ETC655: Lesson 4 Instructor’s Notes

(Same message posted to NAU email & Nabble Discussion Board)

I hope you had positive learning experiences in Lesson 3.  It is one of the most important lessons in our class because it introduced us the key theory, pedagogy, and analysis, such as ONLE strategies, SNA, and Evernote, PLE Diagram.

 

Here are my reflections on Lesson 3 discussion topics to share with you.

 

L3-KEY-1-Strategies: Instructor's Reflection

This discussion topic is related to our Assignment 2.  I hope you have better understanding on ONLE instructional strategies and know how it relates to OL instructional strategies.

 

In online learning or networking learning, we manage four most fundamental components: Content, Delivery Technology, Instructional Strategies, and Assessment.

Often we are not unclear with Delivery technology and instructional strategies.  Delivery technology refers to tools, devices, and applications, while are the "how" we integrate delivery technology.

 

Frequently, educators technology is just a tool. In a way, it is true, so it leaves "instructional strategies" as the key components in technology integration.

It is critical for us know a wide range of ONLE and OL instructional strategies. We all have the access to technology, but effective instructional strategies would make our instructions more engaging, and interactive.

In other words, when we design any online or network instructions, we need pay more attention to instructional strategies.

 

L2-KEY-2-SNA: Instructor's Reflection

SNA is a unique way to examine online social interaction and online community, such as online discussions.

 

SNA provides both quantitative (local and global metrics) and qualitative data (sociograms/network graphs).  Local metrics (for vertex and edges) and global metrics (for overall network structure) were calculated. Based on these metrics, network graphs are created to have visual bird-eye views of the network.  When you facilitate the lesson, you will have a chance to evaluate these analyses.

 

There are many ways we can measure interactivity in the social network of an online discussion board: (1) In-degree, (2) out-degree, (3) betweenness centrality, (4) closeness centrality, (5) eigenvector centrality, (6) reciprocated vertex pair ratio, and (7) PageRank. They can be generated with the social network analysis software of NodeXL Pro. I use NodeXL Pro to conduct the analysis for you to evaluate how well and what role you played in Lesson discussions.

 

SNA is a great way to know how each individual performance in online discussions as well.  As educational technology professionals, you should have competent knowledge and skills in examining participants' social interaction.

 

 

L3-KEY-3-Evernote-Instructor's Reflection: Go Mobile

Thanks for sharing your great ideas with us on Evernote.  Personally, I use Evernote almost every day for personal and professional purposes on mobile devices, iPhone and iPad in additional to my computer. Here are some mobile Evernote ideas to share with you: http://www.elearninglearning.com/evernote/integrate/mobile/   

 

It is no surprise that many of us foresee the potentials of Evernote. I would like to share one of previous ETC655 network training session in Evernote.  The group, in fact, trained us to use Evernote as more like LMS or PLE platform.  What a creative idea!!

Here is the recording.  In fact, the session was conducted in a very engaging way as well.

 

Don't miss!

 

ETC655 Network Training Session: Evernote (Spring 2014)

Starts 2:02:20

 

Evernote Web Clipper is an effective and efficient tool.  I use it personally for my own formal, non-formal, and informal learning regularly.  Regardless how we use it, one important concept that I like us to understand is "Tool Network."

 

When thinking about networks, we focus on people networks and resource networks, and overlook our own tool networks.  

 

I encourage you to think what your tool networks are and look alike.  Do you integrate them separately and individually?  How can you integrate them connectively to build your "networks?"

 

L3-KEY-4-Diagram: Instructor's Reflections

Thanks for many of your responses to this question. PLE diagram is an unique way to help us to understand our own PLE.  Regardless which types of diagram that you drew, did you see any categories of applied tools emerged?  What are they?  Do they cover your PLE comprehensively?  Any categories do you think you should have? Visual diagram is a great way to help us to organize, manage, and updating our PLE. Our PLE seems to focus on network tools.  Do you see your PLE cover "tool networks," "people networks," and "resources networks?"  If not, shouldn't we modify/update our PLE?  If yes, how people networks and resource network relate to tool networks? Does your PLE include non-digital components?  If not, do you think non-digital components may shift your PLE to different formation?