WebCT Impact! 2005

I'm at the WebCT IMPACT! 2005 conference in San Francisco and getting a bunch of great ideas. Right now I'm in a tablet initiative session to see how it's gone for them.

Advantages of Tablets:
Portability (no forgotten materials)
Convergence (everything in the same place)
Functionality (full PC)
Simplicity (handwriting)
Bluetooth (between Mac and tablet)
Voice dictation (works well for the presenter)

Fears:
Too difficult to learn
too time consuming

Internatl martketing:
Docking station
Unit available for checkout
demonstration of tec
Goal: move to laptops to save $$$
Replacing smart classrooms
Replacing faculty computers

Conditions:
Faculty must be technologicaly friendly
Paper-free classroom
12 HOurs of training
Mentoring program

Video-game camps target at-risk youth

This article (Video-game camps target at-risk youth) discusses a new program that's highlighting an existing problem: the problem of the representation in video games. I've developed an evaluation tool for educational softwarwe that addresses these issues, but unfortunately, not enough is being done about this, even ten years later. When are we going to learn?

20 Technology Skills Every Educator Should Have

How do you rate? 20 Technology Skills Every Educator Should Have

My first SMILE activity

http://clear.msu.edu/teaching/online/mimea/smile/smile.php?activityID=623

The Smile program developed by CLEAR

The Smile program. Registration is free and you can make these available on the web for your students. http://clear.msu.edu/teaching/online/mimea/smile

Language Learning and Technology

Language Learning and Technology Journal

Example of the AudioPortfolio Recording

Here is an example of a clip I recorded with the AudioPortfolios software. Pretty neat, huh?

Changing the Keyboard Layout

Dennie Hoopingarner has a site http://clear.msu.edu:16080/dennie/ChineseXP/
that explains how to change the language support on Windows XP. It's focused toward Chinese, but can easily be adapted to other languages.

Learning Games Initiative: Game to Teach, Game to Learn

Learning Games Initiative: Game to Teach, Game to Learn

Evaluating Web Sites: Teacher Page

A Great WebQuest for teaching information literacy skills. Evaluating Web Sites: Teacher Page

PDA Classroom- Your Handheld Teaching Source

Looks like this will be a great source for ideas about how to use handhelds in the classroom. PDA Classroom- Your Handheld Teaching Source

AJET 20(2) Williams and Jacobs (2004) - exploring blogs as learning spaces in higher education

AJET 20(2) Williams and Jacobs (2004) - exploring blogs as learning spaces in higher education

Instructional Services Home Page from UGA

Lots of resources from students and faculty. Instructional Services Home Page

ABC News: Students Use Clickers to Help Guide College Lectures

Here's a current article about a technology similar to the TurningPoint system that we saw yesterday. I'd love to hear comments about this. ABC News: Students Use Clickers to Help Guide College Lectures

ERIC - Education Resources Information Center

The Use of Palmtop Compuers for Learning: A Revieww of the Literature ERIC - Education Resources Information Center

Models of technology integration

• 100% long distance online (students physically separated from instructor and perhaps each other) includes web elements, videoconferencing and audioconferencing.
• Challenges: Time differences (especially when students from more than 2 countries), student support (i.e., registration)
  
• Hybrid Course (more and more...best of classroom teaching and online activities...scheduling can vary as to percentage of time they spend in the classroom)
• Can be used to save classroom space
  
• Tim teaches Business Chinese this way...meet 2 hrs in classroom and 1 hr for online activities.
  
• Local web-supported course
  
• include online video, sound, drills in face to face classroom instruction.
  

Tim Xie's presentation

Tim Xie, from Cal State Long Beach, shared the following ideas with the Modern Language faculty here at Marietta College.

Now CALL is being called TELL (Technology ENhanced Language Learning).

Aurolog is a technology that recognizes and appropriately responds to language learners. It's called TELL me more, a pun on the verb "tell" (because the learners speak to the program) and the concept of TELL.

Do we need TELL?
No significant difference phenomenon. (1997...reporting from 1986 to 1996).
Morrison (1999)"... we have no choice but to make technology an integrated tool."

Skeptics: IHEP (too many questions are unaddressed or unanswered so we can't properly make informed judgments).

Tim's recommendation...online education is not recommended for elementary language learners.

ALN Magazine (Volume 4 #2, 2000)Impediments to adoption of web-based course delivery among university faculty.

Tim's experience:

• Convenience of access to texts sound, images, and interactive drills.
• Anytime/anywhere access for highly motivated students.
• Facilitates exchange and sharing of products, thoughts, and ideas among instructors globally. (email, Internet, etc.)
  

What is available over the Internet?

• Online vs. Offline
• CD-ROMs (offline)
  
• Textbook-dependent vs. textbook dependent
• Publisher-created materials (textbook-dependent)
• Instructor-created materials (idioms, phrases, etc.)
  

Who makes these?

• Professors
  
• Commercial vendors
• Volunteers and hobbyists (i.e., students)
  

On the Internet you can find language-specific tools (drills and/or exercises) and communication tools that can support instruction that can be used with other areas as well (chat, IM, etc.)

www.word2word.com (Free Online Language Courses)

The handouts that Tim used

Coursesites.blackboard.com

TrackStart

Trackstar: A specialized search for language educators.

Keeping Students on Task.

Tim suggests assigning tasks to be accomplished when you direct students to websites. This is similar to Bernie Dodge's idea of using webquests. It also supports Chickering and Gamson's "Time on Task" principle of good practice.

Tim, I'm glad you're here! You've inspired a lot of thoughts. I'm going to have to get back into language teaching. I miss it.

Free online language courses

No Nahuatl, but now at least I can learn conversational Quechua online. You never know when you'll run into Atahuallpa and need to get your butt out of a sling. Free online language courses. I'm really looking forward to that, but I doubt I'll run into many Inca that I can practice the language with.

What Works Clearinghouse

This clearinghouse is a resource outlining methods and practices that are based in research and proven to be effective. It'll come in handly for those struggling with the NCLB requirements. What Works Clearinghouse

NYPL Digital Gallery

NYPL Digital Gallery

My 57th Recommendation Letter

Especially this time of year, I think many of us can relate to this one! Inside Higher Ed :: Views

Portalino - Seven online copyright myths (3/3)

This seems like it would be a good list. Unfortunately, they only list one copyright myth, and my Italian's not up to snuff to figure out where the others are. But it seems to be a good start. Portalino - Seven online copyright myths (3/3)

A snip from the page:

Possunt quia posse videntur ~ (Latin: They can because they think they can.)

7) "E-mail is not copyright protected once it is sent."

Top Ten Mistakes in Web Design (Jakob Nielsen's Alertbox)

Even though ithis is oreinted toward cmmercial websties, there are lessons for us educators here too. Top Ten Mistakes in Web Design (Jakob Nielsen's Alertbox)

Ideas about Cheating

This thread on the Ask Dr. C forum has some ideas about how to prevent cheating and ways that we can re-do our assessment strategies to encourage active learning and long-term retention. It also brings ideas for how we can decrease our reliance on objective tests that are so open to student dishonesty. When an objective test must be given, there are ways to minimize cheating in a completely online class. ViewMessage

PinkFlamingo's Resource URLs for Educators, Students, Writers, Webpage Designers

Kate Britt's excellent collection of resources for online learners. Kate is a Dr. C, so most of her comments and resources are directed toward WebCT (a boon for us at MC), but good design is good design no matter the platform, and you can take hte principles and apply them to your own CMS and online class. PinkFlamingo's Resource URLs for Educators, Students, Writers, Webpage Designers

CL-1: Field-tested Learning Assessment Guide (FLAG)

Although the FLAG is designed for science, math, engineering, and technology instructors, there are several techniques that can be adapted to any content area. I thihnk you'll find this quite a useful site. CL-1: Field-tested Learning Assessment Guide (FLAG)

Classroom Assessment Techniques Designed for Technology

The emphasis here is on using CATs to gather information related to the use fo technology in the classroom. There are also adaptation for using the CATs in a technology-facilitated setting (such as an online class or other diistance learning setting. Fortunately,WebCT offers many tools that area readily adaptable to CATs, such as anonymous surveys and discussion fora. Classroom Assessment Techniques Designed for Technology

CLASSROOM ASSESSMENT TECHNIQUES

An overview from the University of Hawai'i with a step-by-step approach to implementing Angelo and Cross' Classroom Assessment Techniques (CATs).CLASSROOM ASSESSMENT TECHNIQUES

Distance-Educator.com: Higher Education Issues, News, Reviews, Resources, and Tools :: Technology, Teaching, News, Research

A frequently-updated list of articles relevant to distance education (especially online education) as it relates to higher education. Distance-Educator.com: Higher Education Issues, News, Reviews, Resources, and Tools :: Technology, Teaching, News, Research

Build a Blog Workshop @ ODCE 2005

Build a Blog Workshop @ ODCE 2005

Protecting Against Identity Misrepresentation and Theft

Protecting Against Identity Misrepresentation and Theft

Identity Theft Resource Center | A Nonprofit Organization

Identity Theft Resource Center | A Nonprofit Organization

IRRODL: Group and Class Contexts for Learning and Support Online: Learning and Affective Support Online in Small Group and Class Contexts

IRRODL: Group and Class Contexts for Learning and Support Online:
Learning and Affective Support Online in Small Group and Class Contexts

ComputerZen.com - Scott Hanselman's Weblog - Scott's List of Great Tools for your TabletPC

ComputerZen.com - Scott Hanselman's Weblog - Scott's List of Great Tools for your TabletPC

Pew Future of the Internet Report

Where is the Internet going in the next ten years? This report sums what what some ot the top experts and scholars of the Internet think. Pew Internet Project Future of Internet Report (application/pdf Object) Everythins related to the Internet from blogs to bandwidth to balloting is addressed here. I'm looking forwad to perusing it at length, even though I've not been able to read more than the summaries.

CBB - Home

This is a set of tools that can help students learn about plagiarism and how to prevent it. It can very highly recommended by my colleague Bev Hogue. CBB - Home Page

Lore: An E-Journal for Teachers of Writing

An issue with 13 articles dedicated to blogging. I'm looking forward to reading them. Will post comments when I can. Lore: An E-Journal for Teachers of Writing

ACSDE

American Society for the Study of Distance Education

Less is more: Designing an online course

The DEOS Summary of online guides Less is more: Designing an online course

Tomorrow's Professor Postings

This list is of interest to anyone dealing with higher education, not just instructional technology. It delves into teaching methods, teaching with technology, tenure, and other matters of interest to professors. Tomorrow's Professor Postings

SSA Pedagogy

Using audio and music to enhance recall and promote learning.
SSA Pedagogy

Teaching with Online Video

Teaching with Online Video

Contrarian finding: Computers are a drag on learning | csmonitor.com

Contrarian finding: Computers are a drag on learning | csmonitor.com

Multimedia System Laboratory Projects

An interesting list of projects. Multimedia System Laboratory Projects

IT Issues & Strategic Viewpoints in Higher Education: Campus Technology

IT Issues & Strategic Viewpoints in Higher Education: Campus Technology

Papyrus News

A blog by a colleague at UC Berkeley, with interests in Computer Assisted Language Learning (CALL) as well as other areas of coptuer use. Papyrus News

Learning Together Apart

This is an interesting-looking site using the Moodle CMS and having plenty of examples of online courses. I'm looking forward to perusing this site. Learning Together Apart

Just for Fun

I think this tool will be able to facilitate collaborative achievement of cross-curricular goals. Educational Jargon Generator

The Keck Project At Virginia Union University

This is a fascinating project in which they are redesigning two entire departments' curricula using instructional systems design strategies. This approach can help with technology integration, with assessment , and with other things as well. The Keck Project At Virginia Union University

A Guide to Education and No Child Left Behind -- TOC

From the US government, this site follows our progress under NCLB, key provisions of the legislation, and gives a good summary. A Guide to Education and No Child Left Behind -- TOC

Academic Commons

Here's an interesting incipient project about the flashpoint between technology and liberal arts education. This project will be open in January of 2005, so this would be a good time to get in on the ground floor. Even if you don't work in a liberal arts institution, it's a good bet that some of the objectives that you stress have much in common with liberal arts, such as critical thinking, problem solving, and writing skills. It looks like quite a promising project! I'll be interested in following its progress. Academic Commons

Using Online Interaction to Break Your Addiction to Classroom Training

Some good ideas for getting online interactive training going and using games to create engaging learning spaces. Using Online Interaction to Break Your Addiction to Classroom Training

Building the Library of Tomorrow

Here is an approach that Penn is taking. This site was suggested to us by Pat Willis, Chair of the Board of Trustees. Building the Library of Tomorrow

Building the Library of Tomorrow

Here is an approach that Penn is taking. This site was suggested to us by Pat Willis, Chair of the Board of Trustees. Building the Library of Tomorrow

Shared learning objects

A repository of shared learning objects from Midland South Community College. Many of these could help us out, I think! Shared learning objects

LLT Vol8Num3: SECOND LANGUAGE SOCIALIZATION IN A BILINGUAL CHAT ROOM: GLOBAL AND LOCAL CONSIDERATIONS

This article, from the Language Learning and Technolgy journal, is a fascinating qualitative study that discusses the usage patterns of bilingual Cantonese/American students in a Hong Kong chat room, and the ways in which they use this chat room as a "safe place" to practice and to learn more English. I found it fascinating! LLT Vol8Num3: SECOND LANGUAGE SOCIALIZATION IN A BILINGUAL CHAT ROOM: GLOBAL AND LOCAL CONSIDERATIONS

Course Management Systems and the Reinvention of Instruction

This article has the interesting approach of using a CMS for two purposes: 1) instructing a completey online course and 2) using the CMS to supplement a f2f course. I would really like to get a discussion like this going on the ENGAGE-L list. More later...Course Management Systems and the Reinvention of Instruction

Weblogg-ed - Using Weblogs and RSS in Education

I enjoyed this blog entry, which gave a truly balanced view of blogs:" both the good and the bad. I wonder which way this will work out for me? Probably some entirely different way. :-) Weblogg-ed - Using Weblogs and RSS in Education :

However, I've got to agree with the student's comments on the blog vs. a discussion board. I think that the discussion tool may be much better suited for a lively conversation, while a blog would be most useful for professional reflection and development. I know it's certainly helped me to think about my instruction a lot more.

An empirical study of the effect of information technology expenditures on student achievement. Information technology, Productivity, Educational tech

Troublesome, if it's so. We'll have to see. An empirical study of the effect of information technology expenditures on student achievement. Information technology, Productivity, Educational technology, Standardized testing, Internet in schools, Computers in schools

Print: The Chronicle: 1/30/2004: How Computers Change the Way We Think

Print: The Chronicle: 1/30/2004: How Computers Change the Way We Think Sherry Turkle's reflection on the effects that technology has on us, or rather, the difference between the world of now and the world that we grew up in. Interesting ideas that I'd like to address more later.

Blogbox.com

Two of my favorite words: "free" and "toy" featured in this article. Blogbox is a free set of tools to add multimedia and content to your blog. I haven't gotten a chance to take a look at it yet, so please let me know what you think if you try these out. Blogbox.com

From eLearning Dialogue: Student's View of CMS

A much-neglected view: one student's view of the use of a Course Management System. eLearning Dialogue Amazing, isn't it, that while we're trying to be student-centered, this is the first article like this that I've read? It's possible that professors are busy talking to their students about what's going on with instructional technology, and that this need is being filled. Somehow, I doubt it.

EDTEC Saturday Seminar: Weblogs for Writing

Surprise, surprise that Bernie Dodge has an excellent resource on blogging on his own blog. Par for the course. However, I'm just glad that he keeps sharing these great resources! That's an interesting idea for a workshop format...one hour one week, one hour the next, and web-based discussions in between. You know, I think something like that would really go over well at Marietta. EDTEC Saturday Seminar: Weblogs for Writing

DigitalJournal.com - Digital Culture For Creative MindsThe

An excellent overview of the Copyright Extension Act. And my students don't believe me when I call it the Mickey Mouse Copyright Act! This article is an excellent overview of the law as well as the reasons behind the law. DigitalJournal.com - Digital Culture For Creative Minds

Quick Tips about Blogs--OLN

Here's a collection of resources by the Ohio Learning Network about blogs in education, complete with articles and example blogs. Enjoy! Quick Tips

Innovate - October/November 2004

The inaugural issue of a new interactive journal about online learning. Some interesting articles this month about learning objects and curriculum change, among others. It should be an interesting journal to be a part of! Innovate - October/November 2004

Teacher-to-Teacher Workshops

This is a new initiative sponsored by thte government with the idea f bringing professional development to teacher in all parts of the country via online professional development. I think this is one of the best applications of the Internet, to bring just-in-time professional development to even those who live in rural areas or those who can't fit professional development into their schedules until 10 p.m. Teacher-to-Teacher Workshops

Weblogs in Education: Bringing the World to the Liberal Arts Classroom

An interesting story detailing several uses of blogs in the liberal arts classroom, with links to many more resources. I've not completely checked all of these out yet, but I'm looking forward to it. The NITLE News Volume 2, Number 1, winter 2003, by Sarah Lohnes

CNN.com - Some professors won't give up chalk for technology's sake - Oct 5, 2004

The chalkboard is back in the spotlight at the center of controversy. It should be no stranger at this point. :-) CNN.com - Some professors won't give up chalk for technology's sake - Oct 5, 2004

Designing blogs for education - by Jonathan Briggs

Some interesting insights on using blogs for education, mostly in outline form. It'll be a good place to interact, I think. Designing blogs for education - by Jonathan Briggs

The Chronicle: 9/17/2004: With This Enrollment, a Toy Surprise

The next stage in technology enticements for students? The Chronicle: 9/17/2004: With This Enrollment, a Toy Surprise


Sharon Douglass sent this along. I think this is important to consider as we continue our discussion on the laptop requirements. Are we trying to do another gimmick? If so, then there are much less expensive ways to provide a tangible incentive to students. Is this a road that will lead us to better learning for students? If not, then why should we consider this

CBS News | College Gambles On Technology | September 14, 2004�18:45:46

This story seems to be amore balanced view, a combination of the two stories I posted earlier. Let me know what you think. CBS News | College Gambles On Technology | September 14, 2004�18:45:46

USC Annenberg School Center for the Digital Future

This is a summary of the latest report on trends in Internet use. Among these trends: the digital divide is closing, but not closed; credibilty of Internet information is down (hey, maybe our messages on information evaluation are getting through), and the implications fo the shift from viewing the TV to actively participating in Internet activities. The only thing that concerns me is that I don't know if browsing the Internet is necessarily a more active activity than watching TV. I think it would depend upon what folks are doing on the Internet. If they're using the broadband (another rising trend) to watch movies and film clips, what would be the difference between watching the TV and "watching" the Internet? USC Annenberg School Center for the Digital Future

news @ nature.com�-�The birth of a languagebreaking science news headlines

Fascinating research about language acquisition! news @ nature.com�-�The birth of a languagebreaking science news headlines

The Other Side of the WV Wesleyan Story

This article appeared in the paper in Buckhannon. Wesleyan reacts to AP report

The Status of Ubiquitous Computing

An EDUCAUSE Review article addressing the latest dealing with issues of ubiquitious computing, including wireless networks and laptop colleges. This article was written by the Instructional Technology Specialist (Karen Petitto) at West Virginia Wesleyan College.I think we should look at these issues and determine where we stand on our ability to address them. The Status of Ubiquitous Computing

West Virginia college takes a gamble on technology - The Washington Times: Culture, etc. - September 27, 2004

This is one analysis of the situation at West Virginia Wesleyan College. This article presents the down side, while a presentation that I saw last summer indicated that most faculty would never go back to a non-laptop campus. This will be some good food for thought as we begin to discuss this issue again. West Virginia college takes a gamble on technology - The Washington Times: Culture, etc. - September 27, 2004

Wired News: Campus Life Comes to Second Life

An interesting article about an exciting new tool for community planning, leadership, environmental studies...the possibilities are limitless! Wired News: Campus Life Comes to Second Life

Peter Sefton : Links considered too difficult for online education software

An interesting view of LMS and how they should be used. I agree with Peter that too often WebCT is used like a digital version of a reserve reading section. Even though there is a place for these kinds of documents, I think that the greatest advantage that web-enhanced learning has is the abilty to draw connections, either the professors drawing connections and sharing them with the students or the students creating their own connections with the guidance of the professor. Some good food for thought. Peter Sefton : Links considered too difficult for online education software

WIDS (Worldwide Instructional Design System)

The Worldwide Instructional Design System (WIDS) provides software, professional development and training to help you create a learner-centered curriculum

Kairosnews | A Weblog for Discussing Rhetoric, Technology and Pedagogy

Kairosnews | A Weblog for Discussing Rhetoric, Technology and Pedagogy

UMM CSci TWiki . TWiki . WelcomeGuest

A good explanation of a Wiki. UMM CSci TWiki . TWiki . WelcomeGuest

Boston.com / News / Boston Globe / Opinion / Editorials / Learning with a laptop

Experiences from Massachusetts state schools, some of which may be applicable here. Boston.com / News / Boston Globe / Opinion / Editorials / Learning with a laptop

PCWorld.com - Burning Questions: When Good Discs Go Bad

A good overview outlining the differences in optical media, such as CDs and DVDs, along with a guide on how to make sure you're getting good media. PCWorld.com - Burning Questions: When Good Discs Go Bad

HIGHER EDUCATION: Students boot up high-tech 'tablets'

HIGHER EDUCATION: Students boot up high-tech 'tablets'

Valparaiso University's New Library

I found this article to be interesting. Granted, we're not going to spend $33 million on our new library, and the robotic arm is probably a bit of overkill, but I think there are some ideas worth examining in this article. News Sentinel | 08/12/2004 | Robotic arm facilitates access to library books

The New York Times > Technology > Trying to Take Technology to the Masses

An interesting project at Carnegie Mellon is trying to build a $250 wireless networked laptop to try to reach across the digital divide. The New York Times > Technology > Trying to Take Technology to the Masses

Vischeck Color Blindness Simulator

Vischeck: Color Blindness Simulator

QCA | Assessment for learning

The Sunrise Chart for Assessment QCA | Assessment for learning

Dr. Helen Barrett's Electronic Portfolios

A great resource for electronic portfolio templates, etc. Dr. Helen Barrett's Electronic Portfolios

Site also contains a link to Cambridge's Deep Learning presentation that sounds really good.

She made several presentation at the TLMI conference at Otterbein college this week. Terrific conference, as always!!

One presentation was talking a good bit about what I like to call "the dark side of portfolios." Discusses the pressures on portfolios for student learning as well as portfolios for demonstration of mastery of concepts. Assessment for learning vs. assessment of learning. Story of learning, not a checklist of skills learned.

BugMeNot.com

This site allows you to use "dummy" logins to access content on sites for which you need to register. Neat idea! BugMeNot.com

Dihydrogen Monoxide - The Truth

This would be a great site to encourage critical thinking and informaiton evaluation among kids. Dihydrogen Monoxide - The Truth

The Chronicle: 3/28/2003: Slow Start for Long-Awaited Easing of Copyright Restriction

A Copyright Checklist for Online Coursee from the Chronicle The Chronicle: 3/28/2003: Slow Start for Long-Awaited Easing of Copyright Restriction

The Educator's Reference Desk: Resource Guide

The Educator's Reference Desk: Resource Guides This site is the same as the old ERIC site housed at Syracuse. Quite helpful in finding lesson plans and compiliations of research on selected educational topics. Not quite as useful if you're looking at technology, although many lesson plans do incorporate technology.

A crisis for Web preservation

Maybe I'm just a tad skeptical about the government (especially this one), but it seems a bit sinister that this information is self-vaporizing so quickly. It reminds me way too much of 1984 and Minitrue. I'd wonder what kinds of examples we could find of what's getting lost. I remember Dr. Maughan in graduate school saying "Information wants to be free." The problem is that too often free implies valueless.A crisis for Web preservation

BEEP's Best Bets Archive

Here are some of education's best bets. there are several innovative (and time-saving!) technology tools in thia site. Best Bets' Archive

Weatherstation Report

Weatherstation Report: Thwarted Innovation This study conducted by UPenn is subtitled "Why did the e-learning boom go bust?" I'm going to read it now (at least the conclusions) and muse a bit later on.