Just a quick word. I have posted a link to an article by Henry Jenkins (opposite) where he discusses young and mature learners and shatters some of the assumptions we may have about them. Certainly rang a few bells for me.
I also took time to read the posting that Leigh recommneded on Wiki's and Blogs and, in particular, the information on setting up an online course using the same. I was struck by how much this resembled Blackboard (although, probably a little less confusing than Blackboard) and the thought I had was why does everybody hate Blackboard so much. As someone who came to Blackboard only this year and had one day to set it up fdor a Yr1 course I was suprised how easy it was to put course information up and to track who was reading what and give feedback about exams, changes of venue, issues raised in class, etc. I would be intersted to hear from the group as to what other mediums they have tried, what you thought of them, and what worked best given the overall demands of a course.
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4 comments:
Hi Graeme,
I've used Blackboard a bit both as a student and as a teacher. I've used it in a similar way to you as a shared storage medium (uploading files that I want the students to access), and to post announcements on whatever's going on at any given time.
It does the job, however it does seem that you can get more or less the same functionality out of blogs & email groups. They're easier to access, and may also act as a marketing tool indirectly. Also, as Dave Cornier points out in that recent blog posting they provide students with a reference source that continues after their original education finishes, whereas this is not the case in a locked password protected learning management system.
This is all theory at the moment - at present the only e-learning tools that I've used with my students are Blackboard, email, and del.icio.us
Hi there, I use Blackboard and don't have too many complaints, but then, I haven't known anything better. I do like the fact that everything is in one place. Having said that, I have enjoyed using the blog for this course-it seems as well organized as BB although does not feel quite so intimidating as BB. cheers Sarah
Hi Graeme
I've used Blackboard as a student and found it straightforward to use and as Sarah has said a big plus is that 'everything is in one place'.
In a previous job I used a web based learning management system where I could create quizzes, access subject content (like an e-book), display web links and monitor student participation and scores. (So similar to Blackboard). It was helpful for a few topics (ones that leaned towards research/analyse) but the kids were spurred on by the fact that they could get instant feedback on tests and could search for specific material - they liked this espeially during revision time. The main drawback for me was that it was so time consuming to set up lessons (although I appreciate that once they were done they were there for the following year!). Also, the resulting volume of emails I received from the kids took me by surprise.
The whole experience was directed by me and I think the benefit of the blog approach in our course is that there can be a central directing point but also personal areas for individuals to develop/express their own material.
Cheers
Yvonne
yeah blackboard does have its place. what is most important is that we choose the tool for the type of interaction we want to promote with our students. If we need to have really private secret squirrel discussions then a blackboard discussion forum will be more secure.
if we want our class to set up their own identities and communicate in a unique way what they are learning- then a blog and wiki may be the way to go.
if we want to introduce our class to a professional network/community of practice then we need to choose more open and accessible methods. and if we want to invite collaboration and open communication with others including the class - then wikis, email groups and other web 2 strategies will entice.
the wonderful thing is that we have a very open-minded organisation at OP and IT people who dont mind some experimentation.
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