Authentic Learning Tools

How can authentic learning tools improve student engagement and deepen learning? What does the apprenticeship model tell us about learning?

Reality simulations are not necessarily new but are definitely becoming more mainstream and advanced due to increasingly available technologies. At my company, pilots have used flight simulators for decades. And it’s a good thing. The majority of people I have spoken to who have had the chance to try the simulators have crashed their virtual planes. I think that is a huge benefit of these types of tools. Students can test the limits and perform what if scenarios without causing a real catastrophe.

Similarly, I recently read about a medical tool which simulated different forms of surgery. This struck me as a valuable tool for the surgeon who is learning delicate surgical techniques without risking the lives of real patients as they learn. Again, the student can take risks and understand consequences without endangerment.

I think many of these more advanced tools can really be looked at as a form of apprenticeship. Flight simulations are already treated in this way with pilots even logging virtual flight time in the same manner as they log real flight time. I’m sure surgical simulators are being woven into apprenticeship models as well. This form of apprenticeship is bound to increase.

Even at the gamer level, there seems to be increasing educational value. I also recently learned of a Nintendo Wii video game in which the player’s objective is to treat a virtual patient with various illnesses. While this is not a medical school tool, it is a game that incorporates role playing and seems engaging. At the same time it is educational in learning about first aid techniques.

I think all of these forms of authentic learning tools are great for deepening student learning. They contain the collective knowledge and experiences of those who have gone before. Programmers are making these tools more and more sophisticated so that they more closely simulate reality. This can only be seen as positive for the cause of thorough and more rapid training.

Portolios, Rubrics, and Peer Review

Why do educational organizations choose to employ portfolios? What value does the use of rubrics in evaluating activities and portfolios bring? How can peer review affect learning progress and growth?

I think employing portfolios gives students an excellent opportunity to demonstrate their accomplishments and abilities in a format that is organized and easy to access. Instructors can monitor and track progress. Students can use it to showcase and reference work. The websites we have been maintaining for OMET are portfolios of sorts. It has been of great use to me to be able to quickly go back to a previous project if needed. I have also found that it gives me the opportunity to easily share what I have been working on with my peers at work. So I believe the ability to package and demonstrate accomplishments in such an efficient manner is a big reason why educational organizations utilize them.

Much of what I stated above assumes the portfolio itself is designed well, helping the viewer to easily navigate and gain understanding of the portfolio owner’s accomplishments. The use of rubrics is valuable in evaluating whether the portfolio accomplishes this. Rubrics define the desired outcomes for an activity or project and provide a guideline for assessing a student’s grasp and achievement level. So an instructor can employ a rubric to assess whether a project or task meets or exceeds defined requirements, whether we are talking about a portfolio or any other activity.

I have found that the peer review process can be one of the most valuable learning tools instructors utilize. It is an acknowledgment by instructors that they are not the "end all" when it comes to subject matter expertise. The collective knowledge of a group of students can be powerful and students can learn much from one another. Tapping into this knowledge through peer review takes advantage of the diversity of backgrounds and experiences the group has for the benefit and growth of all.

The Role of Eportfolios

What is the role of an electronic portfolio in my ongoing academic and professional career in educational technology?

I see eportfolios as a way of showcasing my work, my interests, my philosophies, my ideas, my accomplishments, and my passion. It can be used to highlight what I have been working on, what I think is important, or to provide links to others’ work or tools that I find helpful. While an eportfolio may include a resume, it goes beyond the idea of a resume. It’s not just about presenting yourself to an employer. It is about communicating who you are, what you believe, and how you operate. I can add graphics, audio, even video to present myself to the world. What better way to showcase my work with technology than to utilize an electronic portfolio?

Starting Off

This will be my blog for EDC668 - Managing Technology for Change. I will most likely blog in text form but wanted to have the latitude to podcast or vlog if I feel so inclined.