Reflection of Graphic Organizer

Within the area of technology there are tools that are very beneficial. These tools fall under the categories of content, communication, and collaboration. Distance Education requires collaboration and communication via technology.
In the area of content the learner and the instructor focus on the following: textbooks, professional journals, library resources, media streaming, wikis, learning communities, Internet, and search engines. All of these tools are used to increase the knowledge or content of the subject area. Professional journals are very helpful when trying to gather research regarding a topic. I have found that the media streams and downloads are full of information on the content being presented. Wikis are a way that students and instructors can share ideas and reflect upon the content being presented.
Collaboration has a large impact on the Distance Education enviroment. The learner must collaborate with peers and the instructor to gain knowledge of the presented content. It amazes me how many point of views that exist for a subject. Learning communities is the best way to stay in continous contact with your peers. The learning communities offers a place of safety for the students. The learning communities come together to reach a goal. The members offer assistance and criticism to further the learning of the community. Through threaded discussions the learner has the opportunity to interact with their peers and the instructor regarding the content. The varying points of view really leads the learner to think and analyze the content even more.
Communication is another important area. Communication within the Distance Education environment came be achieved by e-mail, texting, instant messaging, chats, and blogs. I have found Skype to be a very successful tool when communicating with my peers. This is accomplished by voice calls or messaging. Both works well. Facebook is another way that students may communicate. The ways in which you communicate is not what is important. What is important is that you communicate with your peers and the instructor to gain all the knowledge available. All of the three C's are important and work together so that the learner will be successful at achieving their goals!

Outline for Video Presentation

I. Collaboration within Distance Education

a. What is collaboration?
b. Why is collaboration important?
c. How can collaboration be implemented?

II. Effectiveness of collaboration

a. Keys to effective collaboration
b. Where is collaboration most effective?
c. When should collaboration be implemented?

III. Problems with collaboration

a. Downside to collaboration
b. Misuse of collaboration
c. Lack of collaboration

Assessing Collaborative Efforts

Participation and communication is an important aspect of an online learning environment. I believe that collaboration within the learning community helps all members be successfully. Everyone in the community comes to the table with valuable knowledge. This can be helpful and challenging. Some members of the group may be limited to their expertise of the technology and subject matter. This is where the group members play a vital role. They can assist the members having difficulty which will show that member that they are valued and important. This will result in a willingness to participate. I think that with the use of rubrics and openness in communication those assessments are fair and equitable.

When member(s) do not want to work within the learning community they can’t be forced. However, they must be encouraged by the other members. He or she may be encouraged by the members reaching out through e-mail or Skype as a way to communicate. Once, the group has tried to communicate it is up to the individual to participate or not with the group. I do not believe that the group should be penalized for lack of participation or communication of one or two of the members. The other members of the learning community should continue with their communication and participation within the group. The instructor may need to contact the member of the group who isn’t participating to inquire about the reasons for not participating. The lack of participation of one member shouldn’t affect the assessment plan because the remaining group members are focused on achieving the goals that are in place.

Reference:
Laureate Education, Inc. (2008). Learning Communities featuring George Siemens [Video program].