The projects have been presented and assignments submitted. This blog entry marks the final post for the Using Technologies in Teaching and Training course (EDTC0560). The end of the course also signifies the completion of the Certificate in Adult and Continuing Education program for me. Rather than reflecting on EDTC0560, I find myself looking back over my CACE journey. It's interesting that my first CACE course was delivered in the traditional classroom format and the final course delivered online with a focus on hands-on exploration of educational technologies. Courses in between ran the gamut of eLearning experiences in an LMS environment. From those simply translated from teacher-centered, classroom "learning" (read a pile of assigned articles, write an assignment, submit to instructor, repeat) to the learner-centered, online delivery of EDTC0560 and its use of mini, project-based learning assignments that enabled me to find confidence exploring new technologies for teaching and training. A completely engaging experience. I had visions of having some profound insight to share at "the end". Submitting the final assignment was a relief, but I don't feel done. I've already been experiencing a transition to the phase of applying the tools to the trade. The CACE may be closed, but the learning continues. I'm looking forward to what comes next!
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Based on the Kanban methodology commonly used in agile development, Trello is a visual collaboration tool that organizes projects using boards, lists, and cards to enable prioritization of tasks. With little previous exposure to the tool, our group decided to use Trello as a project management tool for our course project. Having had some experience with Kanban boards using Microsoft’s Visual Studio Team Foundation Server, and as a life-long list maker, the concept of boards, lists, and cards was familiar. After registering with a free account, a short tutorial demonstrated setting up and using boards. It was simple to create a team board, invite members, and begin outlining project tasks. We decided to use To-Do, Doing, and Done lists to begin and added lists for Meetings, Discussions and Email Addresses (although we realized this was not required as Subscribing to lists allows automatic emails to be sent when updates are made). Populating lists with appropriate cards required collaboration and agreement on the desired level of detail to track tasks. The elegance of using the application is that each member can create and manage their own cards. However, it helps to have at least one member following the tasks from a high level perspective to ensure the tasks meet the overall requirements. To do that, cards can be created to hold checklists including requirements for a related group of tasks. (e.g. the project rubric, and “Build Presentation”). Checklist items in this "parent" card became individual task cards that could be assigned to team members.
The group quickly embraced the at-a-glance collaborative features of Trello. Once we discovered that we could easily connect by adding comments to cards and share resources, it became our main communication channel. Over the course of the project, the tool helped us stay on track and we were able to visibly see our progress as we watched the “Done” list lengthen while the “To-Do” list shortened – before the project deadline. In exploring topics for an EdTech assignment examining an emerging or future technology and its potential applications in teaching and training, our group selected a technology that has evolved from the dream of a 1950s psychologist into a leading contender for the most important ‘disruptor' in education of the future. Adaptive Learning – an educational method that uses computers and hand held devices to orchestrate resources according to the unique needs of each learner - is explored, demonstrated, and analyzed in the following presentation by examining its origins, evolution, current landscape, and future trends.
Google Drive is a file storage and synchronization service that allows users to store files in the cloud, synchronize files across devices, and share files. Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides are part of the free, web-based office suite of tools offered within the Google Drive service. Although I have been using the tools extensively for personal use, a recent group project allowed me to deepen my understanding of the system and its features. A powerful feature for group projects is the ability to collaborate online within any of the Google apps. Each group member is able to create and update documents simultaneously, making the applications ideal platforms for groups to plan, review, and edit content collectively. In addition, anyone can create a document and share it with whomever they choose, providing permissions to view or edit as required. The sharing feature was initially a pain point with the group. To share Google documents, the creator can share with specific individuals or anyone who has the link. Where individual sharing becomes difficult is adding each user separately. The process of finding the correct contact information and adding it for each document, each time can become cumbersome. Enter the magic of Google Drive. As the overarching service for the applications, shared folders can be created one time using each group member’s contact information. Any document, of any file type, created within the folder is shared with all folder members. This is not limited to Google applications. Uploading any file such images, audio, video, pdf, and even those built within Microsoft applications allows each member access to those files. A point worth mentioning about Microsoft files. Google Drive allows viewing of these documents within the related Google app. For example, Microsoft Word docs can be viewed within Google Docs. However, the some of the features of MS Word and Google Docs are different. For editing purposed, it is better to open the document within its original application, which takes away some of the freedom Google drive provides to open files anywhere on any device as not all devices are equipped with Microsoft applications. As a final note, file management is an important consideration when sharing documents. Until the end, the group didn’t realize that there is a version control feature within Google Drive. Files were managed using file names and sub folders for older versions. Unless it is well understood and agreed upon what the file management system is, finding documents can become confusing. In the next iteration of my experience using Google Drive, I’ll be sure to investigate the version control feature. |
What's this about?Documenting my exploration of Ed Tech and how it applies to the field of Adult Education. These are my Ang-ventures. ...see more Archives
April 2017
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