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Eric Calvert

LRND6820 Carr Debate Reflection Post | greenm's blog - 0 views

  • I am a bit undecided if I support one ‘side’ or the other……solely.
    • Eric Calvert
       
      That's okay.  I think the reality is somewhere in between the poles, too.
  • For some reason it is bothersome to me to read lengthy material on the web.  Maybe I have just taught myself this, but I do think there is some validity to the lack of actual reading that is taking place on the web.
    • Eric Calvert
       
      I've heard others say this, too.  Do you print online articles because paper is less straining on your eyes, or because not being able to follow a link means it's harder to be distracted? ( I've known some people on diets who change the route they use to drive home to avoid going by fast food restaurants so that indulging a temptation will require extra time and effort.  I wonder if printing web pages is a similar strategy for some people.)
  • Possibly in the future, maybe you could include a guideline of tasks, allow an extra day in-between rebuttals, and/or allow for peer feedback participation form of sorts within the team.
    • Eric Calvert
       
      Thanks for the feedback.  Others have also suggested adding some time between rebuttals.  I think I'll definitely build that in next time around.
Eric Calvert

LRND6820 UDL | greenm's blog - 0 views

  • I enjoyed the different formats, but did find the voice to be a little quick when speaking. Made it interesting nonetheless.
    • Eric Calvert
       
      The good news is that many text-to-speech tools give the reader a way to speed up or slow down speaking pace.  (I like using a reader tools sometimes with the speed turned way up to help me read material quickly. For example, I would use it to re-read material from previous classes (that I had previously read slowly ad annotated) when I was preparing for my comprehensive exams for my doctoral program.  
Eric Calvert

LRND6820 - Summary of UDL | wesleyp's blog - 0 views

  • I think that Frank did a wonderful job summarizing the article on Universal Learning Design.
    • Eric Calvert
       
      I did, too!
  • I think that the following statement is important “UDL provides a vision for breaking the “one-size-fits-all” mold and therefore expands the opportunities for learning for all students with learning differences,”
    • Eric Calvert
       
      Yes, and I think it will be interesting to keep these in mind in reading Dai and Renzulli's work on giftedness this week.
  • Audio books are hit or miss for me.
    • Eric Calvert
       
      Me too, although sometimes I'll listen to them when I'm working in the yard.  I also find recordings helpful when I'm trying to memorize something or when I'm reading something (like a product manual or textbook) where my attention is likely to wander after a few minutes.  Having someone else speak the words through my headphones while I read helps me force myself to stay on track.
Eric Calvert

561 DISCUSSION-BASED ONLINE TEACHING - 1 views

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    This short article highlights some strategies for stimulating productive online discussions in online courses.  I stumbled across it tonight, and thought it might be of interest to some of you as you look ahead to your week of facilitating for LRND6820.  If you read this article, ty to read it from the perspective of a teacher or trainer.
Aaron Carpenter

VoiceThread - Group conversations around images, documents, and videos - 1 views

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    LRND 6820 Negative Team Voice Thread, countering the argument that Google and the Internet are making us stupid. 
Eric Calvert

Amazon Kindle: On Intelligence - 4 views

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    Highlights and annotations from the Kindle e-book edition.
Eric Calvert

hammbh's posterous - Home - 0 views

  • I am also still struggling with thinking of certain technologies that can be used to help us recognize patterns. I think that many tools are available that do aid the process, but is there a possibility for something to be developed that exclusively applied to this idea. Something that can be used just for the purpose of recognizing and organizing these patterns and experiences. I wonder if we could better track how we remember things, the connections we make in our brains, or how we mentally store information, if that would make us more aware of what we learn, how we learn, and how we can learn better. I know this seems like a slightly crazy though, but I like to dream.
    • Eric Calvert
       
      I think this could be an exciting area for "augmented reality" applications in the future. I'm also intrigued by data visualization applications (from basic tools like word cloud generators to advanced factor analysis software).  ManyEyes has some cool experimental tools that are fun to play with.  Check it out: http://manyeyes.alphaworks.ibm.com/manyeyes/
  • I truly enjoyed reading "On Intelligence" these past couple of weeks and even filled out the survey. I think it's a something that has more unique ideas than just theories/theorists, tools, technology, etc. I can see myself continuing reading this book outside of class because it really is interesting and is written in a way that's easily understandable. I'm happy that we got the opportunity to read this and take a break from all of the articles. :P
    • Eric Calvert
       
      Glad you liked it!  I hope you do finish the rest of the book. I think the later chapters that get into possibilities for artificial intelligence are really fascinating.
  • I know that we've talked about UDL all throughout LRND courses, but I feel as if this is an important and relevant topic that could almost be it's own course. Learning how to properly evaluate needs of students, selecting proper tools, and creating a UDL friendly module would be a great experience for LRND students.
Eric Calvert

Ginnette's blog post on the VoiceThread Debate - 0 views

  • With learning design we need to make sure we incorporate as much experience and variety as we can.
    • Eric Calvert
       
      You're right -- incorporating as much experience and variety as possible is important.  Equally key, however, is making sure there's some scaffolding in place to help learners connect/relate these new experiences to previous ones.  Otherwise, they are likely to be quickly forgotten.
  • People are distracted by the Internet because there are tons of things that can be done instead of homework. But to the benefit of Internet, I remember doing all sorts of things (as a elementary/high school student) instead of homework and they weren’t Internet related. We will always try to find ways to do something else when we do not want to do something.
  • When my daughter was born with Spina Bifida, I looked at every site that was available about the subject. I wanted to learn as much as I could about the prognosis of my child. Also, the Internet has connected other families together that have children with Spina Bifida. The Internet has proven to be a great resource to those people.
    • Eric Calvert
       
      This is an interesting point.  "Distraction" could be "in the eye of the beholder" in some cases.  It might be quite easy for some to be very focused when using the Web for "informal" learning.  In this case, you were no doubt very motivated to learn as much as you could because you were learning about a topic that was very important to you personally.  Perhaps "focus" is less of an issue for designers to worry about if learners have choice is what they learn about?
  • ...2 more annotations...
  • I believe that by using recorded webinars and educational seminars we will be able to teach the most people. This way, learners can access the education when they have time…they will now miss out on the things that they need to learn.
    • Eric Calvert
       
      I generally agree with this, but think learning designers should build in some ways for learners to check their comprehension after viewing an online webinar.  I'll admit to being guilty of tuning in to a webinar, then at some point thinking, "okay, I'm already familiar with the content of this section, so I'm going to keep it in the background and take a quick peak at my Twitter feed..." Usually I THINK I'm doing a good job of managing my attention, but in reality I do probably miss some important stuff.  
  • Training can be done from the workplace, reducing the need for travel and extra expenses that an employer will not necessarily budget and provide for.
    • Eric Calvert
       
      I think this helps explains why the demand for learning designers for both K-12 students and adult learning situations has continued to grow despite the recession.
Eric Calvert

Wesley's blog post on VoiceThread debate - 1 views

  • I wouldn’t say that Google is making us “stupid,” but it is most definitely challenging our self discipline.
  • I think that providing a handful of proven resources would be beneficial for getting them started, then encouraging them to analyze the “quality” materials before moving on and searching for additional resources on their own. This allows them to see examples of what to look for before going out on their own.
Eric Calvert

LRND Weekly #9 "Is Google Making Us Stupid?" - Ian Poor - 0 views

  • First off I would like to point out that I am extremely torn about this subject, and am actually more confused after going through this process (haha).
    • Eric Calvert
       
      That's okay, Ian.  Some educational psychologists argue that "cognitive dissonance" is a necessary precondition for new learning.  (Put another way, when we're "sure" about our opinions, we tend to stop listening and thinking.)
  • e need to use new and upcoming technologies (like the ones we are researching for our PLE’s) to help students gain the techniques and work patterns that can help them “dive deeper” into the “right” content.
    • Eric Calvert
       
      Amen!
Eric Calvert

Final Reflections - Voice Thread Debate | Ginnette Clark's blog - 0 views

  • I think that the Internet has made us more efficient and better equipped to find out things that are important to us. When my daughter was born with Spina Bifida, I looked at every site that was available about the subject. I wanted to learn as much as I could about the prognosis of my child. Also, the Internet has connected other families together that have children with Spina Bifida. The Internet has proven to be a great resource to those people.
    • Eric Calvert
       
      Could "distraction" be in the "eye of the beholder" then? (It sounds like you had little trouble focusing when you were trying to learn about Spina Bifida online, but that staying focused takes more energy when you don't feel as strong of a personal connection to the content.)  Is a take-away lesson for learning designers that providing choice in content can help make some of the distracting qualities of the web non-issues?
  • Learners are also busy at work and employers do not always have the budget for travel for education. Online learning modules that can be accessed at any time can serve a great amount of people that need to know things. Training can be done from the workplace, reducing the need for travel and extra expenses that an employer will not necessarily budget and provide for.
    • Eric Calvert
       
      Good observation.  I think this is probably why we've seen so many job postings for learning designers despite the recession and job cuts in other fields.
Eric Calvert

LRND 6820 VoiceThread Reflection | Aaron Carpenter's blog - 0 views

  • I am personally amused by some of the materials that take an extreme stance that it is either a gift from the gods and answer to all life’s problems or the worst thing to ever happen to teaching.
    • Eric Calvert
       
      This reminds me a bit of the Homer Simpson quote, "Ah, beer.  The cause of, and solution to, all of life's problems." 
  • I believe Carr’s article makes some good points but it goes too far. I imagine if it was a more balanced piece it would not have received as much commentary, hence the inflammatory headline.
    • Eric Calvert
       
      Good point.  I think Carr's book-length work on this topic is a little more balanced (although IMHO still too negative), but he is trying to sell popular-press magazines and books.  
  • Collaboration has never been easier and this hive mind mentality where we can pool all of our resources to create will become even more advanced as more people jump on board. Conversations involving people from all points of the globe will help foster new ideas and innovations and the Internet is the thing that makes it all possible.
    • Eric Calvert
       
      Yes, and I think collaborating online involves some "learned" skills.  As people become more adept at using online tools (and as the tools themselves get more powerful and user friendly), positive effects will increase and will become more obvious to people beyond the pool of tech enthusiasts and early adopters.
  • ...1 more annotation...
  • One answer is open source software. If we let people change what they think would improve the product then everyone wins. New ideas can be passed to others and sooner or later we end up with a solution that will work for everyone. This will let us design new learning tools that are flexible and able to change with the requirements for adverse groups of learners
    • Eric Calvert
       
      Beyond open source software, what do you think about the idea of open source curriculum? See http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rb0syrgsH6M&feature=player_embedded#at=15
Eric Calvert

LRND 6820 Week 9 Reflection | fkohler's blog - 0 views

  • Moreover, research discovers that transferring tacit knowledge is challenging when using “traditional e-learning.” It requires shared observation to deliver effective information.
    • Eric Calvert
       
      I think this is an important point, Frank.  I do think we learn more and think more deeply when we have forums for discussing ideas with others.  This is true both for adult learners and children. (For example, there's evidence that kids learn little from "educational television" unless they have an opportunity to talk about it with a parent, teacher, or peer.)
  • The Affirmative Team’s organization was great with members volunteering for roles. Collaboration effected from the Wiki with Rachel and Misty leading the research effort. Yours truly created and posted the first VoiceThread, with Wes and Melisa providing a succinct organizational statement of Affirmative Team’s supportive research.
    • Eric Calvert
       
      As an instructor, it was great to see you all use some of the collaborative tools to organize yourselves and your collective efforts.
Eric Calvert

Is Google Making us Stupid? | M. Partin-Harding Blog - 0 views

  • Information that took hours to find can now be found in minutes.  We still need to cross check our references for accuracy and authenticity, but that is also true when researching in the traditional sense.
    • Eric Calvert
       
      Good point, Melissa.  I think if we only teach students to think critically about content when they view it online, we're sending a message that they don't need to be critical of content in textbooks, newspapers, and mass media. 
  • Observation of my own behavior since reading this information has proven this true, however that is probably equally true when researching in the traditional sense
    • Eric Calvert
       
      Another good point.  Apart from novels, how many books did people really read from cover to cover? (How often do people who don't use the Web at all now read every word in every article in a printed newspaper or magazine?)
  • Learning Designers should embrace technology and the power is holds as an alternative to presenting course information in a creative and engaging format.
    • Eric Calvert
       
      Yes.  I think learning designers and educators could probably find some new ways to keep students engaged by exploring the things that pull students away.  (For example, look at some of the exciting new curriculum that's starting to come from people applying lessons learned from studying how and why people play games.)
Eric Calvert

LRND Weekly #10 "Universal Design for Learning" - Ian Poor - 0 views

  • The author mentions that UDL is meant to “level the playing field” for learners with all kinds of disabilities and I think that it has the potential to enhance the learning experience for all types of learners.
    • Eric Calvert
       
      I do, too.  If a tool can help a student learn or think better, he or she should use it, whether or not he or she has a diagnosed learning disability or sensory issue.
  • As a learning designer I want to take it upon myself to promote this new approach within the learning environments I create in the future.
    • Eric Calvert
       
      Good!  I think this is something that more and more future employers will expect, but it's still the right thing to do because it's the right thing to do.
Eric Calvert

Summary - UDL | Ginnette Clark's blog - 0 views

  • I have seen students in a classroom setting that could not apply themselves, but when the teacher changed the method of delivery, the student perked up and began to do well with the material presented to them.
    • Eric Calvert
       
      Me too.  In situations like that, it would probably we wise for the teacher to make a quick note about the media used for instructional strategy selected that seemed to get the student's attention so he or she could make a point of using them again in the future.
Eric Calvert

LRND 6820-UDL | mmieure's blog - 0 views

  • I have located a few more articles on the subject that I found relevant to the issue.
    • Eric Calvert
       
      If you've found any you think others would benefit from, please consider sharing them via the Diigo group for the course.
  • 3)Affective Networks-The “why” of learning. —How learners get engaged and stay motivated. How they are challenged, excited, or interested. These are affective dimensions.
    • Eric Calvert
       
      This is one of the elements I particularly like about the UDL framework.  We know from Hardre and others that motivation is so essential to learning, but we don't always think about it in designing curricula like we should. 
  • I do not believe that UDL is the answer to everything, however I would say it will be a great tool and measuring stick to allow us to proceed effectively in the future.
    • Eric Calvert
       
      I agree.  There will still be circumstances where specialized tools will be needed to help certain individuals.  However, it's far easier to adapt materials that are created with accessibility in mind "from the get-go" vs. creating something for a prototypical "average" person and trying to retrofit and differentiate it after the fact.
  • ...1 more annotation...
  • It seems that video game learning environments will spin from the “affective networks” of the brain, using these traits to tap into maximum learning.
    • Eric Calvert
       
      Good observation, Matt.  Learning design could learn a lot from game design about what motivates people to explore electronic content and persist in trying to overcome challenges.
Eric Calvert

Universal Design for Learning (UDL) | M. Partin-Harding Blog - 0 views

  • There are a variety of software programs and other products available which can be used to apply UDL principles, but UDL principles can be applied without these products.
    • Eric Calvert
       
      This is an important point, I think.  
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