Design, write lit review...play WOW--repeat.

This has been a rough couple weeks. I'm happy that the my second semester of graduate school is coming to an end, but working on our design team prototype and literature review has been stressful.  Yesterday my group was able to meet up and talk about the learning need that we are zoning in on for our tool-but it still is not up to par with what Paul wants us to have.  I find myself feeling discouraged at times, because I thought we were clear on the learning theories and needs that we hope to reach with DreamIT--but this was not the case.  So, back to square one...again.  UGGGGH.

However, I do think that this has been a really good learning experience-although it really is tough to have your great ideas pulled apart I realize that it's made for an exceptional learning experience.  I find myself thinking more in depth about learning theories and how our tool can accomplish using them effectively by use of multimedia.  And since I expect our goals as a group to be questioned I find that I spend a lot of time now preparing myself with resources that I could use in our discussions to support our ideas.

As for as lit review goes...it's a constant work in progress.  The main struggle I have with that now is that I have to consolidate so many resources--I didn't anticipate finding so many.

Wrapping Up

Needless to say, December approached really quickly.  Between work/school/family & friends, I havent had much time to sit down and update this blog.  So, this will be my effort to wrap up some of what has been going on in class all at once.  

I started off Bill's course with a pretty strong opinion that learning should be fun and creative.  And his class helped me to strengthen my opinions and allowed me to apply my research through class discussions on WoW.  However, I believe that although learning should never be boring--there is a strong need for structure.  As much as maintaining an open, free-spirited environment for a learner creates great space for motivation, so does organization.  If the latter is lacking, I feel that the learning space becomes less challenging, more confusing and less effective. 

In terms of theory, this course makes good use of social collaboration--using WoW for some class times is a testament to that notion.  However, I feel that although using video games for learning is great (and I really appreciated the opportunity to interact with my peers in a different manner) there should be enough challenge presented, as well as mediation from the instructor, for the class to have learned better.  But, I understand that this was just a different way of learning that I am not used to.  

For Margaret's class we have been focusing on AR.  My development through my AR is e-mentoring-but through a more social platform.  And in the past, the concept of e-mentoring has focused on limited uses of technology (e-mail, listservs etc.), soI hope to make a space online that is much more personal.  This would involve making use of social collaboration--I want to make a space that both engages and challenges either side of the relationship.  Additionally, since I will be working with children, most likely between the ages of 13-17, I want to find a way that engages them so they feel motivated to continue the Internet in a positive way---updates on AR are in Sakai blog--.

Finally, Paul's class has had us discussing personas and their importance in creating our learning tools.  Our prototype assignment was due yesterday and DreamIT did a great job with creating Virtual Pen Pals.  It's exciting to see everything that we have discussed within group meetings actually come into play and realize how our prototype could become a great learning tool at some point.  

Tool Audition: Venuegen

Tool Audition on Prezi

Tool Audition: Venuegen

Community of Practice

Community of Practice on Prezi

Above is my representation of a Community of Practice.  I chose not to go about this the conventional way and observe a group of people, rather I felt that this was more interesting as it is what we deal with everyday...the Web.  At first I was going to only observe  people in WeSeed's forums, but I realized that many times people make references to external links and thought that would be of interest as well.  The learning in this case is implicit and therefore informal.  Expertise in this community is determined by experience, (i.e. in forums the the most knowledgeable are those who can share their thoughts from past events).  And people join in on these communities by forming a username and log-in information and visiting the sites to update their thoughts.  

The Internet is cool

In thinking about our next assignment about communities of practice, I find myself wandering over to all of the research articles that were provided for us at the beginning of the year.  One of which is, 'Why Virtual Worlds Can Matter' by Douglas Thomas and John Seely Brown.  The reason for my thought into this is because according to Thomas and Brown, the 'World Wide Web is what emerges out of the collection and interconnections among the sites that constitute it (1).'  Meaning that the cyber space many of us spend so much of our time on is actually a very powerful tool in not only sharing ideas, but building on them as well.  So arguably the Internet could be viewed as a Community of Practice, as it is a place where informal learning is taking place and people are a part of social collaboration, rather than just observers.

Some sites that could be valued as communities of practice are: Youtube and Vimeo.  Both are valid forms of learning because every user feeds off of one another in a way that doesn't happen easily within superficial learning environments.  Since they are engaging and fun, people habitually go to the sites and without even realizing, quickly absorb large amounts of information in just a few clicks.  This contributes to an online burst of discussion and therefore advancement in reciprocating ideas.  Another example of how social interaction using online tools is useful is how large companies utilize the voice of their employees to expand their product, and improve customer satisfaction.  Moreover, ideas such as the ones presented in the video link presented in the prior sentence create a community of practice because people interact with each other and do not even become cognizant of the amount of information they are learning from each other.  This then contributes not only to sales and improvement in their products, but to the overall happiness of their team, whose loyalty is undoubtedly the foundation of their success.  

Additionally, "the visual component of virtual worlds has redefined the landscape of online interaction from text and toward a more complex visual medium that provides a sense of place, space and physiological embodiment (2)."  So the use of avatars, like those found in games such as World of Warcraft further make the user a part of their learning experience, and expand knowledge in a way that was unfathomable in the past.  WoW in itself is a CoP as well since the ever growing amount of users on the platform engage in similar activities and have the opportunity to communicate informally with one another...So as I build up on my ideas  of what I will present as my chosen CoP, I will most likely be sticking with observing how the aforementioned tools aid in social collaboration and informal learning.  

Learning & Forgetting...Social vs. Solitary.

In Frank Smith's, The Book of Learning and Forgetting, he explores the differences between the classic and official theories of learning.  Since much of his focus is on the benefits of the classic theory of learning he voices out the importance of the social activities that the classic view is based upon.  Smith says that, "learning is an inevitable part of our normal lives, and it only takes place...when we are in a normal frame of mind (13)."  In comparison, the official theory of learning is based on "individualistic" activities and is "limited" as well  as "easily forgotten (5)."  We can assume then that learning environments that introduce relative material to an audience that is given opportunities to collaborate will grow more than learners that are confined to solitary circumstances.  Furthermore, he states that, "the main thing we learn when we struggle to learn is that learning is a struggle (13)."  In which case we can compare to Dewey's dislike of superficial learning environments.  Dewey says, "making the individual a sharer or partner in [an] associated activity so that he feels its success his success...he will recognize the means employed to secure success (2)." In essence he makes us cognizant of the fact that humans by nature associate their learning experiences with the behaviors and actions of others: if learning is fun and easy we will internalize as such, if we are only driven by the task of receiving a good grade, then we suppress our negative attitudes on learning.  This very argument of social learning and solitary learning has driven many conversations withing Cadre 13...

Social learning creates an effective means of collaboration.

In one of our discussions about social vs. solitary learning a really great talk by Chris Anderson on TED was brought up.  He brings up what he calls, "crowd accelerated innovation" in which he explains three important aspects: crowd, light and desire.  The crowd would consist of people sharing a similar interest, light would be the open visibility into the subject and of course the desire to learn and share about the said interest.  So in our cyber circles the most popular ways of shedding a "light on [an] interest [is] directly through Facebook, Twitter etc...and indirectly through views and links to similar resources."  Through this group sharing of knowledge and building of ideas it's clear that social learning environments really foster growth in educating.  And although there are many learning styles, i.e. auditory learners, visual learners etc., it is through the collaboration with others that we really internalize new materials and expand upon what we already know.

After all, as Anderson states, "we're a social species: we spark off each other," and this leads to great innovations.

Photo Credits:

http://stager.org/books.html

http://lewebpedagogique.com/support/files/conversation.jpg

MMORPG

Southpark's version of WOW players, good episode.

...or Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Player Games.

So, this week is the start of the Fall semester and I am happy to find on the syllabus...(drum roll please)....that we get to play WOW.  I'm so excited for this, number 1. because I'm a big fan of video games and 2. after all the literature we've been going through on web 2.0 and improved learning environments through the use of avatars I'm even more intrigued.

I'm assuming that Bill's not only wanting us to use the platform for his own personal gain, seeing as how he is equally as enthused about incorporating this into the curriculum as the others.  Rather, actually getting us to think critically about how web 2.0 really enhances interactivity with the user and the internet.  I also am assuming that based on some the research he is expecting us to open up even more during synchronous sessions.  It seems that the use of an avatar within social media allows for a more open means of communication.  Which leads me to be even more intrigued of the cognitive processes that occur within social media and social networking.

I'm really anticipating the knowledge building that is going to occur in the class, because it is so incumbent of our society, yet much of our generation doesn't really seem to comprehend how much it really does run our lives.  Instead of virtual and real life being two separate ideas, we are now seeing much more integration between what is real and what is not...

Alright I'm off to the magical world of Azeroth..wooo

Is the iPad really an over-sized Swiss Army Knife?

According to Jesse Schell, founder of Schell Games and former creative director of the Disney Imagineering Virtual Reality Studio, the iPad is "stupid!"...Check out his video here.

After having the opportunity to test out an iPad through Pepperdine, I'd have to say I disagree, check this article out and find how it is actually revolutionizing today's educational settings...

I'll update more later on my thoughts, but it's 3:30 am and I'm getting ready to go out on a business trip in the morning, so I'm a little tired.

My Logic Model...Version 1

This is my Logic Model for Big Brothers Big Sisters. I've narrowed down my interests in AR to my experience with BBBS. I've been a "big" for a few months now, and was an intern there when I was 16. So, it's an organization that I have been affiliated with for a while. Again, more info is found on Sakai...

AR reflections/Distributed Cognition/Learning Environments

Oscar gave me some really good food for thought in my Sakai blog.  My thoughts of AR are mostly posted within that blog since it involves much more about my passions and private thoughts.  Not gonna put too much up on here, but I'm beginning to understand AR more in terms of addressing important social issues.   Instead of getting too ahead of myself (which I tend to do...a lot) I'm thinking in simpler terms that could mutually benefit those involved within my research...

Knowledge=Freedom. 

"Liberal derives from the Latin liberalis, meaning “of or relating to the liberal arts,” which in turn derives from the Latin word liber, meaning “free.” But the word actually has much deeper roots, being akin to the Old English word leodan, meaning “to grow,” and leod, meaning “people.” It is also related to the Greek word eleutheros, meaning “free,” and goes all the way back to the Sanskrit word rodhati, meaning “one climbs,” “one grows.” Freedom and growth: here, surely, are values that lie at the very core of what we mean when we speak of a liberal education (Cronon 2)."

Cronon's article, "Only Connect," is a great resource for any education enthusiast.  He explains exactly what it means to be liberally educated.  Commonly a liberal university is coined as such because of their politically swayed ideals.  However, the true essence of a liberal education is to grow from knowledge, it "aspires to nurture the growth of human talent in the service of human freedom (1)."  He emphasizes that the use of mundane "lists" within a student's curriculum are not always in the best interest of the learning community.  Who is to say what is relevant within a person's course of study? And, why should a student that wants to learn art and its culture be forced to go through so many hoops before they can actually set forth on their passion?  His further arguments of what it means to be liberally educated etc. were almost poetic to me, or maybe I just take it as such because learning is such a beautiful thing to me.  One of my favorite quotes by Socrates is, "this only real wisdom is knowing you know nothing" and this is what keeps me motivated to continuously look for ways to expand myself, not only within the realms of education, but in learning of others as well. 

Moving forward...

One of my favorite authors thus far within our readings has been Chris Dede...I find it really alarming that the ideas of distributed learning were presented almost 15 years ago, yet it barely seems to be taking into widespread effect.  I also appreciate his writing style because he stays continuously relevant throughout his articles and doesn't have me fumbling around in circles trying to understand what he's saying like Hutchins does..

That being said,  all of his introductions to distributed learning etc., are really intriguing as it really gives us the chance to understand how exciting new developments within the field are.  Furthermore, the use of asynchronous forms of communication are very valid within actually retaining knowledge because it allows the student to reflect on thoughts/ideas being put out and really think about how they would like to respond.  Moreover, relationships between students are formed, as people who may not have wanted to connect with each other in the first place really get the chance to communicate with others in their class in a less intimidating manner.  Not to mention, since all the conversations are generally saved, it is easily accessed for future reference and further development into new ideas...

The more I read from these theorists, the more engaged I am in learning environments and virtual worlds....I really don't think that they get the credit they so rightfully deserve.  In a changing time, I'm so excited to be a part of future changes and have the opportunity to evolutionize (I made that word up) myself and those around me. 

Unfamiliar Refrain

This is my silly idea of how music will be integrated with the use of ipads.  I know, I didn't do a good job of blending at all in PS, but hey it gets my idea across. 

For reference, here is the link from the assignment: http://www.youtube.com/user/geoffkaiser#p/

Reflecting...

My blog needs a little TLC, so I'm taking the time now to update it...at 2am.  Right now I am feeling a little conflicted as to what my Action Research project is going to be.  At first I wanted to find a way to integrate the iPad within my current employment situation, but now I am not sure if it's something that would keep my interest throughout...maybe I can find a way to do video projects? I am not so sure, the idea of app development sounds so fun, and I've made a few great contacts within that field...

I also just received a job offer from a start-up company, called 2tor, that facilitates online learning for MAT students at USC.  I'm really excited, although it has nothing to do with media for children it still is something that I find I can have fun being a part of.  Since it's a brand new company the work environment is very innovative and fun ("hard fun") and bc my work hours are going to be from 12pm-9pm, I can take the beginning of my day to offer my time to my current employer.  I've been thinking of extending some sort of service within a new media department if possible to them, but the HR dept has responded to my ideas just yet.  So everything is just a work in progress right now, we shall see how everything comes to play...Obviously I've left some details out, since there is a lot to talk about...

On another note, I'm very much enjoying Ken Robinson's book, Out of Our Minds. His ideas are so revolutionary, and his writing is so crisp and easy to understand that I can't find a way to not be engaged by his words.  I truly believe that finding one's own element is important in cultivating intelligence and that creativity is a gateway into expanding knowledge.  On that note I leave you with my favorite quote thus far from Robinson:


"Intelligence is dynamic."

Dr. Riel, if you are reading this I'd love to hear your thoughts :)

What traits would a learning technology hero have?

Foresight: an ability to look into the future and not be constrained by the current standards within society.  Many people in society may not understand what it means to study Learning Technologies and be able to relate to the field. 
 
Heart & soul: The ability to not only think of oneself, but in the empowerment of others as well.  This drives the passion of the individual to keep persisting when many others do not understand their motives.

Creativity: An effective learning technologist would find a means to create and design things that are not in existence.  This could lie withing in different levels.  For example, I hope to lead the production process of educational media.  My passion for art, film/photo editing is my tool and drive to follow the career that I will achieve.


Could this person be me?

Absolutely .

Something I learned that surprised me...

How to program lego robots!...I never thought even thought of doing such a thing, and I did it :).  Technology has always come pretty easy to me, and I definitely am a creative person, but programming a car??...awesome!  I felt so proud of myself once I learned how to input codes into MacNQC and saw that what I had input on my laptop, the robot did. 

I don't think that I will be able to get my mind off of Legos tonight, since that's all we've been playing with these last couple of days.  Actually, I really wouldn't mind skipping dinner and just stay in to work on our task, but I know I have to eat and have fun with the rest of the cohort...I'm so happy to be here and I'm definitely having the time time of my life.  HARD FUN!

Relections and analysis of today's events

Today went by surprisingly fast...for spending about 12 hours in within the same space I don't feel as exhausted as I had expected (but I'm thinking the 10 cups of coffee I had today may have contributed to this feeling). 

My favorite part of today was working on our robot together as a group.  This challenge seemed almost impossible for me to accomplish when it was first presented, but now I feel 10x more confident in my own ability to create and collaborate with the others in my group.  It's definitely also provided to be a very nice bonding experience and I feel that I'm learning about others in my cadre. 

Although the legos were very fun to play with, and I enjoyed messing around with motors and different contraptions I really liked playing with Play-Doh.  I use this on an everyday basis for work (with autistic children) and think its really fun.  It was nice to act like a kid and experience learning in a different way and actually behave as a student rather than a behaviorist (Play-Doh is a great sensory activity for kids on the spectrum). 

Overall, I am excited to see what mystery unravels tomorrow and the days that follow because even though it's overwhelming to not know what is planned I love the feeling of adventure I have when I wake up...knowing that there is a surprise awaiting me within the classroom.


Process. Process. Process....that's what is still lingering on my mind right now. 

I'm a NERD...on a rope

I once was a single nerd.  Just like one that falls out of its candy box I am unique in my size, shape and level of tasty bitterness.  Now, I am a little nerd with the hopes of connecting with others that share my commonality...that extra zing that makes one's mouth tingle in a split second.  This is what connects me to my cadre mates, the "zing."

Now, what exactly is this "zing" that I speak of you ask?  It is that extra yearning to expand our knowledge each and every day.  The "zing" I speak of is that little voice inside all of our heads that not only wants to spearhead technological developments, but apply them in educational settings and use them to help others.  Not only is this a crucial ingredient within our internal makings, but it is extra special because it has hit each of us at a different level.  Some of us hope to expand the industry within K-12 environments while others work within an older environment...and others are still working on their definition.  Upon leaving Cadre Camp, I think that the substance that will hold us all together is this extra special ingredient.  Not many other phrases can describe this so succinctly, as it is necessary to realize the generalization of this idea.

I am starting grad school @ Pepperdine!

I never use this blog, but from now on this will be used to keep in touch with my cadre and post new projects.