Di’s E-learning Experience

Hi, I am back again.  i have just linked my blog to technorati

<a href=”http://technorati.com/claim/mxdmhufjy” rel=”me”>Technorati Profile</a>

This is my final reflection before the end of this semester.  As I look back over the entries that I have made in the last three months it is interesting to see how my ideas have developed and attitudes changed.

Last week I read an article by Anne Bartlett-Bragg called “Blogging to Learn“.  (It was a little bit of a light-bulb moment). In this article Anne outlines the different stages that learners go through.  I could see my blog fitting in quite well with these stages.

1. Establishment- set up an initiating blog, my two posts on “Hello World” and “Sunday Reflections” fit into this stage well.
2. Introspection – start paying attention to emotions, learning to record events, and often dealing with software challenges.  Aptly displayed in by blog on “e-Frustration“.
3. Reflective Monologues – starting to become aware of their reflective process,evaluating experiences from structured questions and reviewing articles, e.g. my post on “The Virtual Student“
4. Reflective Dialogue – more enthusiasm, contributing to the blog regularly and a sense of self direction.  e.g.  my blogs on Virtual Class Room and Second Life.
5. Knowledge Artefacts – move to reflecting on knowledge learned and providing guidance to readers.  I did attempt this in “Can the Virtual Classroom replace the traditional Classroom”

When I first commenced my degree in Adult Education we were asked to keep a reflective diary and I must admit that after a couple of entries I found this tedious and didn’t keep it up, even though I recognised the value of reflecting on my learning. I have found using my blog a great way to reflect on my learning. However, I must admit that I think I have taken to the idea of blogging and find it a much more rewarding medium for reflection. I like the fact that you can link with other resources, e.g. your photos, del.icio.us, and other blogs of interest.  It is also a great way to receive feedback  and hits from other bloggers who are interested in similar topics. Yes! I agree with  Anne Bartlett-Bragg “Blogging does provide the learner with a creative interaction”. 

Semester is drawing to a close, assignments to write, exams to study for!!! no time for fun. Just have to hang in there for another week.

Yesterday I did manage to take some time out to explore the Second Life site.  I logged in, and yes I managed to enter the imaginary world again.  I reflected, it is a little like being on site for the production of a Shrek movie. (Don’t get me wrong, I love Shrek). The graphics are amazing, (think I have said that before).  Today I made the bold step of actually communicating with a couple of the other avatars.  (just a quick wave and hello, can’t be too friendly on the first meeting.)   To my amazement, one of the other avatars did the whole flex the muscle macho bit!!! and then ran away.  It cracked me up!!!

I then thought I should explore some of the options that Second Life had to offer and discovered their Education Grid.  Very Interesting!

After reading through the extensive information provided on this site, and joining their education mailing list, I am beginning to see the value of using Second Life in virtual education. 

As the Web page states, it creates:

“ a safe environment to enhance experiential learning, allowing individuals to practice skills, try new ideas, and learn from their mistakes. Prepare your students or employees for real-world experiences by using Second Life as a simulation”

The Site features a variety of mailing lists to keep you in touch with new developments in many fields of education, opportunities to share information on Second Life wiki  and information about  the Education Campus on Second Life.

I am now looking forward to the end of next week, when all my assignments and exams are over and I will have time to explore this a little more.  I will keep you posted.

While researching some articles on learner readiness and associated barriers to e-learning last week I came across numerous references to the development of an e-culture within the class or organisation.  Another way to look at this would be the development of e-collaboration amongst the learners, and between learners/facilitators.

The development of an environment where learners do not feel isolated will most certainly lead to better learning outcomes. E-collaboration amongst learners will allow them to feel as though they are part of a community that shares information, provides feedback and poses questions for further research  and critical evaluation.  How can we encourage and support the development of e-collaboration within the learning environment.

Just a short comment today.  It was great to get some feedback from my post on Blogrolls.  Three people whose blogs I included in my blogroll contacted me.  My theory works!!! I have started to communicate with other bloggers and to establish a network.