Evaluating ditel 8

Evaluation: Diploma in Technology-Enhanced Learning 2011-2013

Unit 8:

EDU5647 - Learning through Collaboration and Sharing I: Models, Skills and Tools (CSCL - On-line collaboration with Norwegians)

Gender: Male Teaching Track: Primary Female Secondary Please indicate whether you agree or disagree with the following statements by ticking ONE answer for each statement. (5 Strongly Agree – 1 Strongly Disagree) Strongly Strongly Disagree Agree Unit Content/Method 1.

The information provided was relevant to my needs 1 2 3 4 5 2.

Unit had clear aims and learning objectives 1 2 3 4 5 3.

Unit content met my expectations 1 2 3 4 5 4.

Unit content was at the right level for me 1 2 3 4 5 5.

The tutors were knowledgeable and competent 1 2 3 4 5 6.

The style of the unit was stimulating and motivating 1 2 3 4 5 7.

The learning activities followed a logical learning structure 1 2 3 4 5 8.

Training about applications being used was available if 1 2 3 4 5 required 9.

The unit content was made relevant to learning and teaching 1 2 3 4 5 10. The assignment/s involved too much work.

1 2 3 4 5 11. The assignment/s was/were clearly explained.

1 2 3 4 5 Comment about the content and method of unit 8. Write your suggestions for improvement.

The content was relevant for us teachers, especially if a PBL approach is to be taken into consideration as part of our teaching pedagogy. PBL is in fact a suitable learning approach worth trying as it is in line with how the ‘net-generation’ students learn by promoting teaching through cooperation and sharing.

Adequate readings were provided and this helped me to investigate and gather more knowledge.

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Learning Environment The unit was structured well, comprising both synchronous and asynchronous on-line components.

The blended approach served to give a good insight of the theme.

I was able to work on activities and assignments with other colleagues The online Adobe Connect environment was very manageable and user friendly The online Adobe Connect environment was relevant to my specific on-line needs Tools were available to share unit content and activities with

1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5

Evaluation: Diploma in Technology-Enhanced Learning 2011-2013 other learners 18. Accessing on-line material was easy and user friendly 1 2 3 19. The overall ‘feel’ of the environment was suitable for 1 2 3 learning 20. I learnt to use a variety of digital tools 1 2 3 21. When I came across problems in using digital tools, I knew 1 2 3 where to get help from 22. This unit gave me ample opportunity to learn from other 1 2 3 participants Comment about the learning environment of unit 8. Write your suggestions for improvement.

4 5 4 5 4 5 4 5 4 5

The Norwegian VLE was very well structured and comfortable environment for us to get the resources that we needed and to follow the schedule of the sessions that were organized.

The use of Adobe Connect for synchronous sessions (and Skype as a backup tool) let us practice the same theories that we were covering during this credit. Even though that we had several difficulties during these synchronous sessions, but Adobe was a very good tool that made it possible to work in collaboration with the Norwegians and that provided features suitable for us to work effectively.

The other tools used such as EtherPad and Wikis were also very useful and complemented perfectly with the content of this credit.

I agree with such the approach used for such a credit!

Usefulness of the unit 23. My knowledge of the subject (CSCL) now includes some new 1 2 3 4 aspects 24. I am able to put what I learned in the unit into practice 1 2 3 4 25. Through this unit I increased my skills in TEL 1 2 3 4 26. As a result of doing the unit, I feel better at managing on-line 1 2 3 4 learning 27. I will recommend this unit to prospective course participants 1 2 3 4 28. Unit content was relevant to my teaching job 1 2 3 4 Comments about the usefulness of unit 8. Write your suggestions for improvement.

5 5 5 5 5 5

This unit brought new insights of how teaching can elicit the students’ ability to learn through collaboration with other peers, while the teacher guides the students by providing readings and relevant material, monitors the learning process and prompt the students when necessary. This is a very interesting approach because the students are building their own body of knowledge, and so their learning process is further promoted.

While considering my situation at school, I believe that this unit was fruitful. From the little that I practiced during the last term of this scholastic year, I noticed a positive

Evaluation: Diploma in Technology-Enhanced Learning 2011-2013 outcome. However, I don’t see how such a teaching methodology would fit with students with lack of literacy and IT ability, and lack of discipline, especially when parents do not cooperate and encourage education. During the last term of this scholastic year, I tried to give my ICT Form 4 students a task to be worked out through a PBL approach. It was a success with some students, while the approach needed some fine tuning in order for other students to complete the task as instructed. This experience brought new ideas that I will further develop for next scholastic year.

Suggestions for future Courses Indicate the relevance of the following topics in this unit for future courses: 29. Theories and Models for CSCL 1 2 3 4 30. Use of digital tools for synchronous communication and 1 2 3 4 collaboration 31. Use of digital tools for asynchronous communication and 1 2 3 4 collaboration 32. Criticism for using on-line environments for collaboration 1 2 3 4 33. Ways CSCL can be integrated in the classroom 1 2 3 4 34. Research about CSCL 1 2 3 4 35. Evaluating CSCL 1 2 3 4 Other topics to be included in this unit

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Please feel free to suggest any additional topics that you consider important to be included in this unit.

Designing and Implementing a CSCL-based Course: Discuss thoeries conecring using a CSCL approach with the students, and a practical background of how to design and/or redesign course plans to fit within the content being covered and the technology available at school and home. Practical examples would be a further aid that will make this course even more valuable and directly related to teachers.

Link to Google form https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/viewform?formkey=dDRuU1YzdlRrZlctNnFYMzFROTN pVXc6MA