In this 21st century of learning, teachers are faced with many issues that have emerged in the educational field within the last generation. Computers and other electronic devices are forever changing the traditional school scene. In addition to the traditional curriculum and instruction, students must add more specific curriculum and skills into new learning environments. The new learning environments are those called MOOCs (Massive Open Online Courses) and BYOD (Bring Your Own Device).
MOOCs are exactly what the letters state. MOOCs are courses that are massive because they are available to the masses (all at the same time), they are accessible online and they are open to everyone. MOOCs provide interaction among its users which include students, teachers and teaching assistants. They began becoming popular in 2012, just four years after being introduced.
As a participant in elearning, I am not totally convinced that MOOCs are the right choice for me. Even though the basic courses can save students money, one must think that these MOOC companies are out to make a profit somehow. If something sounds to good to be true, then it most likely is. According to the article, "Framework for 21st Century Learning," the basic product is free, but premium services such as certification or placement cost. Unless you are looking to enhance your own knowledge for yourself, you will end up spending money on the course(s) you choose. It may be less than a traditional class, but MOOC providers need to keep themselves in business, too.
Another reason why I do not feel like MOOC is for me is due to the massive size of the classes. I may be showing my age a bit, but the course structure with possibly thousands of people participating in one class just seems overwhelming to me. Too many people with so much input and so many opinions does not appeal to me. Granted that students range from university students to degreed professionals to educators, business people, researchers and others, I prefer to remain in smaller class settings. If I just want to learn about a certain subject on my own, I will let my fingers do the walking on the keyboard of the worldwide web.
Since MOOCs are open to so many people at once, it does not appear to be the most conducive system for a student who runs into an emergency situation. For example, work is not allowed to be turned in late, but for an elearning class, such as EDFI575, I have more immediate contact with a professor who can help me, especially if I need extra time to complete an assignment. (I'm just trying to make a point, nothing more :-).)
Completion rates are also questionable when it comes to MOOCs. Learning with guidance versus learning individually can make quite a difference. Individual motivation levels can guide towards success or can steer away from completing a MOOC. In the article, "Framework for 21st Century Learning," completion rates are considerably less than traditional online courses. As a matter of fact, the completion rate for a MOOC is less than ten percent.
Since MOOCs are open to so many people at once, it does not appear to be the most conducive system for a student who runs into an emergency situation. For example, work is not allowed to be turned in late, but for an elearning class, such as EDFI575, I have more immediate contact with a professor who can help me, especially if I need extra time to complete an assignment. (I'm just trying to make a point, nothing more :-).)
Completion rates are also questionable when it comes to MOOCs. Learning with guidance versus learning individually can make quite a difference. Individual motivation levels can guide towards success or can steer away from completing a MOOC. In the article, "Framework for 21st Century Learning," completion rates are considerably less than traditional online courses. As a matter of fact, the completion rate for a MOOC is less than ten percent.
Some reasons for low completion rates include too much time required for the course, it was too difficult or it was too easy. Also, lack of introduction to course technology and format, and abuse on discussion boards were also listed. Further, hidden costs such as required readings from expensive textbooks written by the instructor were also issues.
There is obviously a demand for MOOCs or it would not be a multibillion dollar industry as the article, "Will the Future of Education Be Online, Open and Massive?" states. Fortunately there is a variety of opportunity for learners today. Whether you study via MOOCs, elearning or in the traditional classroom setting, the worldwide web will always be there to help guide you on your chosen path.
Another form of having equitable access in the classroom is BYOD (Bring Your Own Device). This not only refers to students taking their own devices into the classroom to use, but it also refers to business people using their own devices while working. Like other things, there are pros and cons related to BYOD.
Whenever I bought my devices, whether the phone, the tablet, or computer, I researched which would be the best option for me. I looked for plenty of storage, format, brand, etc. In other words, the device I ultimately chose was one that would fit my needs and wants. BYOD is guided by "perceived enjoyment." ("Bring Your Own Device," Wikipedia.) In other words, people are satisfied and comfortable with their own devices, so it makes sense to use them for everything they do, including school and work.
People tend to get hooked on certain brands of devices. For example, people are either totally in favor of Apple products or they are not. Personally I am an android and Samsung fan. I would like it if I would have the opportunity of using my own device at school or work to accomplish the tasks at hand. I am used to the format and I can save my work in my cloud so that I can access it at any time. Other countries around the world have adopted BYOD and have found an increase in productivity levels. By allowing employees to use their own devices, they can have immediate access from wherever they may be. I recently watched a movie where this idea could have fit perfectly if not for financial reasons (and timing since technology was not as extensive as it is today). "Pursuit of Happyness" is a movie where a man, Chris Gardner played by Will Smith, is trying so hard to get on his feet financially so he and his son do not have to stay in homeless shelters. He interned at Dean Witter trying to gain a permanent place in the company, struggling each and everyday. Along the way, Chris met potential clients and all the while he collected business cards. If the situation happened today, Chris could have made even more headway in the business than he did by having his own device in his hands as he met potential clients.
Happy wife equals happy life is something I hear quite a bit. In this technological era, I believe that own device equals more potential. (I know that does not rhyme, but it is the sentiment that counts!) When someone purchases a device, they look to get the best they can get which is usually more than what a company or school would get. This is another advantage to BYOD.
Familiarity is also another advantage to having access to your own device for business or school reasons. You are most familiar with your own device and can zip through apps in no time at all. There would not be restrictions on your own device either as there are on company or school computers.
Finances are an important factor in businesses and schools. If people use the BYOD concept, perhaps this will allow companies and schools to use the funds normally set aside for technology somewhere else. For example, if schools did not have to purchase as much technology, will it enable extra finances to regain classes which were taken away, transportation and pay-to-play?
By allowing people to use their own devices, it makes people more content and willing to put in the extra effort on their own time. There have been many times sitting around the family dinner table when questions come up and all my son does is whip out his phone for an answer. If something pops into his head, he adds it to his cloud immediately. It is there when he wants or needs it. There is also immediate gratification to have grades and notes from teachers accessible all the time.
One way I think BYOD could have a negative impact is if a company or school puts restrictions on the network so either you cannot access something in particular or there is an extra eye on the network for checking out everything within your device. In other words, it could be like a peeping tom to make sure everything you do complies with the company or school. It is frightening to think that the watchful eye is on you every minute.
Another way BYOD is not a good idea is if people misuse the whole idea. In other words, people should stay focused on work or school during work or school times versus personal play on their devices.
The bottom line in my opinion is that BYOD is a good idea. I would like to give it a try.
Another form of having equitable access in the classroom is BYOD (Bring Your Own Device). This not only refers to students taking their own devices into the classroom to use, but it also refers to business people using their own devices while working. Like other things, there are pros and cons related to BYOD.
Whenever I bought my devices, whether the phone, the tablet, or computer, I researched which would be the best option for me. I looked for plenty of storage, format, brand, etc. In other words, the device I ultimately chose was one that would fit my needs and wants. BYOD is guided by "perceived enjoyment." ("Bring Your Own Device," Wikipedia.) In other words, people are satisfied and comfortable with their own devices, so it makes sense to use them for everything they do, including school and work.
People tend to get hooked on certain brands of devices. For example, people are either totally in favor of Apple products or they are not. Personally I am an android and Samsung fan. I would like it if I would have the opportunity of using my own device at school or work to accomplish the tasks at hand. I am used to the format and I can save my work in my cloud so that I can access it at any time. Other countries around the world have adopted BYOD and have found an increase in productivity levels. By allowing employees to use their own devices, they can have immediate access from wherever they may be. I recently watched a movie where this idea could have fit perfectly if not for financial reasons (and timing since technology was not as extensive as it is today). "Pursuit of Happyness" is a movie where a man, Chris Gardner played by Will Smith, is trying so hard to get on his feet financially so he and his son do not have to stay in homeless shelters. He interned at Dean Witter trying to gain a permanent place in the company, struggling each and everyday. Along the way, Chris met potential clients and all the while he collected business cards. If the situation happened today, Chris could have made even more headway in the business than he did by having his own device in his hands as he met potential clients.
Happy wife equals happy life is something I hear quite a bit. In this technological era, I believe that own device equals more potential. (I know that does not rhyme, but it is the sentiment that counts!) When someone purchases a device, they look to get the best they can get which is usually more than what a company or school would get. This is another advantage to BYOD.
Familiarity is also another advantage to having access to your own device for business or school reasons. You are most familiar with your own device and can zip through apps in no time at all. There would not be restrictions on your own device either as there are on company or school computers.
Finances are an important factor in businesses and schools. If people use the BYOD concept, perhaps this will allow companies and schools to use the funds normally set aside for technology somewhere else. For example, if schools did not have to purchase as much technology, will it enable extra finances to regain classes which were taken away, transportation and pay-to-play?
By allowing people to use their own devices, it makes people more content and willing to put in the extra effort on their own time. There have been many times sitting around the family dinner table when questions come up and all my son does is whip out his phone for an answer. If something pops into his head, he adds it to his cloud immediately. It is there when he wants or needs it. There is also immediate gratification to have grades and notes from teachers accessible all the time.
One way I think BYOD could have a negative impact is if a company or school puts restrictions on the network so either you cannot access something in particular or there is an extra eye on the network for checking out everything within your device. In other words, it could be like a peeping tom to make sure everything you do complies with the company or school. It is frightening to think that the watchful eye is on you every minute.
Another way BYOD is not a good idea is if people misuse the whole idea. In other words, people should stay focused on work or school during work or school times versus personal play on their devices.
The bottom line in my opinion is that BYOD is a good idea. I would like to give it a try.
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