By reading the Michigan Merit Curriculum Online Learning companion document recently, I was able to investigate several web-based tools. Through the lens of the core principles of online learning, many different tools are evaluated: wikis, LMS systems, blogs, RSS feeds, podcasts & vodcasts, e-portfolios, and more.I would like to begin using a wiki (or Google Sites) in my Robotics class. I think the collaborative nature of a site works towards students building knowledge together. I can envision using this type of activity over the course of the class. Instead of individual student blogs, I would have each team create a collaborative Wiki or Site to post writings in text, diagrams programming flow charts, and videos of their robot performance challenges. They could also use it to document links they found useful or interesting relating to the subject matter. By the end of the course, each student has a dynamic online “poster board display” of their team’s work.
I think the web-quest would be a tricky activity to weave into the course. The performance challenges in the class already have a fictional setup/introduction; often framing the student teams as NASA researchers trying to work out issues with a “planetary rover.” I did employ the Moodle LMS one semester, which was not well received by the students. I used it primarily for document distribution, worksheet collection, and displaying diagrams they needed to consult for various building techniques with the LEGO robotics parts. The LMS was not really engaging enough for them, and they complained that it was cumbersome. Ultimately, I moved to Google Docs to distribute and collect documents.
Interesting reflection about the students and Moodle. Even though I am a LMS pusher as I feel it does help the class be organized, is a great respository of documents, has the lesson and assignment builders, students do find it cumbersome and teachers tell me they have to give students incentives to go to their courses.
ReplyDeleteReality is that students are going to have to use an LMS if they go to any higher education. Even those going for Voc training will find that they have to use a LMS. I think we do a disservice if we don't use a LMS with them. My own kids were lost their freshman year in college as they had never had a teacher use Blackboard with them even though I had been giving it to their teachers since 1999 through the Service Agency I work for. As a parent, I was very frustrated as my own kids would miss class and it would have been nice to have caught up by going to BB to get the materials they missed. What teachers tell me though, is that unless a student is really motivated they won't do that.
I have had teachers use Wikis for their galleries. The kids and parents both like being able to display their work. Also, some teachers will even use the Discussion forum to let others rate their work just as if it was an art gallery. You have to be careful though because you will get inappropriate comments. Another lesson to ensure the bullying does not go on!
Great ideas though.