Current Issues & New Directions

The hype of eLearning  has boomed over recent years to become a very popular method of learning. eLearning can be done wherever you have a device capable of doing so. It can fit it in to your schedule, but also save money on the costs of travel. Technology-enhanced learning has evolved both from enhancements to earlier generations of face-to-face teaching and enhancements to earlier generations of distance education. Engaged intentional design of learning experiences has also evolved to promote the most effective design to serve the learners, their life experiences and the opportunities and limitations of the particular environment. For example, many graduate programs have deliberately designed programs for working adults, which are predominantly offered online but also include short-term face-to-face residencies. Currently, I am applying eLearning to my own educational advancements .It has allowed to complete studies in a way that has been efficient, conducive and cost saving as all I need is a device to access the online learning environment. Because technology is so much more powerful, easier to use, and prevalent, we have been able to mix and match content, media, instructional methods, and modalities, in the future, I would like to offer my students some kind of e-book or project that they can access online and complete over a period of time.

Rich Media includes features like video, audio, or other elements that encourage viewers to interact and engage with the content. I can see using rich media to track important elements in real-time such as engagement rates and times, and interaction rates. Students can watch a YouTube video and it helps to gain attention and maintain student interest in the theories and concepts under discussion. Students can see the theories and concepts in action.. This information can be used in other projects and provide administration with tangible data.

Virtual Worlds  is an internet-based, simulated environment where users interact by using avatars, or graphical images that represent people. Using games like Minecraft can sere as a useful tool for engaging students.  These educators know that 3D virtual learning environments are far more than mere games and that their potential to engage students, personalize curricula and develop higher-order thinking skills is worth the fight against fears of time wasting, questionable online influences and doubts about educational value. One of the best things about virtual environments is that they allow the user to build and create. Among the possibilities up for creation are virtual simulations, such as a virtual hospital for training health care workers or a virtual battlefield for military missions. This can help diverse learners create a picture and participate in a non-threatening way.

The learning technologies that I chose to discuss can facilitate learning in a way that allows for student engagement and participation.  By allowing students to think outside of the box and work in a student-centered environment will facilitate learning and gain interest in the subject or topic for which students are learning. Keeping students involved, motivated, and actively learning is challenging educators across the country, yet good ethics and guidance are crucial to successful implementation.  The goal is to look beyond the challenges and seek solutions by confirming what the District’s guidelines are and stay within those parameters.

The technologies that I mentioned earlier enhance accessibility and will assist with diverse learning needs. When students are allowed to use different modalities it strengthens what a user can produce and foster creativity, It will come in handy, especially for that student who has very poor handwriting or who has a hard time getting started on projects or research. Using media requires a complete understanding of copyright law, an appreciation of the workload involved, and some skill in recognizing content that will enhance learning, instead of becoming a distraction. Teachers can sometimes get too comfortable and simply repeat what has worked for them in the past with little or no regard for any new technological tools. However, I also feel that the door swings both ways in this situation, and those students have to be responsible, too, and show that they can use technology appropriately and without any problems. None of the technologies are a  replacement for face-to-face teaching, students still need to be able to discuss any issues they may have with their teacher and in the real world. The technologies should be considered as a complimentary aid to other teaching methods. A student’s safety and privacy, unauthorized access at school, and objectionable materials showing up at school is an important responsibility for teachers that use IDT in the classroom.

Rieser, R.A, Dempsey, J V.(2002).  Trends and issues in instructional design and technology.  Upper Saddler River, N.J.  Merrill Prentice Hall, c2002.