Static - Dynamic Technologies Continuum
The learning outcomes of a course will determine the
appropriate technologies to be used for designing the instructional materials.
A course involving team work requires a good collaborative tool to engage
learners actively during the learning process. The static technologies tools
are easy to use and adapt to a learning environment. Static technologies
broadcast information and avail learners the opportunity to capture information
with little or minimal knowledge building. However, some technologies such as
wikis and blogs tread in between static and dynamic. Learners interact with the
content and generate new ideas. Creation of knowledge is through analysis and
argumentation using media such as discussions board (Moller, 2008). Dynamic
technologies allow learners interaction with materials at a deeper cognitive
level. Learners construct new knowledge leading to a better understanding of
the content and enhance learners’ achievement. At this end of the continuum,
the use of virtual simulations and games to achieve learning outcomes is vital.
My comfort zone is the middle of the static-dynamic
technologies continuum. The use of Google docs for collaboration comes with
ease, and one of the advantages is the ability for learners to edit document at
the same time, irrespective of their location. The ease of use of Skype for
phone calls, video conferencing, chat, and instant messaging has made it a
preferred choice with the added value of free access. Moving to the dynamic end
of the continuum, I foresee developing courses using Moodle and Blackboard with
embedded collaborative work, discussion forum and opinion polls. I require
creative skills to develop games relating to a subject. The mind map tools are
very dynamic and enhance learners’ critical thinking skills. The use of mind
tools will aid learners to explore, create, apply and construct new knowledge.
Mind tools will inevitably be part of my designed courses. This will help
learners think creatively and generate various possibilities to solve assigned
tasks.
These links give more insight on static and dynamic
technologies. Erica’s blog has embedded videos with information on using
dynamic technologies in the classroom.
Reference
Dear Aderonke,
ReplyDeleteI am so glad to find that I am not the only one to find myself in the middle of the static- dynamic spectrum. I do not get quite right how to differ static from dynamic technologies. For what I understood static technologies are like a recipe book. One can only read the instructions and dynamic technologies compare to cook something from a recipe and adding something different to make it unique or to experiment with the recipe. After looking at your so well designed concept map (love the template), I was surprised to find “Discussion board” under static technologies because discussion boards should be total dynamic. Students do not just read posts and threads; we have to respond to them with our very personal points of view. Then, “Google Docs.” was placed under dynamic collaboration. Far as I know, when I share a document using google docs., is mainly to show a document to another team member. The recipient is not allowed to make changes. Correct me if I am wrong. I really like the graphics and A plus for presentation. Good work!
Diana
Dear Diana,
DeleteThanks for your feedback. I use Google docs a lot for collaboration. As a team, we can all access the document and make changes. It keeps track of changes with details, which include time and name of the person. The perspective of the discussion board I see as static is the main discussion topic, which cannot be changed.
I love your concept map. I like how you actually added the tools considered to between static and dynamic to the map. I also appreciate you providing specific names of tools. That knowledge can be very helpful if a reader doesn't know where to begin. I also hope to utilize mindtools in the future. The article I read "Computers as Mindtools for Engaging Learners in Critical Thinking" (http://frank.itlab.us/forgetting/learning_mindtools.pdf) really opened my mind to using them.
ReplyDeleteDear Kanelia,
ReplyDeleteI also realized that the use of mind tools is of immense benefits in learning. It enhances critical thinking skills and help achieve the learning outcome.
Thank you for the links I watched one of the video from Erica's blog.
ReplyDeleteTeri