Strategies for Successful Online Learning

      Students and educators need to use strategies in order for online learning to be successful. Students should first thoroughly read their syllabus and become familiar with due dates in the course. Weekly study time should be planned. Students should commit themselves to signing in at least three times a week to check for updates. Additionally, students should ask questions and make connections with classmates.

      Educators should set clear expectations for students. Be easily accessible to students. Also, anticipate student questions and respond as quickly as possible when questions are asked. Additionally, educators should guide students to resources that would be helpful to their success as online learners.

http://onlinelearninginsights.wordpress.com/2012/09/28/five-step-strategy-for-student-success-with-online-learning/

Thinking and Researching Online

      Studies show that to be successful in an online only learning environment, students should be well-motivated, autonomous learners, who are able to self-regulate their learning experiences (Artino & Stephens, 2009). There will be different motivations for different age groups of online learners. Graduate students are more likely to think critically and less likely to procrastinate than undergraduate online learners. A key tip here is to make sure that students are able to benefit from online assignments. Online classes should be designed to make connections between what is presented with students prior knowledge, to maintain collaboration and communication between students, promote critical thinking skills and self reflection.

      Instructors should create assignments that promote self-regulation and critical thinking in their students. Providing reflective prompts are a good way to make students think about what they have learned and how they can apply their new knowledge. A strategy to use for online discussions would be to scaffold student responses. The instructor may model an appropriate response, request clarification, expound upon student ideas, and correct misunderstandings.

http://elearnmag.acm.org/featured.cfm?aid=1722023

Working in the Online Classroom

      Online educators have a choice in either meeting minimum requirements for student interaction or to exceed requirements by creating an online learning community. Most online students enroll due to time constraints created by other life situations such as careers and families. It is important to keep these students engaged. Students should have easy access to communicate with the instructor.

      A key step in getting students engaged is by requiring extensive introductions, paying attention to key words used by students that may indicate an issue. Keep an open mind and be compassionate. Make yourself approachable and easily accessible for student questions. Also, be knowledgeable to how to navigate the online course and anticipate student questions. Don't forget to provide ample feedback.

http://www.facultyfocus.com/articles/online-education/keeping-students-engaged-in-the-online-classroom/

More Power to You- Communicating Online: Who, What, When, How, and Why

      For online discussions to be effective, students must feel free to share their thoughts and feel that their opinions are respected. Clear guidelines must be established to make online discussions between students successful. This communication is important to collaborate with peers. A safe place for online discussion will enhance the sense of community within an online class. I will share a few tips with you on how to establish proper communication.

      Reading postings and comments thoroughly and carefully to avoid confusion. Compliment your peers with they contribute excellent thoughts and ideas. Ask questions if any topics need clarification. Be considerate of your tone and use direct language, avoiding using all capital letters as it may be perceived as yelling. Keep an open mind. Proofread before posting to make sure your ideas are clearly conveyed.

http://www.collaborizeclassroom.com/resources/getting-started/dos-and-donts-of-online-student-communication

More Power to You- Types of Online Classroom

      Online classrooms may be categorized by four types of distance learning: Open schedule online courses, hybrid distance learning, computer based distance learning, and fixed time online classes. Students have the most freedom in open schedule online courses. This is the most common type used by colleges in which students use textbooks, mailing lists, email, bulletin boards, and other internet sources to complete their coursework. Students are provided a set of deadlines at the beginning of classes, but work at their own pace to complete assignments by the due dates. This type of learning is good for independent students and those who do not tend to procrastinate.

      Hybrid distance learning students are also allowed to complete assignments at their own paces and submit them online; however, these students are required to meet at specific times in online classrooms and chat rooms. Computer based distance learning students are required to meet in a computer lab at a specific time each week. Fixed time online students take classes strictly online but are required to log in at specific times.

http://www.campusexplorer.com/college-advice-tips/7021E31E/Different-Types-of-Distance-Learning/

More Power to You- The Online Classroom and Community.

      Building a community within the online classroom enhances the ability of students to succeed. Students need to feel an interest in the course in order to put effort into it. Extensive introductions including occupations and career goals are helpful in setting the stage for interaction and collaboration between online students. This particular teacher, Mr. Hall, sends survey questions to students as a way to engage them in the course by getting them to think about their own learning.

      In order to build community, Hall also creates multiple opportunities for student discussion. He posts questions and monitors and gently guides discussions. This teacher also hosts online chats with predetermined topics to be discussed to enhance student comprehension of content. Additionally, Hall points to his use of videos as a way of making online students feel more connected to their instructor.

http://www.vcu.edu/cte/resources/newsletters_archive/OC0701.PDF

The Commitments of an Online Student: Managing Your Priorities.

      Online students must be able to properly manage their priorities to be successful students. They should first become familiar with time management strategies and apply those techniques to assist in

managing time effectively. Most online students have careers and families that require their time in addition to coursework. A calendar and task lists is a good way to allocate how you are going to spend

your time.

     Online students should create S.M.A.R.T. goals (specific, measurable, attainable, realistic, and timely). An example would be creating a study time frame with specified dates and times such as Tuesdays and Thursdays from 7pm to 9pm and Saturdays from 6am to 9am. Also, beware of procrastination. Do not underestimate the amount of time you have to complete assignments. Break projects into small tasks. Concentrate and avoid common distractions.

http://online.columbiasouthern.edu/csu_content/courses/general_studies/sls/11h/unit3/unitiii.pdf

Motivation and Goal Setting: Overcoming Obstacle

      Online students are required to report to class at given times. This is appealing to most students because they are mostly able to work at their own pace. They are given assignments and expected to be self-motivated to get them done by their due date. This is all expected while one is most likely simultaneously working full time and/or raising children. In order to be successful, goals must be set from the very beginning to remained focused and diligent.

      I'd like to share a few tips I found to help online students that may be struggling due to busy schedules or lack of motivation. Keep track of your progress and reward yourself after completing difficult assignments in their allotted time by taking a night off or enjoying your favorite dessert. Create a schedule for yourself and make a list of tasks arranged in order of importance. Be sure not to get “burnt-out” by making time for other things in your life. Also, share your difficulties with online learning with your family and friends, you never know who may be willing to lend a helping hand. Maybe they have had experience using certain software or maybe their just willing to babysit so you can get better focus.

http://studentblog.worldcampus.psu.edu/index.php/2013/03/overcoming-obstacles-to-online-learning-staying-motivated/

Know Thyself: Self-Discovery for the Online Learner

      As an online student, it is important that you have a clear understanding of your strengths and weaknesses to best determine how you can become successful. Self-discovery learning refers to learners who set up their own learning goals and decide their own learning paths. These students set their own schedules, follow through on their learning commitments, assess their progress, and encourage themselves even in the face of learning difficulties. Online students engage in problem-based learning by seeking out information or learning opportunities themselves.

      Online students may take online assessments to determine their learning styles to aid in their self-discovery learning. Self-discovery learning may enhance learning through deeper research. Given a certain topic an online student has a wealth of information including videos, music, and other digital media.

http://elearningfacultymodules.org/index.php/Self-Discovery_Learning

 Becoming an Online Learner

      The first step of becoming an online learner is to determine your motives and understand that online class are not easier than traditional classes, just different. You must understand the time commitment and self-motivation necessary to be a successful online student. Prepare to spend several hours each week studying. Additionally, ensure you have all of the appropriate technology you will need to become a successful online student.

      As an online student you must plan and manage your time effectively. You should schedule time dedicated to your coursework. Keep yourself motivated by setting goals for yourself and committing to improving your skills. Make sure you have access to a computer with an internet connection. Also, be sure that it is updated with the required software for your online studies.

http://www.pearsonhighered.com/assets/hip/us/hip_us_pearsonhighered/samplechapter/0132788195.pdf

Other blogs to check out with a brief description/review:

http://teaching21c.blogspot.com/: Although the original link is out of date, it was still helpful in its links to tips on teaching with media. It directs you to Edutopia, VoiceThread, iGoogle, and Wordle. The updated blog is brilliant in its example on using twitter as a teacher and its helpful suggestions for students.

http://www.edutopia.org/reinvent-assessment-21st-century: This site has an article entitled “Guest Blog: Reinventing Assessment for the 21st-Century.” It is an insightful article that triggers much thought about how to balance fundamental skills with technology. Both are much need and in my opinion should be taught simultaneously whenever possible.

http://teacherofthe21stcentury.blogspot.com/ : This blog is about a teacher's experiences using technology and doing different presentations. Her ambitions about future business opportunities in education is inspiring. I also enjoyed how she called out teachers who are afraid of the technology because they may not be needed. However, that's my goal. To be a facilitator of learning, not to spoon feed knowledge to my students. This blog makes me want to begin to document my experiences as well.

http://passionforlearningandteaching.blogspot.ca/: This blog is awesome and full of ideas! Not only is this teacher incorporating technology, but the entire school is supporting the 21^st classroom model environment. Adding parental involvement related to technology during the elementary years is genius! I am going to continue to follow this blog.

There are many positive aspects (pros) of Using technology for teaching and learning in the 21^st century classroom. These pros include bold new ways to address challenges in the classroom. It promotes active versus passive learning, critical thinking, problem solving, initiative, effective oral and written communication, accessing information, analyzing information, and imagination. The 21^st century classroom is engaging and caters to globalization, providing unlimited possibilities for new discoveries and developments.

In contrast, there are also negative aspects (cons) to the 21st-century-classroom. Some veteran educators may be apprehensive of the changes in teaching and learning. They may even view it as a threat and reject the change. Also, being that the 21st-century-classroom allows more student freedom and movement, classroom management will play a factor. This is important to note that students must exhibit their best behavior and refrain from horseplay while using expensive technology tools. Additionally, for many teachers and students availability of resources may be dismaying. Many impoverished students do not have access to computers, tablets, etc at home. If their school district cannot afford to provide the necessary tools to expose these students to technological tools and resources, they will be at a severe disadvantage.

Resources:

http://blog.simplek12.com/education/technology-21st-century-classroom/

http://www.21stcenturyschools.com/What_is_21st_Century_Education.htm

http://thephoenixfalls.wordpress.com/2009/08/14/technology-the-21st-century-classroom-2/

http://www.centerdigitaled.com/workforce/Teaching-for-the-21st-Century.html