New+arrivals+of+technology+into+the+DE+world

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**//New Arrivals of Technology Into The DE World //** =====

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At current status there are various technologies that assist a facilitator in teaching a course online as well as in a synchronous learning environment. [|Scholar360], Blackboard and Moodle, are some examples of course management software. New technologies such as [|Twitter], blogs, [|Kindle] and many more offer even more choices than ever when distributing material to the learner. A description of each technology will be given and then compared to each other. Lastly support will be given to which technology, some to new, provide the best environment for a distance education course. Support will be given that various forms of technology improve the learners’ academic performance. One study has found that there was no statistical difference between those who studied in an online course and those whose were in a face 2 face class (Martyn, 2009). There are many variables to determine what type of technologies will work best in teaching an online course. The goal is to find that will spur good collaboration among the class. The best technology in the world cannot induce this but instead has to be done through the facilitator. It is my judgment that technology is on the forefront of education and a search will produce many universities that use online learning.

The importance of technology is that is up to date and instantaneous (“Technology in”, 2006). Students have access to information at the click of a button and can readily learn about new topics (“Technology in”, 2006. In order for technology to improve student performance, the facilitator must determine the type and level of technology used (Rosenfeld & Martinez-Pons, 2005). Online discussion boards is one resource that can be to improve overall academic performance (Krentler & Willis-Flury, 2005). First before proceeding let me define my version of technology. As stated in the Webster’s dictionary (Morse, 2004); “technology is the practical application of one that learns (Morse,2004).” The definition of learning is “the act or experience of on that learns (Morse, 2004). Putting these two definitions together gives an operational definition. Applying technology in the classroom can improve the environment in which we learn (Morse, 2004).  

BlackBoard
[|Blackboard] is another application that can be used to extend the learning outside the classroom (Dartmouth, 2004). Dartmouth College has been very successful using Blackboard from the beginning. It’s popularity has grown substantially over just a couple of years. Witters states that back in 2002 Dartmouth College was offering approximately 75 courses. As of 2004, they offer over 160 courses online which represents half of the curriculum at Dartmouth College (Witters 2004).

The advantage of using Blackboard at Darmouth College is they have the full support of their Computer Services department. The department will work with professors and act as intstructional designers to construct a course to fit their needs (Witters 2004). Witters (2004), uses Blackboard like many professors to assess students. Not only do students grade each other and offer feedback, students can also go at their own pace to learn the material (Witters, 2004). Suler, 2004, commented on students use the web to further their learning. The internet offers a wide range of resources available to the student (2004).

Suler (2004) that the key to building a successful online course is to build motivation. Using a participation grade or even offering extra credit can be an incentive (Suler, 2004). Setting up rules to posts and basic guidelines is also important (Suler, 2004). Yet another key importance to the success of Blackboard discussion is to monitor the frequency of posts (Suler, 2004). If posts start to drift then is ideal for the facilitator to step in and get the conversation moving again (Suler, 2004). Suler (2004), believes that Blackboard compliments the learning environment. This maximized the learning potential in that course (Suler, 2004).

There are many advantages to using Blackboard in and outside the classroom. Again there is a greater range of materials available to the learner, i.e. the internet/Blackboard (Gilmore & Halcomb, 2004). It is only natural now that such technologies are used in the classroom environment as it is an ever growing part in our lives (Gilmore & Halcomb, 2004). Gilmore & Halcomb, 2004, studied how hybrid classes varied differently to student centered courses. Performance measure by GPA(grade point average), was found to be significantly higher in a hybrid class. The margin of difference in GPA with that of a student centered course was almost a full letter grade higher (Gilmore & Halcomb, 2004). Gilmore & Halcomb (2004) state that one of many keys is to guide throughout the course.

Blogging

 Blogging is a shared online journal which in can be used in a classroom to discuss topics of the day (Wu & Ellison, 2006). Blogging is a way to discuss new ideas. Wu & Ellison (2006) also state that it is a great idea for students to critique each other’s blogs. This can lead to idea sharing and a more meaningful learning experience (Wu & Ellison, 2006). Added to that is that blogging can create a collaborative workspace for students learn from (Wu & Ellison, 2006). Wu & Ellison (2006) suggested that term papers can be posted on the students’ blogs to be reviewed by everyone.

Blogs offer a new and creative way to teach students as it is simple for new ideas to be shared (Trimarco, 2004). Trimarco (2004) says the trick is to fine an appropriate use, whether it is an online class or a traditional classroom. Blogs can also be a source to get to other students which can be lost when going to an online course (Trimarco, 2004). While blogs can be quick and easy to update they are a challenge to maintain (Trimarco, 2004). Trimarco (2004) suggests the instructor play an important role in the aspect of maintaining the blog. As with previous authors, guidelines should be set to allow for quality conversation to occur (Trimarco, 2004).  Moodle 

 [|Moodle] is course management tool used in hybrid and distance education courses. Its vast tools allow facilitators many options when designing a course (Hargadon,2008). Moodle has many users across the globe all of which strive to build communities to teach from. One school system uses Moodle to integrate in the classroom and has found it to be successful (Hargadon, 2008). Moodle has great modules that an integrate lessons along with resources for more self learning (Hargadon, 2008). Moodle is a free open source tool meaning that it is free but a license is still required. Many schools use Moodle from such subjects as language to science. Even once school used Moodle to post yearbook pictures for students to select.

Moodle is yet another tool that can help build collaboration in a distance learning classroom. The modules are interchangeable and most agree the program is easy to use. The program can be stored on a server and remotely accessed. (Hargadon, 2008). <span style="font-size: 9.5pt; color: #31849b; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial Black','sans-serif'; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">

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<span style="font-size: 16px; color: #31849b; font-family: 'Arial Black', Gadget, sans-serif;">Kindle

<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">The [|Kindle] is a small device offered by Amazon. Its potential is staggering. First the device can be seen as eco friendly as it doesn’t use paper. It is also a cost saver for students as they no longer have to purchase books which can sometimes very costly. There is still a cost associated for downloading but is very minimal. Reed College is Oregon is one of the few that is testing it out among the students. This device could be integrated into a distance education course.

An article that came out about a year ago, discusses the introduction of the Kindle device. UCET, 2008, states how this could be the age of the electronic book. Kindle has a unique process of displaying the data using ink (UCET, 2008). Kindle has high resolution called electronic paper which gives it the look of real paper (UCET, 2008). The device is a wireless connection using the Sprint backbone (UCET, 2008). Kindle also has the potential of downloading over 110,000 books, magazines, etc. to the device (UCET, 2008). Kindle has a great potential as the device is light and can be backed up online so you never lose material you pay for (UCET, 2008).

Young (2009) discusses in the Chronicle of Education that the Kindle could be the next generation for text books. Amazon is piloting the distribution of the Kindle to several major universities such as Arizona State University, Princeton University & the University of Virginia in the hopes of sparking interest among students and professors (Young, 2009). Amazon is banking on the fact that this is a cool technology and could help the Kindle succeed like how Apple did with the IPod and ITunes (Young, 2009). The challenge is that the electronic text book market has always played a small role (Young, 2009). Young (2009) states that this has mainly been due to the lack of exposure. Sites such as “[|Course Smart]” are relatively new and are built like ITunes but for books and has a consortium of 12 publishers contributing content (Young, 2009). It seems like only time will tell if the Kindle is a device used by all and re landscape the traditional textbook world (Young, 2009).

<span style="font-size: 16px; color: #31849b; font-family: 'Arial Black', Gadget, sans-serif;">Conclusion
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">Facilitators today have a wide range of technology they can incorporate in to a classroom. There are quite a few course management tools such as Scholar360 and others that are relatively new and could not find much to report on. I believe more studies should be done to see if there are drawbacks as well successes to using them in a distance education course. I’m sure many considerations will need to be made before a school or training center makes a purchase.

Licensing is one factor as educational venues will have to look at the cost as some of these sites cost money to operate unlike Moodle which is a free service. With new technologies arriving there should be more sites that evaluate which are the best fit for the course you are teaching. Some technologies such as Kindle more rely on the student then the facilitator. Blogging can have an impact on collaboration as students can work together to answer questions. However it appears you can have multiple conversations with no real organization. The more practical solution is using a course management tool such as Moodle or Scholar360. These tools offer students the ability to participate in discussion rooms as well as being organized. As a student I want the best technology out there that can enhance my learning.

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<span style="font-size: 16px; color: #31849b; font-family: 'Arial Black', Gadget, sans-serif;">References
<span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';"> Ellison, N., Wu, Yuehua. (2006). An emperical test of blogging in the classroom. Retrieved July 6. 2009, from []

<span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">Gilmore, C., Halcomb, C. (Unknown). Technology in the Classroom: Investigating the Effect on Student-Teacher Interaction. Retrieved July 3, 2009, from []

Hargadon, S. (2008). Implementation Study #3: Moodle. Retrieved June 24, 2009, from []

Krentler, K.A., Willis-Flurry, L.A. (2005). Does technology enhance actual student learning? The case of online discussion boards. //<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">Journal of Education for // <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">Business ,//<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">80 //, 316-321

Martyn, M. (2005). Using Interaction in Online Discussion Boards. EDUCAUSE QUARTERLY. 28,4. Retrieved July 2, 2009, from http://www.educause.edu/EDUCAUSE+Quarterly/EDUCAUSEQuarterlyMagazineVolum/UsingInteractioninOnlineDiscus/157367

Morse, J. (2004). Merriam Webster's Collegiate Dictionary (11thed.). Springfield,MA: Merriam-Webster, Inc.

Rosenfeld, B., Martinez-Pons, M. (2005). Promoting classroom technology use. //<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">Quarterly Review of Distandce Education, 6 //, 145-153.

Trimarco, R. (2004). Use of Blogs in Online College Classes. In B. Hoffman (Ed.), //<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">Encyclopedia of Educational Technology. // Retrieved July 6, 2009, from [|http://coe.sdsu.edu]

Unknown. (2006). Technology in the classroom is vital. American School Board Journal, 193, 15-15.

Unknown, (2008). The Kindle – Amazon’s e-Reader with wireless delivery. The Utah Coalition for Educational Technology. Retrieved June 24, 2009, from []

Wu, Y., Ellison, N. (2006). An empirical test of blogging in the classroom. Highered Blog con 2006. Retrieved July 5, 2009. http://www.higheredblogcon.com/index.php/an-empirical-test-of-blogging-in-the-classroom/

Young, J. (2009). How a Student-Friendly Kindle Could Change The Text Book Market. The Chronicle of Higher Education, May 6, 2009. Retrieved July 3, 2009, from []