Amanda’s E-learning Blog

What is Multimedia?

‘How do you define multimedia in today’s e-learnign context?’

When referring to the internet, I would say that multimedia is the use of a variety of technology on the one webpage. An example of this is the nine msn webpage. It has a variety of different options, such as vodcasts, links to other webpages of interest, moving advertisments, text writing, search options amongst others.

We looked at a couple of interactive vidoes in class, one on negotiating which offered both visual and text. This is an example of multimedia used in a learning situation.

Benefits of using multimedia for learning includes:
- Keeping participants interested.
- Increasing what they will remember.
- Variety.
- Provides people with options in regards to their learning styles.

Social Learning Theory

‘How could you apply Bandura’s Social Learning Theory in an e-Learning context?’

‘Which theories are more appropriate?’

2.4 A Humanist Approach

‘What effect might e-learning contexts have for the Humanist approach?’

2.3 A Cognitive Approach

‘What effect might meaningfulness and insight have in e-learning contexts?’

 ’How can we use Advance Organisers in e-learning contexts?’

2.2 A Behaviourist Approach

‘Classic conditioning can also be demonstrated by our ability to generalise our responses to stimuli.’ What effect might generalising have in e-learning contexts?

 There are three effects I can think of:
1. An individual may become familiar with one type of e-learning technology such as e-portfolio, then when a new one is introduced, this may be confusing as the styles will be different from each other.
2. A person may have had an unfortunate experience with computers and e-learning technologies. Therefore when introduced to a new technology, which perhaps may be more user friendly, the person could be reluctant to try it and have a negative view towards the technology without experiencing it.
3. A company may have employed the use of an e-learning technology for something eg training, in the past and did not have much success. Similar to point 2, those making the decision may be hesitant to try using this form again for the same reason as it may have failed in the past.

2.1  What is Learning?

What is your definition of learning?

I find it a bit hard to give my own definition of learning when an academic one had just been provided (in the workbook). So i would have to say I agree that learning is a permanent change in behaviour in regards to thinking, attitudes and emotions. I also believe that that learning is retained as knowledge if the facts/skills learned can be recalled at a later time.

Ok now its the second half of the semester and we are starting module 2. Presentations are still going. We did ours in the last week.

On the 26/3/08 we sat in a class where we were connected with someone named Joanne Kay in Wollongong over a piece of technology called Skype, a phone connection over the internet which was connected through the speakers so we could all hear her. Up on the projector screen we had second life and through Anne’s avatar we were following Joanne through various worlds in second life.

Second Life is a 3D interactive space where both social networking and learning can occur. I first encountered Second Life in our E-Learning Experiences class last semester, so therefore I had a basic understanding before this class. From last semester some of the students in our class started up an avatar and were able to join in during this tour.

‘How could virtual worlds, like Second Life be used for learning?’

As shown during the tour, Second Life is full of islands that are used by large companies for staff learning and development. We were shown into an area called ‘Swinburne University’ which was designed to look like an actual university. It had a meeting room where the characters could sit down and watch a presentation.

This could be used in organisations (and is) for staff to learn and to increase their knowledge of their jobs/the company. Gronstedt (2007) states that Second Life is the “fastest growing online community on the web” (para 5) and as a result many people will find themselves with an excuse to use it in the next few years.

Some issues raised about Second Life:
- It is quite advanced so computer literacy is an issue.
- Can contribute to lazyness.
- Less face to face interaction.
- Technical difficulties.
- Lag time can be frustrating.
- Since it is a syncronous activity, it may be difficult for people of the world to meet at the one time.

Some positives raised about Second Life:
- Time efficent when it works.
- Helps bridge the distance between people.
- Student centred learning environment.
- Creates an informal learning environment.
- Communication is instant.

Second Life does have a lot of positives, however also a lot of negatives. From looking at these I do not think Second Life would be a good training tool for DOCS staff. It seems to be too involved and takes up too much time. Jess said that when she set up hers it took her 5 hours to set up and learn what to do. DOCS staff does not have this time spare.

 References:
 Gronstedt, A. 2007, ‘Second Life Produces Real Training Results’, http://www.learningcircuits.org/2007/0807gronstedt.htm

Module 2 to be done over break.. (and module one while im at it!) watch this space!!!

‘What is meant by web-based application?’

A type of technology that requires the use of the internet.

‘What is Web 2.0?’

‘What is its relevance to learning?’

Web-based applications i am familiar with:
- Weblogs
- Wiki
- Chat
- E-Portfolios
- Virtual Worlds
- Social Networking

Web- based applications i would like to explore further:
- Virtual worlds. The first time I was exposed to a virtual world such as second life I did not like it at all. However now I have seen it operating a few more times I would not mind exploring it. But only if i needed to.
- Social networking. I have enjoyed using sites such as myspace and facebook so would not mind exploring more if they become popular.