Module 5 Moving Toward Dynamic Technologies/Concept Map dMiller

Peers, see below for Module 5 Blog assignment.
Regards., David Miller

As a result of the curriculum, collaboration, use of innovation and diffused technologies in The Principles of Distance Education, I believe I am somewhere in the middle of the “static-dynamic continuum”. According to Moller (2008), we often see technologies or approaches to learning that include wikis, blogs, and discussion boards. Having the opportunity to use media technology in this program at Walden has shown me how to communicate, collaborate and view content in an online setting. I am analyzing what others contribute in the discussions within a learning community that allow me to share and respond to other scholars ideas which are expanding my on knowledge. Although I am using mind-maps and learning in a multi-user environment, I don't see myself on the dynamic end of the continuum because my experience using these technologies is limited. However, as I progress in the program I believe the interaction with classmates through various media technologies I will gradually shift to the dynamic end of the continuum. While I feel comfortable with my current use of technology, I do not want to become complacent. As an educator I hope to incorporate blogs, wikis and mind maps into my teaching to relay the content to my students and to give them encouragement as they strive to gain new knowledge. As Fahy indicates in the reading, it will be important for distant educators to monitor the trends as they usually translate from an individual's culture to the online classroom. (Fahy, 2008).

          I also have learned that incorporating blogs and wikis into the learning process has enriched learning and given me the confidence to use them while watching new trends in technology. I think as technology changes, we will always be challenged to move in the "dynamic" arena. To keep up with the changes if we pursue careers in distance education we will have to move towards the dynamic continuum. I think remaining on the static end of the continuum will create an adverse effect.

References

Fahy, P. (2008), Characteristics of interactive online learning media. Anderson, T. (Ed.). Edmonton, AB:    Athabasca University Press.


Moller, L. (2008). Static and dynamic technological tools. [Unpublished Paper].

Additional Sources:

CHIN (Canadian Heritage Information Network). Creating and Managing Digital Content http://www.chin.gc.ca/English/Digital_Content/ index.html

Cornell University Library (2003) Digital Preservation, Management: Implementing Short-term Strategies for Long-term Problems,

http://www.library.cornell.edu/iris/tutorial/dpm

Distance Education Clearinghouse (2007). Provides a wide range of definitions of distance learning and distance education http://www.uwex.edu/disted

Open Directory Project Distance Learning entry, viewed 22 November 2007,

http://www.dmoz.org/Reference/Education/ Distance Learning

PrestoSpace (2006) Preservation Guide. November 2007, http://wiki.prestospace.org/ pmwiki.php?n=Main.NavigationGuide

TASI (Technical Advisory Service for Images) Advice

Documents.  http://www.tasi.ac.uk/advice/advice.html

Includes an Introduction to Digital Preservation and Establishing a Digital Preservation Strategy http://www.tasi.ac.uk/advice/delivering/digpres.html