A Review of Wikis and Screencasts in Online Learning
Introduction
The objective of this assignment was to select a Computer Assisted Instruction (CAI) program to learn a new skill and evaluate the learning experience.
This assignment focused on using web-based instruction (WBI) such as wikis and online video tutorials or ‘screencasts’ as a novice learner of a script writing software (see www.celtx.com).
Advantages and disadvantages of using wikis and online video tutorials or ‘screencasts’ as educational technologies in distance learning are outlined based on my personal experience learning the software.
What is CAI?
Background
About Celtx
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Celtx is an end-to-end ‘solution’ for media production and collaboration.
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Its key selling feature, like any other script software, is that it formats your scripts so you do not have to think about anything but writing.
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It is open source, free* (except for the collaboration and storage options) and it runs on Mac, Windows and Linux platforms. (It also installs brilliantly.)
Rationale for Selected Software
I was interested in learning about the Celtx script writing tool for two primary reasons:
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Evaluating the script writing software for a work-related project, and
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Exploring the effectiveness of ‘free’ web-based instruction (WBI) from user-generated content typically found on video web sharing web sites such as YouTube.
Learning Asset 1
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Download MDE610_CAI Assignment.pdf
MDE610_CAI Assignment.pdf Details
- Sunday, 14 November 2010 [613.3KB]Documents my experience using wiki-based information and screencasts to learn how to use a software product.
Learning Asset 2
Online Tutorial Introducing Celtx
I produced the following online video tutorial or 'screencast' to provide an overview of the essential script elements in the Celtx Script Writing Software.
Link to Introduction to Script Writing Using Celtx on Screencast.com (Approx. 4 minutes)
See "Script for Celtx Screencast" for details.
Learning Asset 3
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Download Script for Celtx Screencast Intro.pdf
Script for Celtx Screencast Intro.pdf Details
- Sunday, 14 November 2010 [21.1KB]My screencast script
Learning Asset 4
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Download Executives Lament_Sample.pdf
Executives Lament_Sample.pdf Details
- Sunday, 14 November 2010 [6.4KB]Sample script or 'vignette' created using Celtx to promote the importance of program management for outsourcing contracts.
Competencies Applied
Problem Solving, Analysis, and Decision Making
- 1.5 Critically evaluate the relevance of information for a given situation.
- 1.7 Make reasoned arguments using critical reflection, leading to rational solutions.
- 1.11 Adapt solutions to suit varied situations.
Instructional Design and Development
- 2.5 Develop instructional products or learning objects in distance education.
- 2.7 Apply instructional design principles and models in distance education, in your workplace, or in other instructional contexts.
Communication Technologies and Networking
- 3.2 Analyze and evaluate the various applications and implications of these technologies.
- 3.5 Apply these technologies in distance education and in real-life instructional contexts.
Critical Reflection
I selected and evaluated a Computer Assisted Instruction (CAI) program to learn a new skill and evaluate the learning experience. I reviewed screencast and wiki-based resources that were offering instruction and evaluated their merits. I also analyzed which tools I would use to meet the assignment requirements. I developed instructional products to learn the software. Since the initial creation of this artefact, I applied my learning and knowledge from this assignment to a project in my workplace.
Competencies applied are indicated in parentheses.
As I review the scope and outputs of this assignment from several years ago, I better appreciate the use of wiki-based learning and video tutorials as just-in-time teaching and learning tools in the workplace (3.2). Creating employee-produced video tutorials can be very cost-effective as there is minimal production effort by using existing organizational technology (1.5). By also embedding the learning in a wiki, there is instant social feedback on what is working well, and any changes can be made rapidly (1.7). For example, last year, I created a "Top Tools wiki" in my workplace introducing how to use essential workplace tool to new hires in our organization (3.5). I curated existing employee-created video explaining the software into a consistent content structure with explanations on how to find and download the software, how to use it, along with supporting links to other resources such as our online IT help center for frequently asked questions (2.5 and 2.7). This learning asset has been very well received and viewed. The difference between the wiki I reviewed for my MDDE assignment and the one I described comes down to the very active curatorial role I took to present the information in a consistent form, and the users appreciate the wiki's consistency and clarity (1.11).
Lessons Learned
Using Wikis and Screencasts to Learn ...
- Required a high degree of ‘self-regulation’ to sift through the quality and usefulness of the instructional videos and tutorials available through YouTube. Accuracy and credibility is often cited as a key challenge with learning from online video tutorials hosted on sites such as YouTube, and this was also my experience.
- Places the responsibility for leading and assessing the discovery of learning the software firmly upon the shoulders of the learner. This requires a high degree of self-regulation.
- Resulted in no prescribed formal quiz or feedback as you might find in a more traditional form of Computer Assisted Instruction. This again would require the learner to regulate their own learning and practice.
- Can be a passive experience.
Yet ... Screencasts afford distance learners the ability to
- Work at their own convenience and location, and review the instructional materials as many times as needed.
- Take a ‘just-in-time’ approach to self-paced learning, to use them when the situation or need arises.
- See the result of an action by observing what happens on the screen in real-time and model expert behavior.
What I gained from this learning was the opportunity to ...
- Test drive a new software tool that could be used in my workplace.
- Reflect on the advantages (for example, dynamic and social learning experience) and disadvantages (for example, poor production quality, variation in granularity, and learning intentions) of using screencasts and wikis in distance education. And still today, I continue to evaluate re-use of 'open' learning content and curation of existing learning resources in my workplace. Setting context is essential to absorbing some of the challenges in content re-use.