ETEC 674: Session 5 New Media

When we talk about new media our part of our thought go unconsciously to the social media. In fact, social media comprise the big portion of the new media that have a significant attention currently.  When I started look for resource for this assignment  I never imagine how many application and web service that available today that consider social media. The graphical illustrates the wide array of social media tools available today.

to see the graph in actual size :http://www.ciff.net/seminarioformanciononline/DocumentoSeminarioII.pdf

Fred Cavazza, a French consultant in new media, breaks down the various forms of social media into ten categories in his “Social Media Landscape”: publication tools, sharing tools, discussion tools, social networks, micro publication tools, social aggregation tools, live cast, virtual worlds, social gaming and massively multiplier online gaming (MMO) (Cavazza 2008).

http://www.ciff.net/seminarioformanciononline/DocumentoSeminarioII.pdf

To decide what new media that I want to talk about I asked myself a question what is the media that I get the most educational benefits from? I have learned so many things outside classical classroom or workshop. Self-development is a part of human growth nowadays for most of people. So, it is easy to judge social media based on their educational benefits. I am not here to compare new media tools. But I need to choose tool that I think it is useful.

In my opinion YouTube is contains a great and fabulous source of educational information. YouTube was founded in February 2005, YouTube allows billions of people to discover, watch and share originally-created videos. YouTube provides a forum for people to connect, inform, and inspire others across the globe and acts as a distribution platform for original content creators and advertisers large and small. What makes it the richest resource of visual and video information.

         YouTube provide great opportunities to e-learning instructors to create a creative method of e-learning. First, YouTube fill out of educational video clips and educational channels. It has a significant number of partnerships with leading universities in the world, which operate channels with full-length lectures. In this case e-learning instructor can choose from a variety of options to determine lesson’s resource. Second, many amateur people create instructional video to share their experience in their field with other people. You can learn almost any subjects of interest that consider as hoppy. For example, Photography, internet design, graphic design, video editing, sound editing, computer maintenance, music, different kind of workout sport. Yoga, languages and hundreds of subjects and hoppy. Third, instructors can use thousands of educational material available on YouTube to enhance critical thinking by asking students to view two clips and answer questions based on a synthesis of both. It helps them hone critical thinking and writing skills,.  In a geographic lesion, instructors can take the student to see natural phenomenon, common place or a city or country by displaying a video about that place this usually available on YouTube. Instruction can also record his lecture and make it available for students to revise the lecture as much as they need.

One great benefits of using YouTube in education is that it ensures great student engagement and interest.  YouTube in itself appeals for the majority of young generation, using tools that attractive to students ensures more engagement and interest.  What is make YouTube is so common is the ease of creating and sharing video clips. Instructors and student can use their smart phone camera to record and share video clips among each other. YouTube as well is a home of thousands of students’ projects.

          YouTube as communication tool consider as two way communication tools. It has a future that allow viewer to post a comments and share information. However, YouTube is an open resource that means everyone can watch and leave comments. Instructor can adjust the video settings so he or she can preview and approve comments, video responses and ratings.  This prevents inappropriate comments from being published, and deters the posters from trying again.  

YouTube contains many features that could be used to support educational activities. Channels where instructor can create channel to group relating video to establish a rich course resource. Subscribe: students can subscribe to content feeds. Comments: students can leave their comments bout a video uploaded. Views: instructors can account the number of time a video has been watched. Rating: video can be rated by students.

YouTube can be powerful educational and motivational tools not in itself but how it is used. There are many approaches that can be used to engage YouTube in the learning process and activities. For example, instructors can allow their student to create a short video as a part of assignment instead of traditional essay and share that with classmates on YouTube. Creation video improves a student’s visual literacy, an important skills in today’s electronic culture. YouTube can be used to create a learning community where everyone has a voice every can contribute equally. Instructor can also record a video of guest speaker and use the YouTube comments to create some discussion. Pose a question at the end of class that can be considered from distinct viewpoints and ask your students to search for 2-3 video references relating to the different perspectives. The use of video as a part of an anticipatory set to promote discussion can be useful tool to engage with an audience already enamored with the YouTube phenomenon (Duffy, 2008). YouTube can be used to  support language learning. it is a strong tools to teach language accent and vocabulary where instructors can bring into the class a real native speaker for any language. 

        

      YouTube contains many features that could be used to support educational activities. Channels where instructor can create channel to group relating video to establish a rich course resource. Subscribe: students can subscribe to content feeds. Comments: students can leave their comments bout a video uploaded. Views: instructors can account the number of time a video has been watched. Rating: video can be rated by students.

      YouTube can be powerful educational and motivational tools not in itself but how it is used. There are many approaches that can be used to engage YouTube in the learning process and activities. For example, instructors can allow their student to create a short video as a part of assignment instead of traditional essay and share that with classmates on YouTube. Creation video improves a student’s visual literacy, an important skills in today’s electronic culture. YouTube can be used to create a learning community where everyone has a voice every can contribute equally. Instructor can also record a video of guest speaker and use the YouTube comments to create some discussion. Pose a question at the end of class that can be considered from distinct viewpoints and ask your students to search for 2-3 video references relating to the different perspectives. The use of video as a part of an anticipatory set to promote discussion can be useful tool to engage with an audience already enamored with the YouTube phenomenon (Duffy, 2008). YouTube can be used to  support language learning. it is a strong tools to teach language accent and vocabulary where instructors can bring into the class a real native speaker for any language.
       
        What I do not like about YouTube is the distraction that happens when you view a clip. I think the suggestions list that always appears beside the video raises intriguing for most of people that sometimes take student away from the video clip that they must watch. I do not think Blackboard has the future of video sharing. Student can provide a link to a video or podcast in a discussion board.   

Useful link and resource

http://www.centerdigitaled.com/edtech/Is-Education-Ready-For-YouTube.html

http://www.pearsonlearningsolutions.com/assets/downloads/reports/social-media-for-teaching-and-learning-2013-infographic.pdf#view=FitH,0

http://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/ED535130.pdf

ETEC 648, Delivery Plan

a.Describe what you will deliver. A one-hour lesson? a unit? a training? a language lesson? a green tech workshop?

Eight years ago I used to provide Adobe Photoshop course to university students as a part of extracurricular activities. In this course I am planning to design Adobe Photoshop elements online training course. The course will be three weeks long, two lessons per week. The reason for that is Adobe provide one month free trial version so student who cannot buy a version they can use a trial version for this course. Adobe Photoshop elements is a photo editing software. It is little brother of Photoshop CC. it contains lots of powerful image-manipulation tools, excellent output options, printing, online, photo books.

b. Describe what you will have for the delivery. A syllabus? an agenda? welcome email? course orientation file? podcast?

In this course I will use two communication methods synchronous and asynchronous communication tools. I will use and email as a primary method for individual interaction between student and instructor and students to students communication. Student – content communication will be through course web site. I will use hangout app on Google to conduct a synchronous lesson. fundamental futures in this app are it is free, second it allow screen sharing. The course will start by welcome email, this email contains an attached syllabus. The syllabus must will contains general course information, instructor contact information, technical and software requirements, course calendar, assignment and project, and evaluation strategies.

c. Describe your audience. Who will you deliver it to? Are they real audience or fictitious students? What are the learner characteristics?

In fact, I do not have a real trainee at this time. I will take into consideration fictitious trainee. This could target high school students, university graphic design, media, art student, people who work in the field of press and journalism, and people who are interesting in photography and design. All trainees must have basic computer skills and permanent access to the internet. They must be 15 years old or older.

d. When do you plan to deliver your lesson/training? What will be the duration of the activity?

My plan is to start this course in November First. The session will last for three weeks including practical activities. Last week will be allocated to the final project.

2. Good Start

a. Post all material for the delivery including material for “Good Start,” for example, having a technology check list, MP3 file for course orientation, and/or student profilmaile.

Welcome Email

Hello everyone

Welcome to Adobe Photoshop element online course. In this course we will learn how to edit and purify picture, and how to apply fabulous effects on it. We will discover the software great futures. This course will be fully online with some synchronous meeting. All course material will be available on instructor’s website ahmedfallatah.com. the most important thing to get advantages from this course is to spent a significant time working on the software. As much as you spend time as much as you get benefits. Please look at the course syllabus carefully and get ready to start.  Please feel free to email me any time.

 Trainee profile

Name:………………………………………………………..	Address…………………......... ………………………………... ………………………………..
Email: …………………………………………………...........
Cell Phone: ……………………………………………………
Status:   high school student o          University/ Collage student o                 Employment  o
Computer skills :  Poor o                      Fairo                  Good o                  excellent o
Have you ever use any photo editing software?        Yes o       NO o   if yes which one………...
What is your goals of taking this course: …………………………………………………………. ………………………………………………………………………………………………………
Course technical requirements: o internet access o Google account ( to hangout use) o Photoshop Element software o Computer headphone.

b. How will you know if your delivery is good? Write your evaluation or assessment plan. Include instruments or rubrics for your assessment.

This course is not a part of a program curriculum. Trainee will not get an exam or test. Evaluating trainee project give me a fair knowledge about the delivery level. An important method that must be apply in this course is the feedback options. I will design feedback applications to get the trainee opinion about the different aspect of the course: course material, course content, technology used in the course, instructor, interaction tools and the course outcomes. 

ETEC 674 session 4 Focus Questions

1. Our text categorizes electronic information into four types:

Textual Information

Presentation Graphics Slide Show

Spreadsheets and Databases

Multimedia objects

Provide an example or multiple examples of effective use of each type of electronic information for eLearning. Be sure to provide specific information about what makes your indicated use “effective”. Explaining effectiveness in light of one of the media theories as presented in this session (or another media theory you prefer) is expected.

i use this image which present the  media richness theory to use it as a measurement tools for the four type of electrons information

Textual Information

 Textual information is a type of electronic information that part of one-way communication in e-learning. in e-learning textual information is created mainly to be viewed on computer monitor. One important use of textual information in an online environment is to distribute topic information. The distribution of subject information comes in several shapes such as articles, announcements, and syllabuses. Syllabuses usually presented in textual information format. The syllabus is designed to serve students and instructors as a contract between them in the course. It is designed to ensure a fair understanding of course policies, materials, objectives. Regulations, directions, calendar, and assessment strategies. According to Media richness theory that presented in this session, the syllabuses as textual information medium is considered as such low level of richness comparing with other mediums, because the syllabus only address – in my opinion- one of four criteria. Which is the Ability to handle multiple information cues. In the syllabus the instructor is able to indicate the Language of welcoming and the language of seriousness at the same time.

Presentation Graphics Slide Show

The second type of electronic information types is presentation graphics of slide show. Of course, this medium considered more attractive than Textual Information due to the ability it has to include picture, clip arts, text, sound effects, chart and animations. An example of effective use of presentation graphic slide show is using presentation in Synchronous communication in an online lecture or meeting. In Blackboard Collaborate and other web service like Liveminutes instructor can present a presentation on computer screen as if they are in classic classroom. I think using presentation slide show in online meeting increases the insurance of effective engagement in an online lecture. A according to Media richness theory, this medium has a higher level of effectiveness than the Textual Information but in the same time it does not ensure instant feedback, or the ability  to transmit cues such as facial expression, body language and tone of voice. The effectiveness of this medium depends on the content where it comes in. For example the effectiveness of presentation slide show could be more effectual if the instructor uses it in online meeting or lecture than if he or she posted on course website.

 Spreadsheets and Databases.

The most common use of spreadsheets and databases is to present numerical data. I think one important use in an online course is to use spreadsheets and databases to analysis research data. This could be effectively used in a research course. Where data gathering and analyses are so crucial. Instruction can post numerical data in a purpose of teaching different type of analysis methodology.  Microsoft Excel allows user to create a creative pie, column, line, and bar chart. Using this tools to present, analyses, discuss data make makes the numerical data more easy to be understood. According to Media richness theory that presented in this session, spreadsheets and databases come in the lower level of effectiveness.   

Multimedia objects

In term of Multimedia objects, is consider the most effective of electronic information. This type of electronic information can meet most of four criteria of media richness theory. One common use of multimedia objects is the personal video. Instructor can record a video clips especially at the beginning of the course to explain to student the main concept and regulation of the course. Sometime it can be used to explain concepts or topic.  Facial expression, body language and tone of voice, and natural language it can be effectively used to transmit a successful massage.

2. Our text goes into some very specific detail on the proper formatting of textual information. Explain what you believe to be the most important guidelines for your use of textual information that are provided in the text and then create a sample text document (other than an announcement) that demonstrates the best practices of formatting textual information. Be sure to explain the purpose of the document and who the intended users are if that isn’t obvious from the document itself.

I believe that reading textual information on computer monitor is more difficult than on a printed paper. So making the formatting more convenient is crucial. The most important formatting in my view is clunking information. Information is organized so that the most important idea is presented first. Use white space butted list and other text attributes. This formatting improves student’s ability to process text quickly on their computer screen. An important formatting there is to reduce scroll movement on the monitor. I will provide in the following line a part of research proposal as example of the formatting of the textual information.  

Using Smart Boards In Higher Education

Title

  Use of Smart Boards by Academic Staff at KAU

Objectives

The objectives of the proposed project are to:

1. Determine the percentage of academic staff at King Abdul-Aziz University using smart boards in their teaching. 

2. investigate the reasons why some academic staff do not use smart boards in their teaching,

3. Identify what training program would encourage and teach academic staff to use smart boards in their teaching.

4. Design and implement a training program for academic staff regarding the use of smart boards in teaching and learning through the Center for Teaching and Learning Development (CTLD).

Rationale for the Project

I will conduct the research for the following reasons:

1.Using technology in education is important.

2.An important goal of the CTLD at King Abdul-Aziz University, Saudi Arabia is to enhance the use of technology in teaching and learning. This is done fundamentally though training programs and workshops.    

3.Designing and executing  training programs and workshops is an important aspect of the ongoing education for the academic staff at KAU, but action research in specific subject areas is needed to identify their exact training needs.

Purpose of the Particular Project

The purpose of the project is to clearly identify the training needs of academic staff at KAU focusing on the educational application of smart boards.

Research Questions

1.   What is the benefit of using smart board technology in the teaching and learning process in higher education?

2.   What is the most important application of smart board technology in KAU classrooms?

3.   What percentage of the academic staff at KAU does not use smart boards in their teaching?

4.   What are reasons why academic staffs do not use smart boards in KAU classrooms?

5.   What is the appropriate training program for CTLD to teach and encourage academic staff to use smart boards in classrooms?

3. What is the difference between synchronous and asynchronous communication as it is used in eLearning and how do you choose between the two for a given task?

Asynchronous communication is a communications that take place outside of real time. For example, an email message. You later read and respond to the message in real time. Discussion board is another example of asynchronous communication.

On the other hand, asynchronous communication is a real-time communication. Communications takes place like a conversation the responds come back in the same time. Chat session in any chat room is an example of asynchronous communication. Another example is video conference or any web service that provide online meeting options. I use asynchronous communications to deliver course content. Information and announcements. Asynchronous communication is appropriate if the instruction needs to address certain topic with high expectation of questions or comments. If the instructor feels that the topic is complex and need a lot of effort to be explained the asynchronous communication is the best choice. Asynchronous communication is used as well in a case if the instructor needs to invite a guest speaker into the course.

http://www.vcu.edu/cte/resources/newsletters_archive/OC0407.PDF

http://online.education.ed.ac.uk/gallery/lloyd_williams_communication.pdf

4. What technologies does your CMS/LMS have to support synchronous communication?

Synchronous communication technologies that blackboard has is a Blackboard Collaborate. Which is real time communication between student and instructor. It allows user to meet online using voice call and screen sharing.

5. What technologies does your CMS/LMS have to support asynchronous communication?

Blackboard has many asynchronous communication technologies. For Example, email, blogs, and discussion board.

6. Describe a task or assignment you could use in an online class that would use either asynchronous or synchronous communication. Explain the task or assignment, identify the technology you would use to support the activity and explain why you chose that technology. Explain what you would do to ensure that the activity was successful.

I believe that course assignment and task is more appropriate with asynchronous communication. Due to the time concerning that students need to do the task. An example of assignment that could take place in an online class is that instructor can post questions or post a topic to be discussed. In this assignment instructor can assign a headline topics and a deadline for the discussion. Instructor must be highly engaged in this discussion to guide the discussion to meet the session objectives. In this form the instructor easily can follow each student and evaluate their performance. In this way instructor can communicate individually with certain students who need support or encouragement.    

ETEC 648, Session3, Online instruction evaluation

I have chosen ETEC 644, instruction design 2, because it is the only a completely online course that I have taken. And its content is still available on the internet on http://www.studyonthebeach.com/csusb/classes/archive/spring2013/.  I was a student in this course so I know a lot of thing about it which make it easier for me to evaluate it. I chose California State University Chino IRO because it is contain an important detailed element. Feedback standard has three substandard that crucial to improve and develop the course. Sometimes when you cannot apply some assessment strategies for some reasons particularly in training program it is important to apply consider getting feedback from the costumer to know if you achieve the course outcome and objective. Costumer review and feedback help you as well to know the course weakness and strength.

In this evaluation I will give each standard a rate point of 3. 1 means baseline, 2 means effective and 3 means Exemplary. After that I will give each category a rate out of %100 according to the point of each standard. At the end, I will give the course a rate according to the percentage of each category. In this way, I think, I can determine where is the Strengths and weakness points of the course obviously.

ETEC 644
Category 1			Learner Support and Resources
1	Online Learning and Campus Resources			The course has limited link to campus resource.								2
2	Course-specific Resources			It has enough  of course-specific resources,								3
3	Course Content Resources			It Course offers access to a limited resources supporting course content								2
				77.7%							Total	7/9
Category 2		Online Organization and Design contains
1	Organization				it is will organized, I did navigate the course material easily							3
2	Syllabus Defines Online Environment				The syllabus has a clear information and role about the online environment.							3
3	Aesthetic Design				yes							3
4	Design Consistency and Functionality				All web pages are visually and functionally consistent							3
5	Accessibility											2
					93.3%	Total						14/15
Category 3		Instructional Design and Delivery
1	Interaction and Communication				There was no student-student communication							1
2	Course Goals				Course goals were clearly defined							3
3	Learning Objectives				yes							3
4	Multi-modal Activities				It was ok but not enough							2
5	Critical Thinking and Problem Solving Activities				yes							3
					80%			Total				12/15
Category 4		Assessment and Evaluation of Student Learning
z	Student Readiness				Only to ways of assessment							2
2	Learning Objectives and Assessment Alignment				yes							3
3	Assessment Strategies				Ongoing 2 strategies were used							2
4	Student Performance Feedback				Every week through email							3
5	Self-assessment and Peer Feedback				No things was exist							0
					66.6%		Total					10/15
Category 5		Innovative Teaching with Technology
1	Communication Tool Use				Email and Talkshoe							2
2	Innovative Teaching Methods				Classical methods							1
3	Multimedia Use				Not professional but ok							2
4	Internet Resources				It is full of internet resource							3
					66.6%				Total			8/12
Category 6		Faculty Use of Student Feedback
1	Student Course Content Feedback				N0							0
2	Student Online Technology Feedback				No							0
3	Feedback Application				No							0
					0%					Total		0/9
Course total rate= 64%

 

ETEC 644 course is lake of feedback strategies, which are essential to know the costumer opinions about the course. In my plan to deliver an online training course, I will take into consideration to standards to be improved: assessment strategies and feedback application. Communication application between students-students and students-instructor is significant to apply self and peer-assessment in an online environment. I will follow IRO standard before to put the plan of designing the course. Some standards are required organizational support