Final Responses

I responded to

Cora Blades
Rachel Salley
Lewis Chappelear
Tawanna Stiff
Laura Lee

Video Presentation- Professional Distance Education Conference

Link for my video. 
Collaboration in Distance Education

https://docs.google.com/leaf?id=0B8yMJkvD8E1LYzM0MGRhYmQtNGE4YS00NWZkLWFkYWYtNmJiNjUyYmRhMmFj&hl=en_US

Concept Map and Reflection

https://cannong.wikispaces.com/file/view/ConceptMapCannonC.docx

Engaging Learners with New Strategies and Tools

Click link to view my graphic organizer

http://cannong.wikispaces.com/file/view/engaging+learners+grapic+organizer.doc

Assessing Collaborative Efforts

Siemen discussed in the video that participative pedagogy is collaboration and teamwork in curricular activities. The key to a successful learning community is collaboration and teamwork. The instructor must provide clear instructions for all activities and a detailed rubric for assessment. I can see how assessment may be difficult to grade when some students are more actively involved in the learning community than others. Siemen also discussed three models for assessment in a collaborative environment. The models are students assess their peers, students receive feedback from online communities, and educators assess based on student contributions. I personally believe students should be assessed based on what is required of them for a particular assignment. I can see how some members of a learning community could disagree with this idea if they are going above and beyond the expectations for these assignments. If the instructor’s rubric is understood, then there should be no misunderstanding about assessment. 

I learned from the writing of Palloff and Pratt how important it is for members of a learning community to be active and maintain participation to achieve the desired goal. The goal of the learning community is to acquire knowledge by collaborating with others. I am aware of the benefits of communicating with professionals in and out of my field of work. Each member of the learning community should be aware of the role they play and how they are a crucial component. We are all aware of the difficulties that arise in our daily lives. We should be understanding for our partners and willing to help each other stay on track. An email or phone call to provide support and show concern could be what it takes to get someone back on track. This is essential for maintaining a successful learning community and achieving the overall goal.

References:

Palloff, R. M., & Pratt, K. (2005). Collaborating online: Learning together in community. San      Francisco: Jossey-Bass.

Laureate Education, Inc. (2008). Principles of Distance Education. Baltimore: Author

Storyboard for Video Presentation

Module 3: Storyboard for Video Presentation
Collaboration
Christopher Cannon

http://cannong.wikispaces.com/file/view/StoryboardCollaborationCannonC.pptx

Elements Of Distance Education Diffusion

I have three years experience in teaching a collaborative course at my elementary school. I teach this course with a special education teacher. I have been able to experience and reflect on the benefits from this type of instruction. I want to focus on the impacts of this kind of teaching for online students. I believe this is a strong principle of distance learning.

Collaboration in instruction aids the ability to meet the needs of each student. I believe instructors should create an environment in their classroom where students play an active role in their learning by engaging with other students to master learning objectives. Instructors should create an environment in their classroom where students play an active role in their learning by engaging with other students to master learning objectives.

The information I have acquired about online collaboration has given me insight on how to incorporate the use of technology in an appropriate and effective manner to enhance my instruction. I make a strong effort to meet the needs of each student in my instructional planning. The incorporation of technology will help engage my students and provide a more active learning environment.

Reference:
Laureate Education, Inc. (2008). Principles of Distance Education. Baltimore: Author