I agree with Siemens regarding the elements which results in a positive view of online education (Laureate Education, Inc., n.d.). Siemens (n.d.) provides the connection between the three elements (global diversity, communication, and collaborative interaction), and the rise in acceptance of online education. He also notes the critical influence of new technologies on online education. From these advances in technologies, collaborative interaction tools have evolved greatly over the past few years.
A quick look at a blog (AccreditedOnlineColleges.com, 2010) from over a year ago shows 50 collaboration tools useful in education. In the span of 20 months several of these tools no longer exist, demonstrating the constant evolution of collaborative tools. For example, of the 11 tools provided to facilitate project and document development, four are no longer available (Nicenet, Etherpad, writewith, Thinature). Many of social networking tools are still in existance, and many more have surfaced. For example, Google's addition to social networking (Google+) was not around, and Ning is also not listed. Several collaborative tools listed are still pervasive today. While sites such as Ning (www.ning.com) and Wikispaces (www.wikispaces.com) provide a collaborative environment for discussion, cloud-based document services, such as GoogleDocs (docs.google.com) and SugarSync (www.sugarsync.com), allow for collaborative access to files.
Siemens (n.d.) notes the influences of comfort and acceptance on online education, which is distributed through several of Rogers's (2003) five factors related to diffusion. Rogers (2003) calls these factors relative advantage, compatibility, and complexity. While trialability and observability are also critical to adoption, they are less applicable to the rise of collaborative interaction. Relative advantage is obvious from the collaborative perspective. Since students are using tools to engage collaboratively in the material with each other, there is a distinct, perceived advantage over isolation and independent learning. Many sites which encourage collaborative work are either, already in use by students for social networking tasks, or are similar to those in use by students, yielding high compatibility. Since students are already using social networking sites, the transition is easy, making these tools have low complexity.
Collaborative interaction tools have evolved over the past few years. Kirkpatrick (2011) brings up an interesting point regarding collaborative learning and globalization. When does introducing a second language best occur for preservation of local culture? Is introducing English early a barrier to cultural transmission, or does it promote opportunities for economic growth from a global perspective. I had not considered the cultural consequences to collaborative environments, especially when those environments impair the transmission of culture, or degrade native languages in favor of English.
I think we will begin to see a surge in table computer use in K-12 education. As noted by Siemens (n.d.), many new tools will become incorporated into K-12 education over time as students become accustom to using these tools; tablet computers will facilitate the use of these tools by placing them in the hands of the students at all times, as opposed to merely when they are in a computer lab, or are granted access during class time. Wisbey (2011) notes many advantages of students using tablet computers, including cost savings. I feel that the sole reason, unfortunately, of migrating to tablets will be cost-effectiveness for school districts. Between reduction of resources for print media (and re-allocation for classroom use); issues and costs associated with replacing textbooks; and the cost-effectiveness of the devices themselves, tablet computers, such as the IPad or Kindle Fire, will make their way into the average US classroom. The end of this blog entry notes the inclusion of collaborative tools via the tablet platform; I feel this is the way we should be moving forward in K-12 education.
Not that I am complaining, but I wish that financial considerations were not the priority in education, but the benefit to the child.
References:
AccreditedOnlineColleges.com (2010, April 7). 50 free collaboration tools that are awesome for education [Web log post]. Retrieved from http://www.accreditedonlinecolleges.com/blog/2010/50-free-collaboration-tools/
Kirkpatrick, R. (2011, December 17). Why Thailand's children need tablet computers [Web log post]. Retrieved from http://www.bangkokpost.com/opinion/opinion/271219/why-thailand-children-need-tablet-computers
Laureate Education, Inc. (Producer). (n.d.). The future of distance education [Video program]. Available from http://sylvan.live.ecollege.com/ec/crs/default.learn?CourseID=6200912&Survey=1&47=4786670&ClientNodeID=984645&coursenav=1&bhcp=1
Rogers, E. M. (2003). Diffusion of innovations (5th ed.). New York: Free Press.
Wisbey, M. (2011, November 1). Not a bitter pill to swallow - tablet computers [Web log post]. Retrieved from http://www.tuition.com.hk/blog/blogroll/not-a-bitter-pill-to-swallow-%E2%80%93-tablet-computers/
That is fascinating that in 20 months a number of those sites for educators are no longer around, while others are emerging. I do agree with your statement in regards to the iPad and Kindle Fire making there ways into the classroom. Several classrooms around the country in K-12 along with higher education have already began incorporating the iPad. I am very curious about the Kindle Fire and if it is as good as an investment as the iPad is. Do you have any thoughts or knowledge in regards to the Kindle Fire?
ReplyDelete@lauramae
ReplyDeleteI received a Kindle Fire as a Christmas gift, and I am very impressed with it. Though it has some lag issues and there are reports about it locking up, I am fairly happy with the device. I have an Android phone; the KF is like a bigger version. I like that it does not have a camera - tablets are too cumbersome to take photos with in my opinion. The size is perfect for using and reading (it is not too big nor too small). As a scholar-practitioner, I love having the reading with me in a convenient form. The Kindle software allows you to take searchable notes in the book, great for research!
My opinion after 4 days is that I wish I had it years ago! I would love to see how students will make use of the devices, and how the device could change K-12 education.
And I am typing and posting this with my Kindle Fire!
It is disappointing that the Kindle Fire lacks a calendar app which syncs with Google Calendar. I think this is an essential tool for students.
ReplyDeleteI agree that tablet computers are the up and coming tool in education. In fact, my school (special ed) just started this year using Ipads and the teachers are finding them very successful. Steve Jobs documentary a couple of weeks ago after he passed, demonstrated how autistic kids benefit from them-and its true! Our students have leaqrned how to use it as a communication device and find it very interactive. Unfortunately, your last statement is all so true-our teachers have purchased them on their own to use in class-the school system won't buy them (especially for our school).
ReplyDeleteSue,
ReplyDeleteIt is a shame that we have to fund our classrooms to add modern necessities. The American public is very quick to point out the shortcomings and deficiencies, as well as the growing gap to other industrialized nations, yet schools are operating without needed materials. I began this year buying cases of paper because we didn't have adequate textbooks, and there was no indication as to when we might get them. Last year we were allotted 12 textbooks for a course required of all of our juniors, of which we had over 300.
Devices like the Kindle Fire could eliminate this problem! I think it is really neat that your students have this opportunity. I have worked with many students with autism who would greatly benefit from tablet computers. When I started at Walden, one of my original research ideas was into mobile devices used by students with autism. I am glad to see the evolution!
I, too, am reading and typing from a kindle Fire. I also read my course readings and watch videos here. It makes collaboration easier as all the blogs I follow show up on one screen. You say that you believe. Schools will go to tablets for financial reasons. If tablets are going to be a positive addition, does it matter the reasons behind its implementation? My district is in its second round of budget cuts in one year. Some schools do not have copy paper and the teachers must purchase it themselves. Whether or not we like it, decisions are made ever day based on finances.
ReplyDeleteMarvin, Siemens discusses the reasons for the increasing acceptance of distance education including growing familiarity with digital tools and a growing acceptance of online tools. Rogers lists 5 characteristics of innovations in his book. These characteristics are one of the variables he lists as those that influence the rate of adoption of an innovation. I see the connection between the comfort level Siemens mentions and complexity mentioned by Rogers.
ReplyDelete@Luke
ReplyDeleteI think it is great that K-12 education may be forced into adopting mobile technology, even if it is due to financial reasons. Whatever path gets us there!!
@Durff
They seem to both pull from the same ideas. Though Rogers provides 5 factors which influence adoption, his theory does not really distinguish importance. Perhaps Siemens is implying that comfort is the most (or one of the most) important factors.