WebQueast

“A WebQuest is a constructivist learning activity that uses resources from the Web and presents authentic tasks in context, encouraging students’ participation in an autonomous and collaborative way. Typically, a WebQuest has 5 parts: the introduction, the task, the process, the evaluation and the conclusion.”[1]

WebQueast is a new learning structure. It would really appeal to students. The whole class can be involved and they are working together to solve a problem. The roles provide multiple perspectives from which to view the topic. It would really lead to teamwork and cooperative learning. The other thing that I think great about WebQuests is that students aren’t just collecting information. Students have to transform information into something else.

The WebQuests are very powerful in that you as the teacher can point them to excellent websites and time is not lost wandering from link to link.

Advantages of using WebQuest (in general):
- Clear structure and effective use of time.
- Motivation (authentic material, autonomy, creativity, tasks connected with reality, etc.).
- Collaboration and cooperation among students (interdependence, responsibility).
- Promotion of high order thinking processes (analysis, synthesis, evaluation, etc.).


References:
[1] Dodge, B. 1995a. “Some thoughts about WebQuests”. <http://edweb.sdsu.edu/courses/edtec596/about_webquests.html>.

The Differences between E-learning and Online learning

E-Learning = Technology-based Learning
The term e-learning covers a wide set of applications and processes, including computer-based learning, Web-based learning, virtual classrooms, and digital collaboration.
We define e-learning as the delivery of content via all electronic media, including the Internet, intranets, extranets, satellite broadcast, audio/video tape, interactive TV, and CD-ROM. Yet, e-learning is defined more narrowly than distance learning, which would include text-based learning and courses conducted via written correspondence. For the purpose of this report, the term e-learning is used synonymously with technology-based learning. Terms like e-learning, technology-based learning, and Web-based learning are defined and used differently by different organizations and user groups. Moreover, use of these terms is constantly changing, as the world of e-learning evolves.

Online Learning = Web-based Learning
Online learning constitutes just one part of technology-based learning and describes learning via Internet, intranet, and extranet.
A basic online learning program includes the text and graphics of the course, exercises, testing, and record keeping, such as test scores and bookmarks. A online learning program includes animations, simulations, audio and video sequences, peer and expert discussion groups, online mentoring, links to material on a corporate intranet or the Web, and communications with corporate education records. In this report, the term online learning is used synonymously with Web-based learning or Internet-based learning.

Resources:
Centre for the Advancement of Teaching and Learning. Retrieved November 20, 2007, Web site: http://www.catl.uwa.edu.au/elearning/online/definition

Ecampus. Retrieved November 20, 2007, Web site: http://derekstockley.com.au/elearning-definition.html

Online Assessment

Online Assessment is a common method that uses computer system to question students. The online assessment is just other normal assessment methods. It can use for tests to grade students. Also, it can be used as a vehicle to present students' strengths and weaknesses. For example, online assessment can judge how students master the skills and knowledge that they learn from class. Sometimes, it can diagnose student learning difficulties and measure how they improve.

Some people think that online assessment is not a good form of test but some people think it is good. In my experience, I don’t really like online assessment. The first reason is the security of online test is not perfect. We all did WebCT before. The first person goes to the test can memorize the questions and tell others. The question in the WebCT is limited and there is a large chance to get the same questions as others; therefore, it is not fair for all the students. Some people might know the questions a heard of time. Secondly, it is hard to concentrate in the online assessment. As everybody knows, the WebCT class is for every body who is taking the test. In the WebCT class, people walk in and walk out anytime they want. Even though people try to not making any sounds, it still easily disturbs the people who are taking the test. Third, sitting in front of the computer for a long time is very uncomfortable. It easier make people headache than taking paper test. Therefore, people might not do well on WebCT test.

eBook

Have you ever used eBook before? I think everybody in our class should use at least one or two times unconsciously. “An eBook is an electronic book, one you read digitally on your computer, laptop screen or on devices called ebook readers.”[1] It becomes more and more popular in our society. Therefore, it’s our responsibility to know more about eBook.

eBook has many formats, such as Adobe, HTML, Microsoft LIT, Hiebook-KML. Adobe is the most popular format that people are using. We can download Adobe free from http://www.adobe.com . After download the program, we can search any books that we want to read from internet.

There are some advantages of using eBook. First, using eBook is very convenience. eBook can be purchased on CD or diskette. However, the most popular way to get eBook is from internet. To download most of the eBook only takes five minutes or less. Second, using eBook is friendly for the environment. People can store several book contents on a CD or a diskette. However, it is necessary to cut the tree in order to make paper books and people should have a big space to store all the paper books. Not only that, eBook is easy to read. People who use the eBook can adjust the text size and font face from their computers. If the readers do not like to read from the screen, they can also print out and read it on paper.

Even though there are many advantages of using eBook, there are still some disadvantages. For example, eBook format required special program; therefore, people should download the program before reading eBook. However, it’s not a big problem because we can download the program easily from the internet.


Resource:
What is an eBook? : http://www.atlanticbridge.net/publishing/otherresources/whatis.htm



Let go and try eBook!!!!Here’s the video about how to download eBook. Hopefully, you can get some tips from it.

Learning Objects

I did some researches and have read through all the links that Lorraine gave us about learning objects. I think it is a difficult topic for me to understand. However, until now, I know learning objects are entities which can be digital or non-digital to be used to support studies. They can cut down the size of the learning content which make the studies easier. They are independent and reusable. It is seems to me the traditional function of learning objects are more as teaching objects. All objects can be learning objects as long as they can make the learning easier. Those objects can be create something new and develop an understanding in an individual way. The purpose of the learning object is to make someone aware of what is available to use, and let them explore and learn along the way.

Rsources: http://www.eduworks.com/LOTT/Tutorial/

Response from "Text Processing"

“Text Processing” is a very good article to read because the author gives us many tips to get better reading and comprehending skills in online courses. Before I took ED4766, I didn’t notice that online education had that many advantages. After read many articles that Lorraine has provided, I fully understand the advantages of online courses are not only to practice our self-directed learning but also to improve our reading and comprehending skills.

I don’t have very good reading skill. It’s not because English is my second language. I have reading problem even on Chinese. The problem I have is not physical but mental. I usually do not pay much attention on reading things; therefore, I always misunderstand the meanings. Coming to Canada and learning another language is a huge challenge for me. It means I have to read many books using another language which I am not familiar with. However, it is not a bad thing. Because the English is not my first language, I have to be careful and speed down my reading. As a result, I have better understanding on reading English even though it’s still not good enough. I think the problem I have is correctable if I pay more attention and speed down my reading a little bit. I will follow the rules and hopefully get fixed after taking this course.

In order to develop my website, from my own experience, the content that I am going to make in my website should be easy to understand, clear and organized. Therefore, the student can enjoy more about my teaching.

Look forward of my website.

Ref:

Gunn, T, & Beaudin, L. C. (2006). Text Processing: Implications for Online Learning. International Journal of Knowledge, Culture and Change Management, 6 (4) pp.89-94

Response from "A Conceptual Model for Unferstanding Self-Directed Learning in Online Environments"

I think “A Conceptual Model for Understanding Self-Directed Learning in Online Environments” is a very useful and interested article. The authors Song and Hill tell us how is self-directed learning (SDL) important to the people and what is the relationship between SDL and the online learning.

I am taking 5 courses and work almost everyday now. The main reason to choose this course is convenience. I don’t have to come to school everyday and I can do my assignment whenever I have time. However, in this situation, the SDL plays a very important rule. The students must have high level independent ability. Also, they should do all the work, including reading, writing and thinking on their own initiative. Self-directed learning is not a new topic for us. Since the first time we went to school, the teacher has taught us to do the homework by ourselves. When we became older, the teacher told us to read some extracurricular text book in order to get better knowledge. The purpose for doing those is not only to get better grades but to improve our SDL. As a last year graduated student, I believe that the SDL is not only useful for the study. It is also very important for the future work.

Taking online courses is the last step to practice the SDL in our school life and it is helpful for future. After reading this article I am all the more affirm that taking online courses is a right choice.

Here is a very fun link. You can do a self-test to see whether or not the online courses are right for you.
http://www.cvc4.org/student_prepare/quizaccess.htm
Have fun!!!!!!