Asynchronous Learning vs. Synchronous Learning (1.1.1)

Virtual learning is becoming more expansive at all levels of schooling.  It is important that online students are provided meaningful learning opportunities in their virtual school.  These learning experiences need to occur both individually and together with the teacher.  The two types of learning experiences and communication in online learning are asynchronous and synchronous.

Asynchronous Learning occurs when the teacher and student cannot meet face to face or at the same time.  This usually occurs through emails, feedback to assignments (dropbox), and discussion boards. This type of learning is necessary in online schooling since every student's schedule is not the same. There needs to be time for both students and teachers to interact with each other when they are available.

Characteristics of Asynchronous Learning:
1. Students learn individually, away from the teacher.
2. Teachers provide feedback through email or comments on assignments.
3. Students and teachers interact and learn through an online discussion board.

Synchronous Learning occurs when students and teachers are able to discuss the material at the same time.  This can occur through live video feeds and live chat rooms.  With the given technology, participants can use Skype to have a "face-to-face" meeting about any concerns in the class.

Characteristics of Synchronous Learning:
1. Teachers and students login to a live video feed to discuss certain topics.  This allows for immediate feedback and answers to questions.
2.  Live chat room where all students can ask questions and see other students' questions and responses from the teacher.
3.  Teachers can use EtherPad which allows students to see a live edit on a document.  

4.1.3 Digital Health

                                        

I have just completed my online master's degree program.  This took long hours of sitting and being in front of the computer screen, so it was important for me to find ways to incorporate healthy activities into my day.  One of the easiest things I have found that helps me when working online, is to make sure that I am sitting with a good posture.  When I am not, my shoulders and back begin to bother me.  Another method I used when working online, is to allow myself to stand while I work.  I feel like I am more productive and can focus easier when I am standing.  In addition, I always find time to do some type of workout during the weekday.  I usually allow 45 minutes to go to a group training class, but sometimes it might just be taking a walk around the block.  This time allows me to re-focus and relieve my stress from the day.

With technology all around us now, it is important that we learn to set it aside for periods of time and focus on ourselves, as well as those right in front of us.  Below is the time that I have prioritized to step away from my computer and focus on myself, or regroup with a friend or family member.

Tuesday (5/3) - 9:55 (Planning Period) Take a walk outside to get some fresh air

Wednesday (5/4) - No internet or phone time when I get home from school

Thursday (5/4) - Dinner with two of my co-workers

Friday (5/5) - 11:00 Check posture!

Since I workout regularly I did not schedule that in my calendar.  These steps each day, along with my workout, will allow me to stay focused when I need to be working; it will also allow me to take a minute for myself and relax.

Digital Safety and Security

Below is the link to my presentation on Digital Safety and Security:

https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1LQNcDpHbHShz9dXyT5uJH4RyqlsPLFPlILhZOVY1dY8/edit#slide=id.gc6f889893_0_0

Link to my Social Bookmarks:

https://www.diigo.com/user/estewart1

Digital Rights and Responsibilities

An AUP is an Acceptable Use Policy that outlines the terms and conditions of internet use in school systems.  Technology can be a very useful resource for both students and teachers.  Teachers can interact with other teachers to develop lesson plans and search for interactive videos and websites.  Students also now have more resources at the tip of their finger than many school libraries, yet with these enormous benefits also comes significant danger.  There are now online predators, cyber bullying and harassment issues that schools have to deal with.  As a teacher, it is important the we uphold the policies and procedures in our school system.

How can a DLC ensure that citizens within the community have access to an environment where an AUP protects members as well as the community itself, where individuals uphold laws, and a cooperative/collective venture provides robust, safe, and ethical resources and opportunities for learning? The Digital Learning Community, or DLC, needs to make sure there is an AUP in place.  If not, they can create one to ensure that the AUP enforces what practices and behaviors are accepted.  They should also include what behaviors would cause a removal from the DLC.  By having clear guidelines and consequences, the DLC can quickly get rid of any unwanted behavior.

What is the best way to establish and maintain a flourishing DLC where citizens understand, observe, and are inclined to willingly support and ultimately benefit from Digital Rights and Responsibilities?  I think an essential step in creating a DLC where citizens work well together, is to have input from multiple parties when creating the AUP.  This can address issues, concerns, and personal preferences before things get out of hand.  Also, members are already beginning to work together from the beginning.

My plan to protect a DLC begins with having all students interacting to help determine proper netiquette.  I will have them list key terms or behaviors that they think are important for all students to uphold.  We can then discuss the "Terms of Agreement" and what the consequences would be if they do not meet the standards.  Most students are responsible and will contribute in creating the AUP because they feel like they have a say in their learning.  After we have established the guidelines, each student can sign the contract agreeing to the policy.  This makes it easy to discipline when students do not follow procedures because they helped create the plan.  When they know the rules and responsibilities of the DLC, the teacher has support and documentation when reprimanding the student.

Netiquette DOs and DON'Ts

It is imperative in online learning that students are aware of the procedures they need to follow to uphold online etiquette.  Below is my collage of the DOs and DON'Ts of virtual netiquette.

Barriers to Digital Learning

                                             

There are multiple factors that can hinder students' access and ability to learn digitally.  I feel like the biggest barrier for most students would be for economically disadvantaged students.  These students might not have a computer or internet provided for them at home.  If students live close to a public library, they could combat this barrier by obtaining internet access there.  However, location could be another barrier if students do not live close to free internet access or computers.
According to the Federal Communications Commission, additional barriers could include disabilities such as visual/hearing impairment, motor and cognitive disabilities.  Students may be incapable of seeing a computer screen, and most computers do not have the speech-to-text or text-to-speech capabilities.  Students with cognitive disabilities may also have a difficult time understanding websites and resources provided for them in their digital learning.  All of these barriers can prohibit many different types of students from entering the digital learning community.  One of the biggest ways we can begin to eliminate these barriers is by getting informed, and spreading the information with others so that changes can begin.  Educating disabled students on alternative software and programs they can use online can also help those students begin to use technology with more confidence.

My Ideal Digital Learning Community

I think there are four very important attributes that contribute to a great Digital Learning Community, or DLC.

1) I think it is the number one priority for most active participants that the community is free.  This will allow more people to access the community and engage with others.  Many students do not have the resources to buy a membership for a DLC.

                                               
2)  I also think that the website must be user friendly so that participants do not feel overwhelmed or intimidated when they begin exploring the site.  If students become overwhelmed, they may simply give up and move on to a different DLC.
                                                   
3) The website must be appealing and engaging to interested people.  It can be interactive to include participants in their learning, but it must catch their attention first.
                                                
4) In addition to the immediate appeal, and ease of the website, the information must be credible and current.  Information should be updated regularly, and be provided by reliable resources to ensure accurate information.