Online, Distance and Mobile Learning

Mobile LearningSharon BrobstSandra Kelly

Jamie McCainBecka Wagner

Mobile LearningThe Virtual Classroom

Online TeachingTechnology tools for:StagingDeliveryCollaborationCommunication

Creating the Virtual ClassroomSetting the StageWeb-based Management systems Course Management Systems (CMS)Learning Management Systems (LMS)

Provides:Support for instructorsA Secure environmentRosters/GradebooksAssessments/ExamsMostly asynchronous Communication/Collaboration features

The Virtual ClassroomCommercial LMSsAdvantagesSuite of productsTechnical/Help-desk supportSome ExamplesBlackboardAngelDesire2LearnWebCTAdobe Connect ProSynchronous capabilities

DisadvantagesExpensiveLess flexible

Commercial LMSs Learning Management Systems are canned software packages that allow you to configure your VC within the boundaries of the software code. Adobe ConnectPro provides a live, contextual, and interactive environment forlearners5The Virtual ClassroomOpen Source LMSsAdvantagesMore flexibleLess expensive

DisadvantagesTechnical implementationSupport

Some ExamplesMoodle Sakai ImeemInstaCollWriteboardOpen Source requires some expertise to configure and implement, but allows for changes to the actual code to tailor it to your needs. These usually will require a 3rd party to offer support. Imeem social networking software provides by-invitation-only access thatclaims to be completely encrypted and secure. InstaColl is a free application that allows collaboration using the most widelyused Microsoft Office applications. Writeboard gives users the freedom to access their files from any computer withan Internet connection. It is part wiki/part blog, with the capability of archiving eachrevised version.6Homegrown LMS using:WebsiteWikisGoogleDocsGoogleGroupsMS Office LiveThe Virtual ClassroomOther Methods of StagingAdvantagesFlexibleLess expensive

DisadvantagesTechnical implementationSupport

Homegrown LMSs are created by the IT or Instructor using a website and other tools all integrated together to produce a VC like that of a commercial package LMS.7The Virtual ClassroomDelivering the CourseOnline videosMovieMaker YouTubeGoogleRSS feedsRite Site Summary/Really Simple SyndicationBBC NewsYahoo!

Slide showsLecture notesPodcastingTutorials using Screen CaptureScreenCamCamtasiaCamStudioiSpring

YouTube and Google allow you to save your videos to their server. RSS is an easy way to provide up-to-date info. to the students including assignments and actual news feeds. 8The Virtual ClassroomOnline Collaboration TechnologyDiscussion boardsChat roomsCalendaringEmailBlogs (Weblogs)Blogger.comTwitterMS SharePointGoogleDocsZoho Projects

Wikis (collection of linked Web pages)WikispacesPBWiki

MS SharePoint and GoogleDocs are document-management systems that allow for students to create and maintain group documents in the VC. Wikis allow for students to create and edit content on a Web page. They too allow the sharing of documents and show the editing that was done by different people. Wikispaces and Pbwiki can be used to create projects, but only using textual documents. Zoho allows for tracking of collaborative projects among group members.9The Virtual ClassroomOnline Communication Technology

Conferencing via WebcastWimbaElluminateMS Live Office Live MeetingCiscos WebExDimdimSimulationsSecondLifeINNOV8

Webcasts are live presentations. MS Office Live and Ciscos version are fee-based. Dimdim is open source. 10The Future: Mobile DevicesPositivesAvailabilityPortabilityMobile internet accessEase of use

NegativesInput interface Not efficientPowerStorage capabilityFlexibility

Mobile ImprovementsWireless Internet Learning Devices (WILD)

Audio-based asynchronous learning forum to replace text-basedSound-based input method is feasibleMost natural form of inputDoesnt require large interfaceSpeech recognition/sound-based natural language processing is not feasibleMore synchronous communication capabilityMobile Devices using AudioAudio is:Problems:FlexibleHands-freeMulti-directionalReplaces handwritten input with hands-free

Difficulty in reviewing messagesMust be supported by streaming media technology

A Solution:Software to convert audio to text

Mobile LearningCreating a Sense of CommunityThrough Online Group Work

Definition of CommunityA feeling that members have of belonging, a feeling that matter to one another and to the group, and a shared faith that members needs will be met through their commitment to be together (McMillan & Chavis, as cited in Exter, Korkmaz, Harlin & Bichelmeyer, 2009, p. 178).Theoretical FrameworksVygotskys (1978) Social Development TheoryVygotskys (1978) Zone of Proximal Development TheoryRourke, Garrison, Anderson & Archers (2000) Community of Inquiry ModelWengers (2002) Community of Practice Model

Major FindingsClassroom Community ScaleInstrument developed by Rovai (2002) to measure sense of community:Feelings of connectednessCohesionSpiritTrustInterdependence among members

Commercial LMSs Learning Management Systems are canned software packages that allow you to configure your VC within the boundaries of the software code. Adobe ConnectPro provides a live, contextual, and interactive environment forlearners17Major FindingsGroup work can be effective whether face-to-face or mobileYoons (2006) study showed it possible to replicate face-to-face teams as virtual teamsComplained that most studies have been done without guidance of theoryTuckmans Stage Model (1965)Gersicks Midtransition Model (1988, 1989)

Commercial LMSs Learning Management Systems are canned software packages that allow you to configure your VC within the boundaries of the software code. Adobe ConnectPro provides a live, contextual, and interactive environment forlearners18Group Work CooperativeCollaborative

Major Findings

Major FindingsGroup formation is importantHeterogeneity and diversityGroup sizeGroup duration

Commercial LMSs Learning Management Systems are canned software packages that allow you to configure your VC within the boundaries of the software code. Adobe ConnectPro provides a live, contextual, and interactive environment forlearners20Major FindingsGroup work can be used in different types of programsOnlineBlendedBlended Online Learning Design (BOLD) synchronous and asynchronousFace-to-face (F2F)Cohort

Commercial LMSs Learning Management Systems are canned software packages that allow you to configure your VC within the boundaries of the software code. Adobe ConnectPro provides a live, contextual, and interactive environment forlearners21Major FindingsGroup work can take different formatsGroup projectsGroup experiencesCooperative problem-basedPhotovoice (Artistic Pedagogical Technology (APT)Jigsaw (Distributed Learning)

Commercial LMSs Learning Management Systems are canned software packages that allow you to configure your VC within the boundaries of the software code. Adobe ConnectPro provides a live, contextual, and interactive environment forlearners22Overall Conclusions from LiteratureIn order for mobile learning to be effectiveThere must be group work involvedThere must be a sense of communityGroup work helps to develop a sense of community

Open Source requires some expertise to configure and implement, but allows for changes to the actual code to tailor it to your needs. These usually will require a 3rd party to offer support. Imeem social networking software provides by-invitation-only access thatclaims to be completely encrypted and secure. InstaColl is a free application that allows collaboration using the most widelyused Microsoft Office applications. Writeboard gives users the freedom to access their files from any computer withan Internet connection. It is part wiki/part blog, with the capability of archiving eachrevised version.23Contradiction2009 Study by Cameron, Morgan, Williams & KosteleckyShowed few significant relationships between five social tasks examined and sense of communityProblems with group dynamics (suggests further study)Students focused on the task, not on the social aspects

Open Source requires some expertise to configure and implement, but allows for changes to the actual code to tailor it to your needs. These usually will require a 3rd party to offer support. Imeem social networking software provides by-invitation-only access thatclaims to be completely encrypted and secure. InstaColl is a free application that allows collaboration using the most widelyused Microsoft Office applications. Writeboard gives users the freedom to access their files from any computer withan Internet connection. It is part wiki/part blog, with the capability of archiving eachrevised version.24Disconnect Between Purpose of Online Education & Effective Pedagogy

Open Source requires some expertise to configure and implement, but allows for changes to the actual code to tailor it to your needs. These usually will require a 3rd party to offer support. Imeem social networking software provides by-invitation-only access thatclaims to be completely encrypted and secure. InstaColl is a free application that allows collaboration using the most widelyused Microsoft Office applications. Writeboard gives users the freedom to access their files from any computer withan Internet connection. It is part wiki/part blog, with the capability of archiving eachrevised version.25Purpose of Online EducationTo increase learning optionsTo provide instruction in a more cost-effective wayTo capture a larger educational market shareTo reduce educational costs(Schlager, Cuffy & Kirkley, Maguire, as cited in Jackson, Jones & Rodriguez, 2010)So Where Do We Go From Here?Park (2011) said theres a gap in the literatureTheres a lack of theoretical framework to guide effective instructional design and evaluate the quality and programs that rely significantly on mobile technologies (pp. 83).I found multiple theoretical frameworks, but do they really apply to mobile learning?

Open Source requires some expertise to configure and implement, but allows for changes to the actual code to tailor it to your needs. These usually will require a 3rd party to offer support. Imeem social networking software provides by-invitation-only access thatclaims to be completely encrypted and secure. InstaColl is a free application that allows collaboration using the most widelyused Microsoft Office applications. Writeboard gives users the freedom to access their files from any computer withan Internet connection. It is part wiki/part blog, with the capability of archiving eachrevised version.27So Where Do We Go From Here?Despite the reported benefit of social constructivist perspective in online or blended work, researchers note that the majority of courses are still linked to a knowledge transmission model.True in mobile learning, but also true in face-to-face learning

Open Source requires some expertise to configure and implement, but allows for changes to the actual code to tailor it to your needs. These usually will require a 3rd party to offer support. Imeem social networking software provides by-invitation-only access thatclaims to be completely encrypted and secure. InstaColl is a free application that allows collaboration using the most widelyused Microsoft Office applications. Writeboard gives users the freedom to access their files from any computer withan Internet connection. It is part wiki/part blog, with the capability of archiving eachrevised version.28So Where Do We Go From Here?Online programs have developed and grown so quicklyTheyre just barely keeping their programs running; theyre not updated They need a proven online pedagogy that is adequately researched and defined (Jackson, Jones & Rodriguez, 2010, pp. 82).

Open Source requires some expertise to configure and implement, but allows for changes to the actual code to tailor it to your needs. These usually will require a 3rd party to offer support. Imeem social networking software provides by-invitation-only access thatclaims to be completely encrypted and secure. InstaColl is a free application that allows collaboration using the most widelyused Microsoft Office applications. Writeboard gives users the freedom to access their files from any computer withan Internet connection. It is part wiki/part blog, with the capability of archiving eachrevised version.29So Where Do We Go From Here?Do we have an effective tool to measure effective mobile learning?Traxler said that evaluation of mobile learning is problematic because of the noise characteristic with personal, contextual, and situated attributes (as cited in Park, 2007, p. 10)

Open Source requires some expertise to configure and implement, but allows for changes to the actual code to tailor it to your needs. These usually will require a 3rd party to offer support. Imeem social networking software provides by-invitation-only access thatclaims to be completely encrypted and secure. InstaColl is a free application that allows collaboration using the most widelyused Microsoft Office applications. Writeboard gives users the freedom to access their files from any computer withan Internet connection. It is part wiki/part blog, with the capability of archiving eachrevised version.30So Where Do We Go From Here?We need a redesigned education system and teachers who have been retrained and reoriented to mobile learning (Hooper, as cited in Beyers, 2009, p. 219).

Open Source requires some expertise to configure and implement, but allows for changes to the actual code to tailor it to your needs. These usually will require a 3rd party to offer support. Imeem social networking software provides by-invitation-only access thatclaims to be completely encrypted and secure. InstaColl is a free application that allows collaboration using the most widelyused Microsoft Office applications. Writeboard gives users the freedom to access their files from any computer withan Internet connection. It is part wiki/part blog, with the capability of archiving eachrevised version.31Mobile LearningSocial Networking

Opposing ResearchPoses threatsProvides opportunities for unsuitable exposureIncreases teacher difficultiesCreates inappropriate relationshipsPromotes unlikely behaviorBecomes too personal

Advocating ResearchPromotes authenticityEngages students activelyGenerates enthusiastic conversation and dialogueBuilds relationshipsConstructs learning

BloggingEngages interactive conversationOffers authentic learningEasy usageBridges school and homeUse for composition practiceTransforms learningRequires reasoning

Social Networking Tools73% of teens have social network sites.FacebookTwitterLinkedIn Google+YouTube

4 billion cell phone usersReadily accessibleCost efficientMini-multimedia computersScreen castsChallenges

Tablets & Smartphones

Establish a Plan for Social NetworkingIncreases scopeConcern of openness and controlCompete globallyConnect personal life to learningOffer Internet availabilityGain knowledge from the expertsSeek licensuresReorganize pedagogy and infrastructureShift to pluralistic viewsEncourage teacher reformation

Mobile LearningFaculty Development/Pedagogy

FrameworksMalcolm Knowles- Principles of adult learningVygotsky- Zone of Proximal DevelopmentTinsley & Lepak- Zone of Reflective CapacityJean Watson- Human Caring Theory

Social PresenceSocial, Cognitive, Teacher (Rourke, Anderson, Garrison,Archer,2001- cited in Mayne)Social: most significant (Aragon,2003; Gunawardena & Little, 1997, both cited in Mayne)Increases interaction and learning; decreases isolation

FindingsAttrition rates higher in online (DiRamio)Adapt Learning Community principles (DiRamio)- C-E-R Tool Teaching presence is critical (Cobb, 2011)

Challenges Social nature of learning environmentInteractionOpportunities for critical thinkingActive engagement of learnersSubtopicsCollaboration and InteractionInstructor effectiveness is keyPedagogyFaculty actions important influence for learningFaculty development for online teachingWhat Now?Needs/issues identifiedApplication needed

Gaps/Research Questions1.) Pedagogy ChangesQuestions: What are the current best practice pedagogies for effective online teaching?

What changes must be made in online education to increase student satisfaction, learning, recruitment, and retention?

Gaps/Research Questions, contd2.) Instructor Effectiveness Questions- Do instructors demonstrate proficiency in developing online learning communities? Why arent online educators using learner centered teaching strategies?

What will close the gap between what we know and what we do in online education? Gaps/Research Questions3.) Faculty Developmentnot the same as F2F Questions: What are the current trends and practices for developing online faculty?

What evaluative tools should be used to assess online faculty effectiveness?

How can mentoring be used to develop online faculty?