Podcasting, Moodle, and SKYPE, Oh MY! Navigating Digital Tools in Teacher Preparation Christine Macfarlane Pacific University OTEN 2012

9/15/122OTEN Conference

Just as Dorothy found herself in the strange world of OZ where things didn’t appear or work like they did in Kansas, teacher preparation candidates enrolled in distance learning, technology-rich course environments often find themselves lost on the information highway and wondering what to make of OS (operating system). Candidates need a roadmap to facilitate acquisition of course content while utilizing a range of technology tools they may or may not be familiar and/or fluent in using. Similarly, university faculty need expertise and options for implementing alternative course delivery methods. Distance learning is a necessary part of learning in today’s society. 9/15/123OTEN Conference

Learning Management Systems Licensed Blackboard The merger of Blackboard and Web CT created hybrid versions of these two systems. Blackboard at different institutions will not necessarily look the same. Open Source Moodle Google Sites Other options 9/15/124OTEN Conference

Expertise with technology Teaching style Instructor Content Available tools Course Expertise with technology Learning style Student Asynchronous Synchronous 9/15/125OTEN Conference

Consider InstructorStudent Experience in online environment – Did student choose to take online course? – Is student placed in online course? Experience using technology Learning style Experience as a student in an online environment Experience teaching in online environment Lead time to develop course Available tools Experience using technology Goals for the class 9/15/126OTEN Conference

Basic technology skills Access Learning Management System (LMS) Access institutional library resources Access technology assistance Search the internet Download/upload files Organize files on computer Use a word processing program Use a presentation program Send w/attachments 9/15/127OTEN Conference

Developing the course Text-based – Reading textbooks – Reading articles – Reading online materials – Teacher prepared materials Presentations – Podcasts – Annotated slide presentations Demonstration – Movies – Face2Face Interactive – Discussion – Face2Face – Cooperative learning 9/15/128OTEN Conference

Text-based options Textbooks Print copy eText Articles Library access Journals eJournals Online materials Websites Newspapers Blogs Downloadable reports and materials Teacher prepared materials Hand-outs Worksheets Note: All text-based materials should have accessibility options such as audio. 9/15/129OTEN Conference

Technology 4 Text Instructor Computer Word processing software Publishing software Create PDFs Create eText Send or embed hyperlinks Internet access Student Computer Multi-purpose hand-held device (e.g., iPad, smartphone) eReader Printer Internet access Library privileges 9/15/1210OTEN Conference

Presentation options Live Webinars Video Technology Conferencing Face2Face Captured Podcasts – Video and audio – Audio only – Annotated slides 9/15/1211OTEN Conference

Technology 4 Presentations Instructor Computer Podcasting software (e.g., Camtasia Relay, ProfCast, GarageBand, PowerPoint, PhotoBooth) Presentation software (e.g., Keynote, PowerPoint) Webinar software (e.g., AdobeConnect) VTC software (e.g., SKYPE, Facetime?) Microphone Create audio files – Recording software (e.g., Audacity) – Digital handheld recorder Create video files Student Computer Multi-purpose hand-held device (e.g., iPad, mp3 player) Headphones or speakers Internet access Software – iTunes – Presentation software – Media Player (e.g., QuickTime) – Webinar (e.g., AdobeConnect) – VTC (e.g., SKYPE) 9/15/1212OTEN Conference

Demonstration options Movies DVDs Movies Screen capture Video clips Images Face2Face Emerging research seems to suggest a hybrid approach is the best model for instruction Hold the initial class session to introduce the course and go over expectations, technology, and course set- up. Hold optional labs or office hours 9/15/1213OTEN Conference

Technology 4 Demonstrations Instructor Computer Digital camera Digital camcorder Create video files – Video software (e.g., iMovie, QuickTime) Internet access – Video sites (e.g., YouTube, TeacherTube) Documentaries DVDs Webinar software VTC Software Student Computer Multi-purpose hand-held device (e.g., iPad, mp3 player) Headphones or speakers Internet access Software – iTunes – Media Player (e.g., QuickTime) – Webinar – VTC 9/15/1214OTEN Conference

Interactive options Discussion Text-based threaded discussion boards exchanges Voice-threads Instant messaging Chat “Comments” Cooperative Learning Wiki’s Chat Virtual realities Instant messaging Online games Screen sharing Online documents Online presentations 9/15/1215OTEN Conference

Technology 4 Interaction Discussion boards (e.g., blog w/comments) Webinar (e.g., AdobeConnect, Elluminate, GoToWebinar) Video Technology Conference (VTC) (e.g., SKYPE, GoTo Meeting) Telephone conference Virtual environments (e.g., Second Life) Wikis (e.g., Google Docs) Instant messaging Chat Social networking (e.g., Yahoo Groups, Facebook) Instructor and Student 9/15/1216OTEN Conference

What I’ve learned Grading/Feedback Need to provide students with feedback and grades I don’t use the tools within the LMS Set up EXCEL spreadsheet to keep track of things turned in Use a Google Doc to keep students informed Use a fillable WORD document to provide grades/comments Creating PDFs instead of sending document Consistency Regardless of what I do, I need to do it the same across all courses. Students like having to utilize fewer resources, rather than more or a variety. “Multiple” options for documents & presentations 9/15/12OTEN Conference17

What I’ve Learned Support Have a back up plan Be prepared to help students with technology or know where to send them Stay in touch State up front the technology requirements Offer some face2face options Optional labs Office hours Invitations to stop by 9/15/12OTEN Conference18

Feedback 9/15/12OTEN Conference19

Feedback 9/15/12OTEN Conference20