Artefact Description
For my first artefact I chose to select is a series of journal entries which I completed as part of MDDE 610 Survey of Current Educational Technologies
"This course will give you hands-on experience with, and allow you to make a critical evaluation of a number of computer-based technologies currently used in distance education. This course "walks the talk", and as you progress through the course, of different technologies will be used to present material, to notify you of upcoming course-related activities, and to allow you to communicate with your classmates and the instructor various ways."
Assignment 3: Learn Something through CAI (15%)
Identify something that you have always wanted to learn to do. This could be a computer program, playing a musical instrument, learning to make buttercream icing, etc. You will use a Computer Assisted Instruction (CAI) program (Web-based instruction is a type of Computer Assisted Instruction) to teach you how to do this. You will demonstrate your competence with whatever you have chosen to learn by preparing a section in your e-portfolio that demonstrates both what you learned and the way you used the CAI program. Use this portfolio to show why you chose this CAI program in the first place, what you hoped to learn, what you have achieved and discuss how you achieved what you did in the portfolio.
Through this I learned a lot about Computer-Based Instruction. We have employed aspects of this here at the chiropractic college, specifically regarding professional development and ongoing HR training modules. (3.4)
What I learned
Learning to use Computer Based Instruction resulted in more than learning the practice of meditation. What I realized was that there were so many methods of computerized instruction, with no one method proving better than another. (3.1) As I tried a variety of CBI platforms, some became relevant to me and others not so much. I learned a lot about myself, that I require structure and discipline when learning a new skill. I also realized that I could leverage the benefits of technology to suit my individual learning needs. I like to "chunk" my learning into smaller bits of information, so using apps and computerized instruction fit perfectly.
This was my first foray into portfolio writing as well. It introduced me to the Mahara system which I utilized in a couple more courses prior to MDDE 694. I found the experience liberating, and it was fun getting out of the "scholarly writing" format and into reflecting on what I had learned.
Subsequent to this course, I have implemented apps into our curriculum to enhance the student experience and augment the traditional methods of teaching. Our first year students now enter with required iPads to take their assessments with. The addition of Apps which I learned about through this course has proven quite valuable and an exciting prospect for learning. Our fist in-house application is in the works as well!
Why this Artefact?
As a first artefact to demonstrate my growth through the program, this assignment embraces the investigation of a novel technology. It also shows a willingness to adapt on the fly as I went from one piece of technology to another (3.2) as I investigated methods to learn meditative techniques. What this assignment also demonstrates is a reflective component and this was the first time I utilized an EPortfolio to chronicle my learning journey.
Relevant Competencies
The following competencies are exemplified with this artefact
1. Problem Solving, Analysis, & Decision Making
1.1 Recognize problems
1.4 Find and access information
1.6 Compare alternatives using critical analysis
3. Communication Technologies and Networking
3.2 Analyze and evaluate the various applications and implications of these technologies
3.3 Justify the applications of the technologies in real-life contexts on the basis of theory and research
3.4 Compare and evaluate the relative advantages and disadvantages of these technologies in various distance education contexts
3.5 Apply these technologies in distance education and in real-life instructional contexts
4. Communication & Interpersonal Skills
4.1 Write clearly and in a style appropriate to purpose
Lessons Learned
Going through this exercise in experiencing Computer Aided Learning made me appreciate that role that technology can now play not only in augmenting our learning, but in some cases in the complete development of learning. I thought that I would miss the human element of learning this way, but in fact I enjoyed it. It was flexible, and I was able to personalize my learning through completing the practical exercises.
Since I've taken the course we have implemented various sources of Computer-Based Instruction in our program here at CMCC. We have embraced mobile learning and have replaced a number of textbooks with interactive applications. We have also moved most of our Human Resources training modules to this format, and I've delivered Faculty Development sessions utilizing Computer Aided Learning. The process of choosing a learning modality has also served valuable in various Ed Tech implemetation processes.
Learning to Meditate --- Post #1
As part of MDDE 610 - Survey of Current Educational Technologies we are asked to utilize a Computer Based Education tool to learn something that we have always wanted to learn. Using Computer Assisted Instruction (CAI) I am going to attempt to learn how to meditate. Ironically, something that I always wanted to do but never could find the time.
A quick google search revealed many companies offering meditation instruction, as well as others which fed into in-person (for fee) classes. I selected the not-for-profit website: http://www.how-to-meditate.org/ It appealed to me because it didn't seem like it was selling anything, and in addition it had step-wise instruction to complement the instructional videos.
I am committing to going through the process over the next 2 weeks and will post about my journey as well as the experience of using Computer Assisted Instruction.
Learning to Meditate - Post #6
Wrapping up the experience of learning how to meditate is not an easy task. But my learning process took a complete 180 when I discovered mobile learning (M-learning) in the form of an App recommended to me by a patient of mine. I was really enjoying my journey, reading about the history of meditation through websites and CAI tools such as the Khan academy. (1.6) I then transitioned to watching videos on youtube which lead you through a 30 day process (I completed 6 of them) which although it appealed to my visual preferred learning method, I wasn't able to stick to a regular schedule. Then I was lead into the App world...
On the suggestion of a patient, I downloaded the app "Stop, Breathe and Think". Can I just say, this is definitely the Computer Assisted Instruction method for me. Based on how you are feeling during the day, the app will customize a program of very short relaxation exercises for you. The app will then read out the instructions, and you can totally immerse yourself in the meditation (unless others are texting you! but this can be turned off as well). The added benefit of the app as compared to just following youtube videos is that it holds you accountable. (1.1) The app will remind you to do it through the day, and keeps track of when you have accomplished the goals. This accountability is key to maintain a practice such as this, as well as the customizable features. (1.4)
Synopsis of journey
You could say that I have achieved my goal, but that it took exploring a number of different methods of Computer-Assisted Instruction to get me there. I think the journey was important, as it really made me aware of what type of instruction method would be most effective for me. I enjoyed the background reading, and information I garnered from an educational platform such as the Khan Academy. Youtube videos were also effective, and were accessible via smartphone as well as laptop. But the ACCOUNTABILITY that an app provided, made it the logical choice for me.
Recommendations for those wishing to learn something via CAI (meditation or otherwise) would include doing some background research into the methods that you best learn from. (3.3) If I had done a learning styles inventory ahead of time, I might not have spent so much time reading, and gone immediately to the audio and visual directed resources. I would also suggest that in learning a new skill that having a regimen or some form of accountability or automatic reminders is extremely important. Youtube videos are great, but having the discipline to do one at a specific time everyday can be hard. An app is more versatile as well as being motivational (through silly things such as stickers).
All in all I would recommend this app (Stop, Breathe and Think) especially for beginners and those who live incredibly busy lives. I think as a stand-alone product, it doesn't provide an extensive overview of the practice of meditation that other vehicles provide, but the usability and accountability that it does provide makes it quite worth it.
And that is where Computer-Assisted Instruction really comes into play. Designers need to straddle the line between being too versatile, and being strict enough that the learner invests enough time and energy to suit their needs. (3.4) The main thing I experienced through this experience, was appreciation for accountability. While using technology we have to be accountable to someone/something or else learning may not take place. (4.1)
It's been a blast. My journey with meditation is not over, but neither is my relationship with Computer Assisted Instruction.
Namaste
Scott
