Is the lack of face to face contact a limitation ?

                                                                                        Picture by Cindy

As we were sharing in our last online session, there are many challenges using technologies in online experiences. In my opinion, we built a dynamic and heterogeneous network. In this network each person works as a node which offers a unique and interesting point of view reflected on personal blogs, digital projects, etc.

I was reading about online education experiences and one common challenge is the lack of face to face contact among students and teachers. Different authors suggest that the lack of face to face contact can produce student’s isolation and lack of motivation. Although, once I was talking face to face with Alec (our instructor) I don’t consider the lack of face to face contact as a big limitation during our online course.

Perhaps, the use of synchronous online tools such us video conference, chats and more dynamic web site contribute to a better interaction and communication among the actors of a learning experience. Also, the implementation of collaborative projects related with active learning theories promotes the student’s independency.

Perhaps, the lack of face to face contact’s consequences (isolation and lack of motivation) is more common in online experiences which reproduce teacher centered model of learning.
Using the technologies advances which facilitate the online contact through images, sound and text is not enough. Also, it is really important the educational design inspired in active and cooperative models.

All Ideas are welcome!!

Luis

Reflections on my Major Project

 

What I did ?

Throughout this semester I was building a wikispace as my major project. In my major project the ideas of Informal Learning and web 2.0 converge. I also presented some applications and personal reflections. I included some definitions about what informal learning is and what web 2.0 is. I used three web 2.0 applications: Animoto, Voicetread and Photoshow.

The premises that inspire my final project are:

• Web 2.0 tools can contribute to social community development through informal learning experiences.
• People, organizations and communities are learning beyond formal programs.
• Using technologies in education involves political, economical and social factors

 What I learned?

 I think this course was a great opportunity to learn more about education, learning and technologies. First of all, I learned more about the possibilities that technologies offer for Informal learning. I imagine many different ways how individuals, groups and communities can use the technologies as a means for learning. Also, I realize more deeply the challenges that technologies carry, such as the digital gap, digital literacy and technophobia among others.

I realize also the risks that technologies may affect the learning environment without proper guides or orientations. I am talking about cyber bulling, access to child pornography and any inappropriate online activities.

And for me, one of the most important active reflections is how technologies can contribute to impose a global market learning style, instead of promoting personal and collective development.

I have learned that using technologies in education has many social, political and economical factors involved.

However, I am really sure that technologies and education can be a really good opportunity to enhance learning experiences, and also contribute to building more democratic and open societies. As educators, we can reflect on our values and educational philosophies in learning education, both online and the face to face classroom. 

 Barriers

In my personal case, one of the most significant barriers is my condition of not being a native English speaker. In my opinion online courses like this are really dynamic and interactive. I realize it is not always easy to follow up all the blog course readings and also to write new comments. Anyways, I really enjoyed this course, I think that was a great opportunity for me.

 Thanks everyone !!

Luis

Second Life’s Memories

A couple of weeks ago, I visited the Second Life website, as part of our course Computers in the Classroom. I have to admit that before this experience I thought that Second Life was an online site for ghosts or living beyond this material world as digital spirits. Instead, I found in Second Life a real educational and interesting experience. Visiting Second Life Campus of the University of Saskatchewan was a challenge and I have come to recognize that it is not easy. I did realize how difficult working on the Second Life web site would be. After that experience, I have some reflections:

• First of all, you need a well equipped computer with both a fast and a stable connection to the Internet.

• I would recommend that you take the first tour on Second Life with someone who is already familiar with the site, as we did.

• The newcomers should be patient and take time to be familiar with all the instructions and options

• As in any online educational activity, visiting Second Life must be planned in advance.

I do not want to discourage potential visitors, but in order to have a successfully experience they should consider these simple recommendations.

I would like to visit Second Life again. I think that this online place offers really good options for learning experiences.

One interesting thing about my visit to Second Life was on that evening my whole family was watching at the computer and trying to follow the directions. My kids were talking about Second Life for days. I would like share this short video about what Catalina, my younger daughter, thinks about Second Life.

Luis

Catalina is visiting Second Life