Thursday, 2 October 2014

Global Learning Futures - Digital Story

Hi!

This is my digital powerpoint with voiceover.  I have provided notes on each page in case my voiceover doesn't work.  I have been having some technical issues of late with my laptop.

Enjoy.
http://www.slideshare.net/marinacousins/global-learning-futures

Powerpoint:  Global Learning Futures
Slide 1:   This presentation is about analysing how e-learning is becoming the norm within many corporate industries.  In particular, the focus will be on providing staff development for health care workers and the provision health education to future Nursing Students via Nursing University Programmes.
Slide 2:  According to Brown, Murphy & Wade (2006)  e-learning may include any form of the following:  training, education, information, communication, collaboration, knowledge management and performance management. 
Whereas, Moran (2011) mention that e-learning can be differentiated into online self-paced, interactive programmes (individual) and online conferences (group) that delivers virtual classrooms and webinars.
Slide 3:  Various authors (Brown, Murphy & Wade, 2006 and Moran 2011) mention the following advantages of conducting e-Learning:
       Saves money in training.
       Saves travel time for staff.
       Allows greater access to training for more staff.
       It allows a standard message to be delivered to  a wide geographically dispersed audience (which is important in large countries).
       In the Healthcare setting – staff can use e-learning games and simulations to practice things like emergency and disaster management without having to put real people in danger.
       E-Learning helps managers to keep up-to-date records of staff development and education needs.  Staff will often get reminders to let them know that their training is due.
       Access to mobile technology which has open up 24/7 learning.  This has been a real benefit to the ambulance service when they are waiting for the allocation of the next job.
       e-Learning has the advantage of empowering staff to manage their own professional development for the requirements of their Professional Registration renewals.
                               
Slide 4:  How does online training compare with classroom-based training? According to Moran (2011), the outcomes achieved by online training are similar to that of classroom-based training. However, when both mediums are used together, they provide a significant improvement in learner achievement. Five days after attending a lecture, most people remember less than 10 per cent of what they learned. When learning activities
involve seeing and listening, retention increases by 20 per cent. When given the opportunity to learn by doing, people remember 60–70 per cent of what they practised. Online training has a key role to play in this and can contribute to learner achievement. 
I believe that online learning is particularly effective for refresher training or for learning that extends current knowledge. When the online learning is used to deliver learning that is entirely new or out of context for the learner, it should be accompanied by face-to-face learning,
whether instructor-led or through peer or work groups.
Value in Cost:
Online training can potentially save an employer money. On average for one hour of online training can require,  about 100 hours of development. The actual time is dependent on the degree of computer-based interactions and the amount of multimedia, such as video, audio, and Flash. The more it includes, the longer it takes to develop and the more it costs.  In choosing to develop online training, therefore, a number of factors need to be considered to determine if it will be cost effective. Assuming that the same amount of time is required to develop the content for either online or classroom-based training:
                • How many people will receive the training? Compare the cost of development with the cost to deliver the total number of               classroom training events.
                • How often will the training be repeated?  Online training can be developed once and re-used, whereas the number of classroom hours continues to increase.
                • Do the learners or instructors need to travel? Online learning can reduce travel costs.
                • Online learning, I believe, reduces training costs when large numbers of employees need to be trained and are geographically dispersed. In some cases, it is still cost effective if the numbers are smaller but the training needs to be repeated, such as for compliance or
re-certification.  This happens a lot in nursing. 
Value in Control
Online learning can provide value in the control of the training. It can provide consistency in the content, the accuracy of its delivery and the key messages. When online, and not on a CD, it can be centrally updated and provide clear version control—everyone is using the latest version. Employers and trainers like the control of the content that online training provides, but without good design, the corporate messages will not be received by the learner.
Value in Design
The design of learner control and the aesthetic design also impacts on learning achievement and the value of online learning.  Higher levels of interaction in online learning permit greater flexibility for the learner. However, too much freedom can disorient and frustrate them. Too little control precludes reflection and higher order thinking, and further frustrates the learner. Generally, most learners prefer a clear structure and sequence, but with the option to interact with the sequence in a different order if they so choose; for example, to be able to jump from topic 1 to topic 5 and then back to topic 2. The learner looks for clear ‘signposts’ in the course so that they can monitor their location and progress. Good aesthetic design, including the visual presentation and the navigation, can have a positive effect on the learner, which in turn impacts on motivation and learner achievement. The design used throughout an online course impacts on its usability and the perceptions of the learner. If the course begins with poor design, the chance for any learning to occur is very small.
Slide 5:  According to Becker et. al. (2013) who conducted a research study to identify and categorize barriers to e-learning
adoption and the relative impact of those barriers on learners. It contributes to the understanding of learner perceptions of barriers, the different types of barriers and their relative importance. This study used a quantitative methodology grounded in previous literature. The study is based on a self-administered questionnaire conducted with employees in a rail organisation.
This research demonstrates there are three key factors that represent barriers to e-learning: the nature of e-learning as a learning approach, the use of technology, and concerns about lack of time and potential interruptions when trying to complete e-learning.
The study was conducted in a case organisation which operates and maintains an Australian state suburban, interurban and rural rail network for passenger and freight services. In accordance with ethical approvals for the project, this organisation cannot be named.
The organisation started utilising e-learning in 2008 for security transit procedures and safety-related policies and practices. The focus of this study was the perceptions of users based on past experience of e-learning, and therefore our key informants were individuals who had used e-learning in the past two years. The most common form of e-learning undertaken by respondents related to topics such as health and safety, environmental
undertaken courses relating to supervisory skills. These courses were predominantly completed by the participants in the workplace at a desktop computer.  Overall, 1,047 employees responded to the survey. Within this sample,
364 respondents reported that they never experienced e-learning and 683 respondents had used e-learning at some stage during the last two years. It is these respondents who are the focus of this study. Of those who had used e-learning most respondents reported participating in one or two courses. The majority of e-learning users
were male (67%), with an average age of 40 years (ranging from 18-71 yrs).  This typically reflects the workforce of rail network system in Australia.
It was interesting to note that 59% of respondents to the survey stated that had qualifications lower than a bachelor degree (high school, trade certificate or diploma).
Nature of e-learning as an approach to learning:  This factor includes general concerns about the validity and effectiveness of e-learning and the lack of a “personal touch” in comparison to more traditional forms of learning and development. It also represents a concern that e-learning doesn’t suit some learning styles and represents less opportunity for interaction with other learners and facilitators.
The use of technology:  this factor includes both physical and psychological issues perceived to be barriers to the use of e-learning. Issues such as a lack of technology skills have often been argued to act as a constraint on the
implementation of e-learning. However in addition to the element of ability, there also exist anxieties about the use of computers for learning, and concerns about the physical impact of e-learning. In general however, this factor can be considered to represent concerns about the use of technology more broadly and therefore may be addressed using similar strategies to those used to overcome barriers to IS adoption more broadly.
The third factor relates to concerns about lack of time and potential interruptions when trying to complete e-learning. This represents a common concern amongst learning and development professionals that when learning material is converted to e-learning, there is often the erroneous assumption that this learning will simply be ‘absorbed’ into the normal working day of the individuals.
The impact of age and tenure on future use intentions. This research found that older employees
less likely to intend to use e-learning in the future. Whereas, for younger generations, the use of technology in learning is more prevalent even in school settings and therefore the likelihood of acceptance of this form of learning in the workplace could be anticipated. Older workers are more likely to have developed expertise in traditional learning settings and therefore may be less accustomed to an e-learning approach to development.
Slide 6:  Eynon (2008) interviewed 41 teachers to determine barrier to adopting e-Learning.  They were:  lack of time, lack of interest, lack of skill and course constraints.  When, I conducted a verbal survey of nurses at work – it was interesting that they were stating similar reasons for not undertaking further study using e-Learning unless they are forced to by their Employer.
Slide 7:  Brown, Murphy & Wade (2006) compared and contrast the attitudes towards, awareness of and take-up of eLearning in large and small organizations.
This was an in-depth study that was conducted in Ireland with a number of large multinational organizations and a number of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) which included engineering, electronics, aerospace, pharmaceutical and medical device sectors.
The study focused on the awareness, perceptions, technology support infrastructure, current and
planned involvement, most frequent and most preferred methods of delivery, benefits, barriers, the
motivational factors and overall attitudes to eLearning. 

What was impressive about this study, was that back in the early 2000’s; approximately 67 % of businesses surveyed was using some form of e-learning for staff development and approximately 90% of respondents indicated that there would be further investment in e-learning. 
Whereas, according to a survey conducted by the Department of Education in 2010 (Moran, 2011) that only 50% of Australian businesses was using e-Learning for staff development with 60% of businesses was anticipating to invest more in the future of e-learning.
So I conducted my own small survey of five different industries in Queensland (Australia), to see if they were using e-Learning as part of their staff development programme.
Slide 8:  Let us look at some individual companies and the types of e-learning and mobile learning they offer to staff.
Slide 9:  This is an example of how e-learning is accessed by Ergon Energy Employee’s.  The staff access courses like:  diversity awareness, health and safety in the office;  disaster response; fire awareness and evacuation etc. 
The positives is that staff have got 24 access  to access training when they got spare time.   The training  is also self paced and staff can access further reference materials online.
The disadvantages according to some staff is that not all core subjects are suitable for on-line training.  For example, some training needs a practical component that should be delivered by a competent instructor or facilitator like switching operator training which they have tried to deliver online.  Another disadvantage, is that staff cannot always login to e-learning training due to it technical issues.
Slide 10:  This is the an example of some courses that  doesn’t translate into the eLearning module as it requires practical assessing.
Slide 11:  Education Queensland has the following site e-learning site for students, parents and teachers.  I have provided a video introduction to explain the improve initiate to anyone that is not familiar with it.
Teachers can use the programme in the following ways:
Design tests that best meet the needs of your students.
Utilise existing tests and questions from the regularly updated collection.
Add activities to enhance learning for your students.
Follow test progression and completion of activities.
View test results immediately.
Select reports that provide comprehensive evidence of your students' progress.

Slide 12:  Whereas, Queensland Health has developed an ELearning site called Clinical Skills Development Service
Slide 13:  The e-Learning course list is extensive and according with the National Health Standards but has only become available in the last 12 months.
Slide 14:  I have came across an interesting paper describing the developments of e-Learning in the English National Health System during 2006.  The NHS healthcare system is very different to Queensland Health.  In England, each public hospital has become its own Trust or business and controls its own finances.  Every trust has to compete against each other in league tables and the better the hospital rating the more money the Trust Directors have access to improve their particular hospital.  Whereas, Queensland Health is accountable for all the public hospitals in Queensland with individual Board of Directors.  At the end of the day, Queensland Health decides the budget for each public hospital.
Slide 15:  Under the English Health System, a Registered Nurse can work for a particular public hospital trust or be available to do extra shifts on a casual basis for several trust using the NHS Professionals  Service.  The NHS Professionals network ensures that every Registered Nurse is up-to-date with their mandatory training and skills by using the following e-Learning packages.
Slide 16:  It is interesting to note the difference in subjects that the NHS offers for staff development compared to the Queensland Health.  On the whole the British staff development programme is more practical than what Queensland Health offers as subjects.
Slide 17:  This is an example of the types of different e-learning opportunities that is available to CQU Academic Staff and employees.  I really enjoy the take 5 sessions.
Slide 18:   Talk generally about e-learning in CQU and what it is like to participate as a student.
Slide 19:  This Japanese study in 2010 -  developed an e-learning system for beginners to support the self-learning of nursing skills.
To share and use know-how of nursing skills that has been accumulated from experience but which cannot be verbalized, this system renders them as formal knowledge through visual representation.
The instructional design  of the study consisted of the following four phases: 1. Identification of one’s own technical procedures; 2. Comparison of model images with one’s own technical images; 3. Comparison of each image with one’s own practice progression; and 4. Output and identification of learning results. Then, we experimented in intravenous injection technology for nursing students and nurses. We describe that the characteristics of how nurses and nursing students perceive knacks of intravenous injection and the overview of our e-learning system.
Slide 20:  In conclusion, the author of this digital story has explored the following:
       What is e-learning
       The advantages and barriers to undertaking e-learning
       How large and small businesses are embracing e-learning for staff development training
       In particular the author has looked at several industries ie:  ergon, education queensland.
       Queensland Health was compared to the English National Health System in relation to staff development e-learning training.
       From a CQU  staff development training
       University systems for e-learning for Nursing Education compared to a Japanese University.
It is clear that e-learning is being used as the major training tool within many industries and within the education system for University Distance Education Programmes.  In addition, this is also happening globally. 
This has been a great assignment to learn how to undertake a digital story to examine global developments in e-learning.  I would of not explored this area of learning if it was not for this course.  Thank you.



Saturday, 2 August 2014

Mobile Learning - Assignment 1

Mobile Learning


Portable – allow anywhere and anytime learning


Mobile learning may be defined as any type of learning that occurs when the learner is not at a fixed, predetermined location. Therefore, learning happens when the learner takes advantage of the learning opportunities offered by mobile technologies like smartphones, iPads, Laptops, ebooks and iPods (Howell, 2012).

The mobile learner will often use the following two approaches when the person is developing their own digital pedagogy.  These are using discovery learning as a method of problem-solving where the learner draws on their own experience and prior knowledge and the learner explores their environment to find answers to problems.  This is considered a constructivist approach to education.  Whereas, inquiry-based learning is a form of active learning where progress is assessed by how well students develop experimental and analytical skills rather than how much knowledge they possess.  Again, this learning theory is built in a step-wise fashion and emphasises constructivist ideas of learning (Howell, 2012).

The primary strengths for using mobile technology for learning are their mobility and size.  Students are no longer restricted to using their device at a particular fixed physical space.   This enables teachers to use mobile technology in a variety of groupings like whole class activities; pairs; small groups or individual activities.  If the mobile device has been Wi-Fi enabled, then their applications are limitless. 

A good example is the following video clip.  I was particularly interested in this clip as I have done charity work on several occassional in Urganda and Sierra Leonne whilst the United Nations aide was in progress.  During that time, I never even considered using my mobile phone as a teaching device.



 



Here is another example of how the use of mobile technology has change how organisations work in humanitarian relief operations.  When I went to Sierra Leonne in 2005, at that point in time it was one of the poorest countries in the world.  The average life expectancy was only around the age of 41 years.  However, it was amazing to observe how many local people had mobile phones. As an aide worker, the first thing we did besides get into an ex-Russian Military Helicopter was to get our phones set up onto the local network. On reflection, when I viewed the next video clip - it has reminded me of how far technology has come along in the last decade.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=T4LgsYMx_FE


Another aspect of learning anywhere and at any time, is the explosion of Digital textbooks which is at the forefront of the mobile education movement.  Students can purchase e-books for their relevant courses which enables students to read text using their mobile devices on trains or quickly refer to a section of a digital book to assist the student when on a clinical placement.  This avoids the need for students to carry heavy textbooks to and from their clinical placements or when they attend Residential School at the University.  I have never purchased an E-Book yet, as I am concerned about what happens when you have to renew your mobile device.  Does the student have to purchase the textbook again for their new smartphone?  I might ask my students this questions.



The following is an example of an App that is available to assist mobile learning anywhere and at any time. This is great for people that are foreign students who need additional practice at maths or english.




Another interesting App that I have discovered, is as a student you can find research articles and download them to "Instapaper".  Students can use Instapaper on iPads or on Android phones.  It is an really easy way to save and store articles for reading:  offline, on-the-go, anytime, anywhere and is perfectly formatted.  I like it because it gives the user the opportunity to access information offline when on a airplane or in subways if you are aboard.  The user can download up to 500 articles onto their phone or tablet and store unlimited  articles on the Instapaper website.  I have provided a video clip for anyone that is not familiar with this App.







Promotes Active Learning


As a casual Nursing Lecturer for CQU, I am very interested in enhancing student learning.  I believe there needs to be a priority to design and include mobile learning when considering teaching strategies within Pre-registration Nursing Courses.  To encourage the students to undertake enquiry base learning, the lecturer can use simulations, roleplays, games and mobile technology (Leigh, 2004).  

Engaging students and making them active participants rather than passive listeners has been shown to lead to higher learning outcomes according to Litchfield, Dyson, & Lawrence, (2007).  Interaction and active participation allows students to share ideas and apply their knowledge.  It also exposes students to perceptions from their peers, makes learning more enjoyable, and allows the lecturer to test understanding (Sixsmith, Dyson, & Nataatmadja, 2006).

Effective and practical strategies are needed to support learners development of understandings and skills in our identified graduate attributes, curriculum objectives and stated learning outcomes.  One strategy that I plan to implement in my upcoming Residential School is to get the students to revise the Anatomy and Physiology of the Cardiovascular system using mobile devices in the classroom.  This strategy will promote active learning of the individual to know the anatomy of the location of the heart valves in relation to undertaking the practical skill of listening to heart sounds when assessing a patient.  This can be achieved by using Google search engines and Apps like Google Images, videos and Google Docs.  All these Apps are very simple to use.  In addition, the use of simulation manikins will also aid student learning.

It will be interesting to see if the University uses Podcast to tape the actual lectures that I deliver for the Residential School of Nursing.  A podcast is a series of digital media files which are in a video or audio format and is often released and downloaded through web syndication (Howell, 2012).  It is interesting that Pearce & Bass (2008), describe a mobilecast which is a podcast designed to be downloaded onto a mobile phone.  Some disadvantages that the authors highlighted are the file size is often an issue when downloading, as mobile phones are slow compared with the Internet.    One advantage of Mobilecast is that you can broadcast any Microsoft PowerPoint slide instantly to other mobile devices including iPhone, iPad, iPod, Android, Black Berry and any Windows 7 phones.  It is so easy by clicking on the Mobilecast button in your PowerPoint window while viewing a slide and, in seconds, it will appear on your colleagues mobiles with no emails to open.

This Blog will explore my adventures of  mobile learning within my work environment of nursing.  I was keen to learn how I could use a mobile devices like a ipod to create presentations and to educate both my students and patients.  I am also very excited as I just received a new Android Mobile Phone which appears to have even more Apps than the borrowed iPod from the University.  There were a couple of Apps that I have discovered.

Prezi is a free cloud based app that you can present from your browser, desktop, ipad, ipod or iphone.  It is free in the public forum, however, if the user wanted more privacy then you have to pay a monthly fee.  I found this app not that easy to navigate around, it is portable and can be accessed anywhere.  The user can insert pictures, diagrams or post utube video links.

Being available on mobile devices is useful for patient education.  However, for elderly patients the size of the device and poor eyesight or poor hearing might be issues that everyone needs to consider.  This could be overcome by accessing the app using a tablet or a laptop device.  Both of these have got bigger screens and you can add extra speaker devices to aid hearing for the elderly person.

Another disadvantage of using mobile technology to promote active learning within my clinical setting is it interfers with advanced technology devices used to pace patients hearts.  I can always tell when a patient has a mobile phone on as it gives us extra pacing spikes which is not a good situation to be in when you doing cardiac pacing.  The clinician needs to get the timing correct to ensure the patients atrium and ventricles contract correctly.

As for educating students it is useful in that you can gain quick access to a presentation that has been created about a particular topic and the student can relate this information to direct patient care.


Google Presentations

I found this App so much more user friendly.  First of all, it is very similar to creating a powerpoint presentation which I am familar with.  This technology does fit the category of being bite-size e-learning resource that can aide learners and also it promotes active learning.  Like Prezi you can add images, diagrams and videos to your presentation.  The operator can also publish and share the slideshow with other students and obtain handouts.

A lecturer can create their google presentation anywhere and at anytime which is convenient especially since we live in society where time is a valuable resource.  This therefore, allows the user to optomise so called 'dead time' for example on a bus or waiting for a bus or train.  For example:  I created a 3 slide presentation using this app to demonstrate how it can be useful in my setting for my patients and students.  Please follow this link.




There are also some very good YouTube video's on how to create a google presentation.




Access to mentor, tutors and other learners on the move


According to Waterhouse (2005) asynchronous learning is one in which students and instructors are engaged in “anytime-anyplace” learning.  These days students do not have to be in the same room with other students or their instructor, nor do they have to be engaged in a learning activity at the same time.  Individuals can send and receive messages via text or email at anytime that is convenient to the individual. 

Another example of this type of learning is the use of mobile capture as discussed by MacDonald, (2012). This occurs when a student can capture a picture using their mobile phone of a learning opportunity and post the image later onto the student forum for their course or discuss the image with their lecturer at a later stage. This supports contingent learning - where a learner reacts to their environment and responds appropriately. Whereas, when the learner uses situated learning; their learning takes place in the surroundings that makes learning meaniful.  An example is: taking a photo of an interesting cardiac rhythm and discussing it on discussion forums with fellow students and tutors.  Naturally, the student is encouraged to be watchful of patient confidentiality issues.

Students, mentors and tutors can have electronic discussions by the way of forums and chats.  Waterhouse (2005) also highlights that forums are asynchronous and chats fall into the synchronous learning environment.
This course has used this type of communication between students and moderators.  The main difference that I have discovered by undertaking this course, is that, a chat discussion will only occur when all students and moderators participate in a chat session at the same time and the students don't have be at the same location.  Whereas, a forum will occur at any time and at any location that is convenient to the participant.  

One way for students to access moderators or other students is by using their mobile devices.  There is several applications that aid this form of communication and the most frequent that most people use on a daily basis :  email, text or SMS messenging, facebook, twitter.  Richardson (2010, p86) refers to Twitter as a "microblogging" tool.

It is interesting that before this course, I have never use a Blog.  However, since doing this course I have learnt that blogs can provide an invaluable means of communication between fellow students and the community.  Pearce & Bass (2008) mentions that Blogs can even be used as discussion forums.

Another way students and moderators keep in contact with each other is Moodle and Blackboard Collaborative which is used by Central Queensland University.  One advantage about Moodle is that allows access any time and anywhere but only to those involved in the learning task.  The students have to have Internet access on their mobile devices to enable them to participate. It is interesting to note that Pearce & Bass (2008) discusses that one of the major disadvantages with using Moodle for collaboration is the lack of a wider audience.  On reflection the author of this Blog does feel that this is a very valid point.

Other on-line communication tools that I have learnt about in this course is "Wikis".  As a lecturer you can create a space that is based on content rather than insights from a chronological blog.  I have found Wikispaces for Teachers is a great place if you are looking to bring something different to your teaching arena.  Wikispaces are free and are easy to set up and there is some videos which can help you work within this unfamiliar technological space.  If you ask a student if they have used a Wiki before;  they will mostly refer to the most common wiki in the world being Wikipedia.  I am sure we have all referred to this resource at some point during our careers.

Within this course and this assignment we have examine the benefits of mobile learning  according to the Mobile Learning Infokit.  However, we now must consider some of the disadvantages that can occur as a result of mobile learning.  There are some technological challenges in regards to mobile devices being:  size of screen and keypads;  connectivity and duration of battery life of the device;  slow download times and limited memory on some devices;  content security and copyright issues with information.   There are several other issues when considering mobile learning like the device can become a distraction when teaching and a digital divide can  result from issues of accessibility and cost (Howell, 2012).

The author of this blog has learnt alot about mobile learning and using mobile devices to facilitate learning from undertaking this assignment.  The advantages of this type of learning clearly outways the disadvantages.  In the past twelve months, I have began using my mobile device more to participate in active learning.  It is such a wonderful tool for modern society.


References 


Howell, J. (2012) Teaching with ICT:  Digital Pedagogies for Collaboration and Creativity.  Oxford University Press:  Melbourne, Australia.

 Leigh, E., & Spindler, L. (2004). Simulations and games as chaordic learning contexts. Simulation and Gaming, 34(1), 53 - 69.

Litchfield, A., Dyson, L., Lawrence, E. & Zmijewska, A. (2007). Directions for m-learning research to enhance active learning. In ICT: Providing choices for learners and learning. Retrieved from http://www.ascilite.org.au/conferences/singapore07/procs/litchfield.pdf

MacDonald, J. (2012) Blended Learning and Online Tutoring:  Planning Learner Support and Activity Design.  Gower Publishing:  England.

Pearce, J., & Bass, B. (2008)  Technology toolkit:  Introducing you to Web 2.0.   Nelson Cengage Learning:  Australia.

Richardson, W. (2010) Blogs, Wikis, Podcasts, and other powerful Web Tools for Classrooms.  Corwin:  United States of America.

Sixsmith, A., Dyson, L.E. & Nataatmadja, I. (2006), ‘Improving Class Participation in IT Tutorials and Small Lectures, ACIS, 6-8 Dec., Adelaide, 1-10

Waterhouse, S. (2005) The Power of eLearning:  The essential guide for teaching in the Digital Age.  Pearson:  Boston.



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Wednesday, 9 July 2014

Global Mobile Learning

Hi!

I currently work for Queensland Health.  At this point in time this organisation has not encouraged it's employees in relation to mobile learning.

It is interesting to note that as a Registered Nurse, we are encouraged not to access our mobile phones whilst working on any hospital ward, particularly in Coronary Care as mobile devices can interefer with cardiac monitoring technology.

I had a patient that had his mobile phone near his artifical pacemaker and the nursing staff witness heaps of artifact of pacing spikes on the cardiac monitor.  Needless to say, the patient was informed to switch his mobile device off.

Learning on the go is a reflection of our society and the fast pace of life we all face.  Learn anywhere and at any time is a great concept and one that I only embraced last year.  Whilst doing my tax return, I found out I can claim for a certain amount of internet time for work.  This has been great because in our ward we have mini exams without notice.  Often, I will try and take my morning tea break and do a quick revision using a google search engine.

I am not mobile savy as yet as I only got a standard phone and a laptop.  My friends are always buying the latest devices which all cost money.  So this concept of learn anywhere and at any time is only available to people that are computer literaturate and have got the money the buy the latest devices.

The other month we had an in-service training on a updated piece of equipment.  The company representative offered to download problem-solving app for his health equipment to staff who had smart phones.  This is a brilliant concept if you have access to the right technology.  Just pull out your phone and you got access to instant information to solve problems with equipment.  What a great reference guide.

I think the Medical Staff have embraced mobile learning more than Nurses as they have to refer to guidelines alot more than our profession.

Thursday, 22 May 2014

Rationale for Motivational Video



My video highlights: how education has changed throughout the decades from using chalk and slate boards in the Victorian times, to using computers and web technology within the classrooms of today. 

I applied Cognitive Learning theory by grabbing the audience attention from the beginning of the video and using a laser animation show to upbeat music.  I also added title headings to stimulate people’s curiosity of what this video was about.  The opening scenes are directed towards visual learners.

The background theme track within this video was by Travelling Wilburys (2007) “End of the Line” theme song. I initially chose this song as it was upbeat, positive and highlighted that people can overcome difficulties and “it is alright” to face your fears about web-based technologies.  I also used this sound track as a motivational tool to convince any audience members who were sceptical about using technology to learn.  However, I realised when I reflected on types of learning theories that in essence I was using the behaviourist learning theory by providing a repeated action or theme song as a stimulus in order to produce a response (Utley, 2011).

The next few slides relate to technological advances and how it has affected learning and what effects this has had on society.  Society has seen the emergence of youtube, facebook and the use of blogs, wikis and virtual learning environments within the learning environment.  These Web 2.0 tools can provide the opportunity for students to learn skills of communication, collaboration, connectedness, communities of learning, convergence, contextualization and cloud computing according to Solomon and Schrum (2009).  The majority of these skills fall within the constructivism learning theory.
Constructivist learning theory highlights knowledge is constructed and all learning is connected.  Therefore, people build knowledge in contrast to merely acquiring it.  With exposure to new perspectives, current understandings are changed, and new knowledge is constructed to make sense of experiences.  Connection to new and existing knowledge means that perceptions and learning is continually changing (Iwasiw, Goldenberg & Andrusyszyn 2009). 
The author’s personal theory of E-learning is: e-learning should be seen as means of education and not a mode of education which may involve a number of technological tools that can be applied in various contexts.  Students are encouraged to construct their own learning by using technology and also a teacher can use that same technology to lead students on a pathway to form their own conclusions from learning.

The author of this video was building and constructing ideas about the growth of e-learning and examining what is driving this change in our teaching and learning environments.  Some reasons are:  an increase use of electronic communication in our daily lives; age is now longer a barrier to learning; an increased access to internet via the use of computers, mobile, smart phones but also the government and industry are motivated to establish availability of broadband and wireless.  Other driving forces that need to be considered are that learning is now consumer lead and not teacher lead anymore.  Students want convenience of studying to fit into their schedule; they want 24/7 access to learning and not 9-5 access.  Students want to earn while they learn and all the postgraduate nursing studies are now e-learning based whilst the undergraduate nursing programmes can either be e-learning based via distance education or on campus using blended learning techniques where you have a combination of online and face-face learning occurring (Mason and Rennie 2006). 

Other theories that were demonstrated within this assignment were engagement and social learning theory where students want engaging and interactive learning from social interaction and a sense of community.  On-line instructors promote social learning by using students names when doing interactive forums and providing feedback.  They also promote active learning activities by encouraging collaboration with other students that will lead to completion of an assignment. This also highlights the use of connectivism within course work.

The author wanted to lead the audience through what the future of nursing education is like using a flipped classroom approach and to explain other foreign concepts to nurses who have no experience of these learning methods.   The author decided to add video clips which explain concepts like virtual learning environments and massive open online courses (MOOCs) and demonstrate how these can be applied to nursing.  These are all examples of how e-learning is redefining the learning process according to the SAMR model.

There are a lot of Web 2.0 tools available to teachers today that are redefining learning like: annotation and note taking; audio and podcast tools; blogs; calendars; collaborative writing tools; idea and mind mapping; educator and student communities; communication and online discussion tools; content management systems; online whiteboards; maps; microblogging; photo editing and photo sharing; presentation and video editing tools; publishing and drawing tools; portals and social bookmarking; quiz and activities generators; RSS; timelines; videoconferencing and video sharing; virtual worlds and wikis (Solomon and Schrum 2009).

The author ended her video by showing slides about overcoming fear in order to get started with e-learning.  I also applied the backing track by the TravellingWilburys (2007) to reinforce the message that “it’s all right” and to encourage everyone that they can do e-learning if they have a go.

Blog References
 Iwasiw, C. L., Goldenberg, D., Andrusyszyn, M. (2009).  Curriculum Development in Nursing Education. Sudbury:  Jones & Bartlett Publishers.

Solomon G and Schrum L (2009) Web 2.0 how-to for educators the indispensable companion to web 2.0:  new tools, new schools. Hawker Brownlow Education:  Moorabbin Victoria.

Utley, R. (2011). Theory and Research for Academic Nurse Educators Application to Practice.  Sudbury:  Jones & Bartlett Publishers.
Travelling Wilbury (2007) End of the line. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cwqhdRs4jyA

Video References
Department of Education (2012) Table 8.1: Commencing students enrolled in special courses by gender, mode of attendance, State and Higher Education Provider, Full year 2012.  Retrieved from http://education.gov.au/selected-higher-education-statistics-2012-student-data#full-year-data

Miller, J (2011) Medical Patient Simulations in the Virtual World of Second Life. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LQ1HIg7lcvQ

Pappas, C. (2013) Important statistic about e-learning market for 2013 – Infographic.  Retrieved from http://elearningindustry.com/important-statistics-about-the-elearning-market-for-2013-infographic

Pappas, C. (2013) Top 10 e-learning statistics for 2014 you need to know.  Retrieved from

Travelling Wilbury (2007) End of the line. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cwqhdRs4jyA

Webanywhere (2013) What is a MOOC? Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B81Xp4WO7w8

Tuesday, 6 May 2014

Does E-Learning require a new theory of Learning?


Andrews (2011) highlights the following concepts:
  •  Learning is socially situated and therefore e-communities are different from conventional learning communities as the participants in e-communities are physically isolated but come together for learning purposes and for researching the internet.
  • Learning of knowledge is affected by digital technology and computers are multimodal and the majority of communication is done via computers.
           ·    Transformation is a central to the theory of learning because the users re-shape meaning according                 to the available resources.  Transduction has the effect of re-casting the meaning from one mode to               another.

           ·      E-learning requires considerable motivation of the individual but is solely dependent on the individual.

           ·      Other theories that extend our knowledge of e-learning were:  Intrinsic motivation; social informatics;              digital media theory.

Does E-Learning require a new theory of Learning?
I believe the answer has to be YES for the following reasons:
E-learning should be seen as means of education and not a mode of education which may involve a number of technological tools that can be applied in various contexts.  Students are encouraged to construct their own learning by using technology and also a teacher can use that same technology to lead students on a pathway to form their own conclusions from learning.
How does this relate to my teaching practice?  Currently, I use a lot of verbal and hard text visual information to teach staff and students on a Coronary Care Ward.  Often, you only get five minutes to address issues and conduct hotspot teaching sessions.  When more time is available, I will go through PowerPoint presentations.  I am currently reviewing the structure and nature of all my teaching resources due to the information provided by this course.

Friday, 11 April 2014

Reflective Synopsis

Before commencing this course, my experience of using Information Communication Technology (ICT) within my teaching experience was minimal.   My journey so far has taught me a lot about the types of ICT available to be implemented within my clinical environment with the particular emphasis on transforming learning by using the SAMR model.

Within my clinical environment, the facilitator uses the assessment tool which consist particularly of policy and procedure to assess a particular clinical skill.  As clinicians, we take this assessment tool and learn it parrot fashion in order to demonstrate our skills.  One has to ask:  Is this an effective learning or assessment process?

My blog :  http://turtlestravel.blogspot.com.au/2014/03/reflections-of-educational-theories-and.html provides a reflection on learning theories and demonstrates the core understanding of how to apply these theories to my teaching.  The above example uses a behaviourist approach to learning.  The learners are unable to critically analyse or think outside the particular assessment tool (Utley, 2011).   

So, how can I transform this learning and assessment into a positive experience in order for the clinician to show cognitive thinking and analytical skills?

On reflection, I have had so much fun exploring and creating my curated collection of internet-based learning objects: http://www.scoop.it/t/e-learning-by-marina-cousins .  I will highlight the following three:
Non-Invasive Ventilation On-line video Tutorials


There are a variety of ways that learning can be transformed by using this technology:  for example you can provide this You-Tube link within a PowerPoint presentation.  The above link can facilitate learning and revision of clinical skills by using visual cognitive learning where learning is done by processing of information. The facilitator can assess learning by the use of technology like providing on-line quizzes, games or completion of concept maps.  The above is a demonstration of the use of constructivism learning theory which highlights that by providing a facilitation activity, the learner will make meaning of information by doing  (Hand, 2005).

Second Life Nursing Simulation


The author of this synopsis thought that this was a really good example of how ICT can transform learning.  The use of virtual learning environments can be used for self-directed learning packages in order for the learner to master content at their own pace and to revise clinical skills.

This type of learning could be easily incorporated within my workplace and is an example of how technology can redefine learning.  This technology could be used with on-line collaborative activities like writing a blog using reflection techniques. Again, this is an example of constructivist learning theory where knowledge is created to fit with reality.


SAMR on-line Tutorial


The tutorials on the SAMR model were most helpful in order for the author to understand how to apply this information.  One of the striking things about this tutorial is the use of collaboration in learning.  Collaboration in learning can be a positive experience, however, it is easy to achieve on-line collaboration activities when undertaking a distance education course compared with performing the same activities within a hospital ward environment due to lack of resources.

As part of my teaching, I can now provide links between on-line presentations/video’s or digital pictures into PowerPoint Presentations.  As a facilitator, I can make realistic day-to-day situations authentic by use of this technology.    I have discovered through this course how to develop concept maps to engage learners cognitive abilities to assess learning.

In the 20th Century, the three main learning theories were behaviourism, cognitivism and constructivism which had an emphasis on learning as an individual pursuit (Iwasiw, Goldenberg & Andrusyszyn 2009). The fundamental epistemological basis of behaviourism and cognitivism was objectivism.  Objectivism reflects that knowledge is absolute and matches reality (Utley, 2011) .
  
Whereas, in the 21st Century we have seen the introduction of the forth learning theory of Online Collaborative Learning where the emphasis is on students working together to create knowledge by innovation and thereby by doing will create conceptual knowledge needed to solve problems rather than recite information or what they think is the right answer (Harasim, 2012).  This course is a good example of this learning theory.  I have improved my ICT skills by using on-line collaboration techniques and I have also learnt a lot in a short time about how to improve my teaching and  facilitation skills.

Reference
Hand, H. (2005). Promoting effective teaching and learning in the clinical setting. Nursing Standard, 20 (39), 55-63.

Harasim, L (2012) Learning Theory and Online Technologies, Routledge:  New York.

Iwasiw, C. L., Goldenberg, D., Andrusyszyn, M. (2009). Curriculum Development in Nursing Education. Sudbury: Jones & Bartlett Publishers.

Utley, R. (2011). Theory and Research for Academic Nurse Educators Application to Practice. Sudbury: Jones & Bartlett Publishers.