Teaching and Learning at a Distance: Workshop Materials

Course Announcements and Email Archives
Welcome to the course! You'll find links to the course materials on the left side of this page. Start by reading the Course Syllabus and Calendar. Be sure to examine the Course Requirements page. Then work your way through The Guide (Course Guide). Be sure to let me know if you have questions about the course. Email me at larrjoh@gmail.com

Email Archives
Below you'll find the archives of the course updates and other email communications.

October 5, 2008
Hi gang;

This is it - - the final week . . . time to wrap up your final project and present it to the class. Due on Friday, October 10th.

Also don't forget to complete the final DD8 on Wednesday; replies due by Friday.

FINAL PROJECT
Before you submit, look over your work critically. Does it stand alone; that is, can one enter the website and figure out what's going on, where to start, and what activities should be completed, and in what order?

Within your materials, do you identify the source and have a way to contact someone for added information? Is the date created on the materials?

Content Requirement: As stated in the assignment, an entire course does not have to be completed. However you do need to have the overall structure components in place - - and then one section needs to be totally completed.

Technology Requirement: (a) web presence (usually the front end / entrance to the course - program - project activity. (b) Incorporate the effective use of two other technology tools; be sure that they are an integral part of the course.

AUDIO RECORDING - CONSIDER GOING OPEN SOURCE
Many of you probably know about or use Audacity software. But for others: A popular and easy to use, open source software for recording audio on your computer is Audacity. I highly recommend it for your 'toolkit.' http://audacity.sourceforge.net/ Available in Mac and Windows versions as are many open source products.

There are lots of open source software that you might find useful. For example, a graphics program like GIMP can do much of the same work that PhotoShop enables. For more information about open-source products, visit our webpage:
Open Source http://eduscapes.com/hightech/overview/open/index.htm

Also you should all be aware that as IUPUI students, you have access to a few software programs. Visit IUware Online and use your username / password to download the latest versions. Granted if you recently bought a new computer, you probably already have the latest edition of MS Office, or you might choose an open-source equivalent.

IUware Online http://iuware.indiana.edu/

Have a good week. Communicate if you have a problem.

Larry

September 30, 2008
Hi gang,

We are nearing the finish for the course.

ASSIGNMENTS
Deep Discussion - DD6 os due Wed, October 1st

Read online: Course Management http://eduscapes.com/distance/course_management/index.htm

I am completing the scores for DD4 today.

WORK ON THE FINAL PROJECT
Deciding the scope for your final project http://eduscapes.com/distance/workshop_materials/guide.htm#8 A personal decision each of you must make is how far to carry your project work. That's especially needed for those who have outlined a larger course program. Make sure that the framework is in place for the entire sequence, but then concentrate on doing a thorough job with one or more sections.

The criteria for meeting minimum requirements of the final project are embedded in the assignment (Above URL); however for outstanding work and full score - I look for going beyond those baseline criteria in at least one or more area.

I'm happy to look over your project, answer specific questions, provide a little formative feedback if needed. Works best if you pose specific questions or direct my attention to a section.

REMINDER
If you have not done so, make sure that you add credit to your project site (web, wiki, blog): identifying the creation date and yourself as the author. Consider including an email link back to yourself. Privacy concern? - an email does not locate where you reside, especially if you have an free gmail account.

Many or most of your projects are being developed for open access on the Web. Therefore think about adding enough information about the intended purpose and primary audience for your project so that a chance visitor can understand what is taking place. Make them 'stand alone.'

If you are having a problem, have a question, or just want another opinion, get in touch - - email me.

Larry

September 19, 2008
Hello,

I'm enjoying seeing the Web materials that you created for the DD#3. Brought to mind how important it is for you to take time and explore the ways that others approached this task. Remember there is no one right way. So be sure to look at everyone's work and not just the one that you chose to respond / reply to - Responses to DD#4 are by next Monday. I will move to grading those (#4) this weekend.

Along these same lines, it's important that you avoid comparing your work and your skills with anyone else; you are improving your own abilities. Each person comes to this class with different experiences, varied backgrounds and ideas, and certainly different professional goals.

Keep rolling along on the course assignments and be sure to stay on-schedule.

PROJECT
Keep working on your final project.

Development Hint: Don't overlook making sure that your course materials are matched to your audience. Insure that the tone of your communications match their language and expectations. Motivate their interest by addressing content to them in a form that is as fun and inviting as possible. Use wording that is familiar to your intended users. Make the materials inviting; motivate their interest and participation.

Have a good weekend.

Larry

September 7, 2008
Hello,

SCORING OF YOUR FORUM POSTINGS
Have completed reading you postings up through Deep Discussion 1. You will find the score credited on the gradesheet at Oncourse.

I will just followup with my appreciation of your efforts in formulating and writing - - responding to the assigned prompts. I always learn new or relearn and reinforce important ideas from you, the class members - - you bring a wealth of experiences and ideas to the course. That is not saying that I always agree with your ideas, but I hope that I always remain open to your insights. I try not to interject myself into these class discussions. Keep up the great discussions.

KEEPING ON TRACK
Hope that the course structure is making sense. If you follow the syllabus, pay attention to its calendar, and work through the course guide - - you will be fine. But these are not to be confused with readings on the same topics (below).

ONLINE READINGS
You should be reading:
Course Guides http://eduscapes.com/distance/course_guides/index.htm
Syllabus and Course Calendar http://eduscapes.com/distance/course_guides/syllabus.htm
Personal Guides and Coursequests http://eduscapes.com/distance/course_guides/coursequest.htm
Scaffolds for Learning http://eduscapes.com/distance/course_guides/scaffolds.htm
Reception Scaffolds http://eduscapes.com/distance/course_guides/reception.htm
Transformation Scaffolds http://eduscapes.com/distance/course_guides/transformation.htm
Production Scaffolds http://eduscapes.com/distance/course_guides/production.htm
Dreamweaver for Course Development http://eduscapes.com/distance/the_basics/dreamweaver.htm

Postings for DD3 are due on Wed Sept 10 (Replies for DD2 are also due).

Finally you should share the topic of your final project; post it online in the area setup in the Forum section (Scroll down below the DD areas). Making a decision on the topic does not mean that it is written in stone - - but it is time to begin working on the final project. This is your starting point, and like all plans - - the final project evolves to its finished form.

ONLINE SPACE FOR THE PROJECT
Your final project must be made public on the Web. This space can be anywhere, just as long as the entry point is accessible on the Web. If you have the skills and access to a location, this can be a traditional website. However I would not recommend attempting to learn how to create a webpage for this task; we do not have enough time. I teach a 3-hour online course in the Spring term called Information Architecture for the Web; this is course on Web development that begins with learning basic html programming and finishes with using the Dreamweaver Web development software.

The web-form for your final project can be an html page, but if you are not proficient with web development - - use any of the many Web or Web2.0 technologies available. These include GoogleSites http://sites.google.com (GooglePages have been replaced), and other Web-hosting sites such as Weebly http://www.weebly.com/ or Bravenet http://www.bravenet.com GoogleSites is a little more complicated than GooglePages because it has some added features / capabilities. Sites such as these do not require that users know how to program html or web development software. The starting page of your final project may take any form such as a wiki or traditional webpage. That entry page should then direct users to other materials such as a blog, wiki, forum, etc.

If you have questions, concerns, or just want to check understanding - email me. I'm online every day and will get back with you as soon as possible.

Larry

August 28, 2008
Hey there,

We are jumping along into the second week of a short course; hope all is going well for you in the course. Remember that if you are having problems, don't understand something, feeling a bit panicky about an assignment - - the worst thing you can do is keep it to yourself. Please communicate with me; I will do my best to help - - after all that is my job.

THIS WEEK'S ASSIGNMENTS
Read the following pages (online materials)
Course Content http://eduscapes.com/distance/course_content/index.htm
Structure http://eduscapes.com/distance/course_content/structure.htm
Elements http://eduscapes.com/distance/course_content/elements.htm
Emerging Formats http://eduscapes.com/distance/course_content/formats.htm

Your Deep Discussion - DD #2 will be due next Wednesday.

GRADING
I will score your DD posting #1 along with replies early next week. Scores will be posted to your gradebook at Oncourse.

LINK ROT
Thanks Melissa for bringing the dead link to my attention - on the Learning Styles page our connection to an Asian approach to a math problem. Have found a very similar video (uses the same visual method) at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HB1NaZrJU3Q

Have a good rest of the week; I'm lurking around my computer most days (8-)

Larry

August 21, 2008
Hello Everyone,

I bet you recognize that this is the first time that Teaching and Learning at a Distance has been offered as a class. Annette and I have previously conducted much of this content as a multi-day workshop, but this is the first time to bring all of this together. And I think that the final improvements are now in place (It did involve a little more time than expected!). Again, thanks for your patience, and let me know if you see any problems that I overlooked - I hope not (fingers crossed). (8-)

The entry point for all the online material is Teaching and Learning at a Distance http://eduscapes.com/distance/index.htm
Index page for content is Workshop Materials (S603 classes are all workshop courses) http://eduscapes.com/distance/workshop_materials/index.htm
Workshop Content (An Overview) http://eduscapes.com/distance/workshop_content/index.htm

FINAL CHANGES
There have been some changes made to the contents of these webpages:
(1) The Guide http://eduscapes.com/distance/workshop_materials/guide.htm
This webpage is intended to be your main guide through the content and activities
The assignments call for posting an Introduction (2 pts.) and completing seven Deep Discussions (Forum postings, 2 pts. each plus 1 pt. possible for response / reply), and one final project encompassing both content and technology components (27 pts.).

Note: As you revisit these webpages, be sure to refresh / reload the screen once you reach the site; this will insure that your computer loads the updated version and replaces what was archived in your browser.

(2) The Requirements page has also been changed so that it is aligned with the assignments / point values.
http://eduscapes.com/distance/workshop_materials/requirements.htm

(3) Finally the Course Calendar has been added to the Syllabus http://eduscapes.com/distance/workshop_materials/syllabus.htm

With the delay of these final changes, let me know if there are any problems with meeting the scheduled Due dates. I feel comfortable allowing a little extra time here in the first few days - as long as we get up-to-speed and on-schedule by next Wednesday?

Next task for me is to complete the remaining Forum structure at Oncourse - - followed by the gradebook.

THE TERM "COURSE"
Note that throughout the course materials, I often use the word "course." This is not to be confused with your class (also the course); but usually the term is being applied in a generic fashion to a unit of study - - in this instance, a unit of study that is to be conducted at a distance. A course can be formal or informal in nature; for example, a book club, a library orientation, a seminar on cultural diversity, etc. The possibilities are almost endless.

ONLINE READINGS
Yesterday's message started you out with assigned readings; here is the full listing for this week (Reading assignments made each Wednesday):
Skim through / become familiar with The Guide, Requirements, Workshop Materials, and Workshop Content pages (Listed above with URLs)

FORUM POSTING - DEEP DISCUSSION
Once you have completed the online readings, you are ready to complete the Deep Discussion 1: Learners and Learning http://eduscapes.com/distance/workshop_materials/guide.htm#d1
In your Forum posting for this activity, attend to all the listed criteria in the assignment - - however, you do not have to limit yourself to only those items.

The due date for posting your Introductions is tomorrow, but don't fret if you need another day . . . I will accept them until Sunday night.

Deep Discussion One is due next Wednesday, August 27th. Excerpted and updated from the last update message: Two points are available for your original posting and one point for a reply / response.. Replies are due within 5 days from the posting due date. For the Deep Discussion 1, your reply should be posted by Wed Sept 1. Replies should extend or add to ideas and information of original posting - - must be more than positive feedback, agreement, etc. More specific details are provided on The Guide.

Have a good weekend - - jump into the reading; you can work ahead of schedule if you wish.

I'll be around and online every day.

Larry

August 20, 2008
Hello again,

Back with you and thanks for your patience. Now its time to get going. For the record, the calendar for the class is August 20th to October 10th.

I will be sending out periodic email messages like this. I call them course updates. Recommend that you read through each of them carefully. They will be archived in the course materials so that you can go back and revisit whenever needed. Make sure that you understand the information and directions that each contains. If not, email me with your questions, ask for added explanation. I will do my best to make things clear and understood.

STARTING POINTS
There is no textbook, all readings will be online. First off, take time to get acquainted with the course website materials; suggest that you begin with exploring these sections:

Syllabus http://eduscapes.com/distance/workshop_materials/syllabus.htm
Requirements http://eduscapes.com/distance/workshop_materials/requirements.htm
The Guide http://eduscapes.com/distance/workshop_materials/guide.htm
Note: I am in process of making a few changes on the course guide (online later today); goal is to reduce number of Deep Discussions to total of 6. At the same time, the point value associated with assignments will be adjusted.

ASSIGNMENTS
A basic component of any Lamb / Johnson Web course has always been discussions posted in the forum sections of Oncourse. Same here. As a participant, each of you share so much more added information and unique ideas that add to the richness of the course. It's essential that you fully participate.

Cohort Collaboration 1 - Introduce Yourself, Due Friday, Aug 22:
Go to Oncourse, locate our course, choose Forums, locate the Introduce Yourself forum, and share the following information in a a message.
1 - Introduce yourself to the class. Include your name in the subject of the message. Provide a little personal and professional information about yourself.
2 - Share something you've done that you don't think anyone else in the class has experienced.
3 - Also tell us about your online experiences. Have you taken online courses before? If yes, what did you like and dislike about this approach? If not, tell us about your other online activities. Do you surf, use Facebook, or maybe avoid the computer outside class?
4. What experiences have you had with distance learning (Not restricted to Web or online activities)? Summarize some of your thinking of the potential of distance learning for libraries.
5. Share the topic of the online course you plan to work on during this workshop.

Post your message. Then, go back and skim the introductions. Comment on someone else's experiences or information; add to / expand from their ideas. Reply to at least one person who is working on a topic of interest or expertise.

Two points are available for your original posting and one point for a reply / response - scored as to completeness in meeting criteria assigned. Replies are due within 5 days from the posting due date. For this Cohort Collaboration 1, your reply should be posted by Wed Aug. 27th. Replies should extend or add to ideas and information of original posting - - must be more than positive feedback, agreement, etc.

ONLINE READINGS
Notice on The Guide that the content for this course is grouped into three sections. Begin with Part 1 - Course Content, Organization, and Web Development. Now that you have completed your introduction, read the following materials:
Start at The Basics webpage http://eduscapes.com/distance/the_basics/index.htm
The Definitions http://eduscapes.com/distance/the_basics/definitions.htm
Eight Elements of Effective Online Courses http://eduscapes.com/distance/the_basics/elements.htm
Note: You are also welcome to skim through the webpage on Dreamweaver for Course Development. However be assured that this is not a class requirement (Only provided as supplemental information). You can use online resources such as a Web hosting site like Googlepages http://pages.google.com/

Later today the course calendar will get uploaded, the revisions made to course guide. But meantime, I wanted you to have this startup information.

Lastly someone asked how I should be addressed. I'm pretty flexible here; comfortable with you using my first name or if you prefer to be more formal - Mr. J or Dr. J (That last one dates me to the Seventies) will also do fine. Similarly I start with the name given on the roster or your emails; let me know if you have another preference or I mis-keyboard your name (8-).

Have a great day, and I will be back with you in a few days.

Larry

August 19, 2008
Hello everyone,

Almost ready to get started with the Distance Learning course (29850 S603, August 20 - October 10).

There is no required textbook for the course; all readings will be online. I will be working today to finish up final touches on the course materials. Sit tight, relax another day and we will get started tomorrow.

E-mail COMMUNICATION
I see several familiar names and a few new ones: I have received email from several of you. If you have not emailed me about this semester - - please send a brief note confirming that I have the correct email address that you would like me to use.

If you have a preferred email address (Instances where I am emailing two locations) or name / nickname, etc., let me know. If you have not previously emailed me confirming that you are enrolled in the class, please do so. Kinda like the 'email me if you do not receive this message' thing (8-).

Note that I respond to email sent to my main address at larrjoh@gmail.com

I check and read that mail daily. Throughout the semester, I will mail out direct communications like this to you. These periodic email updates are to keep you informed on details directly related to the class, and I may include some personal stuff once in a while (where we are, what we are doing, etc.).

YOUR INSTRUCTOR
A little background (For those few who have taken a course from me before, please excuse the repetition), I have been a classroom teacher, a school library media specialist at a junior and senior high school, a district wide media administrator, a media administrator at a community college and a university, and have taught at a few universities. I've been doing web development for over ten years. My wife, Annette Lamb, and I maintain an award-winning website for educators (http://eduscapes.com) that has thousands of pages and receives over ten million hits each month. We also co-author the Info-Tech column in the Teacher Librarian.

I believe that all of you have some degree of library experience and several are already working in libraries. We also have several teachers and teacher librarians. Our backgrounds and academic preparation are varied; together we can bring different perspectives into the online class discussions. I look forward to getting better acquainted and learning more about you during the semester.

I enjoy teaching web-based / online courses and exploring and learning new things. I'm a relatively new kind of professor - - I teach classes for IUPUI, but do not live in Indiana. This summer, Annette and I changed our residence from Texas to Utah (for voting and snail mail). For ten years, we have lived and traveled in our motorhome (RV) - - spending quite a bit of time out West. Learn more about our lives and lifestyle at http://www.eduscapes.com/lamb/

Don't worry about being able to keep in touch; as I hinted, I'm online most days / every day using a high-speed satellite system installed on top of the motorhome - - or using a land line or wireless network if away from the RV. E-mail works . . .

Back with you tomorrow. If you have questions and or concerns, do not hesitate to get back in touch.

Larry

Photograph of Larry Johnson