Yada, Yada, Yada

Quote: Technology and Humanity

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 08:29:00 -0800

At every step we have to ask whether current technology is leading us in directions that serve our human purposes. Such questions are not technical; they are social, moral, and political.

Sherry Turkle, quoted from How computers change the way we think (pdf)

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Lifehacker: In Defense of Video Games: More Than Just an Entertaining Time Sink

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 08:30:00 -0800

Lifehacker posted a very good article addressing the question "Can video games make you smarter?" The article lays out the arguement video games do not make you smarter, but they do improve cognative ability.

When thinking about video games in educaiton, my biggest challenge to overcome is the misconception that video games provide no inherent value. This is simply not the case. Video games do quite a few things really well, and one of them is training the user to learn exactly what it wants them to learn.

From the article:

Whatever the game aims to train is what you'll learn. Games that take the problem solving puzzles and critical thinking exercises that most of us remember as schoolchildren and update them with an interactive and adult-targeted medium can still impart those skills to older players. The issue with many "brain training" video games is that they want you to believe that you're "getting smarter" by increasing your cognitive ability, or somehow protecting your brain from decay or the effects of aging by playing them. That may not be true, but games carefully designed to build problem solving, critical thinking, and reading comprehension skills will help you build those skills.

Lifehacker: In Defense of Video Games: More Than Just an Entertaining Time Sink

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Mind Dump: Distance Education

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 07:20:32 -0800

Over the past few weeks, I've been studying about the origins of distance education. Not only was I surprised to learn that the idea of distance learning stemmed from correspondence courses from the mid-1800s, I was surprised to learn that the foundational principles haven't changed since the beginning. Many courses (though this trend is changing) are still asynchronous and the method to which instruction is laid out is the equivalent to a traditional lecture course. Despite all of the technological advances in the past 150+ years, distance education has remained generally unchanged.

As an instructional designer, it's my job to help change that trend and assist faculty or departments in creating an online learning environment. Contrary to popular belief, the structure of an online course should be much different than a traditional face-to-face class. Merely uploading PowerPoint slides with accompanying audio and expecting your students to learn is a horrible misconception and illustrates a true lack of understanding of learning. (That's not to say that's acceptable face-to-face teaching either!) What I found surprising was that, in many cases, it was the academic departments were pushing for online courses, not the instructors. As I've learned more about the process, I've found in many situations the departments decide which courses go online by the course, not the instructor. While this makes sense as far as department is concerned, many incorrectly assume that teaching online is a simple process for instructor.

To state it bluntly, many universities and departments don't understand the complexities for putting a course online. Many are driven by the additional revenue provided by new students, as opposed to learning. Since universities are a business, this makes sense. For academia however, it has gotten out-of-hand and something needs to change.

Skill Sets of the Instructor

This is going to be a shocker: not every teacher should teach online. And, surprisingly, the reason doesn't have to do with technology.

Some faculty are really good with connecting with students. Instead of technology assisting in that relationship, it gets in the way. Too often though, the actual strengths of the instructor aren't in the equation. The misconception most prevalent right now is that if you can facilitate a class in person, you can facilitate a class online.

What departments and instructors fail to realize is that teaching online is hard. It isn't hard in the sense that it's painful, but it requires so much more of instructors. Not only is it necessary to redevelop course materials for online consumption (that should be kept current), it requires much more time to facilitate an online, asynchronous conversation than a classroom conversation. Not to mention the numerous questions through email that come at all hours of the day, and the number one best practice for online teaching is quick relevant feedback. This is easy to hear, easy to want, but extremely time-consuming to do.

I believe we are entering into an age where many instructors are going to have to choose their distribution specialty - either face-to-face or online. (I'm leaving out blended right now.) Instructors will evaluate themselves (perhaps it will be done for them) on which one they do well. Instructors won't be forced to teach online if they have no technological experience. Not only does it create more jobs in a field that desperately needs it, but enrollment caps won't be necessary. More students apply; more instructors needed. Obviously, it isn't as simple as that, but it's a step.

The perfect learning environment

I was challenged with this question: What does your perfect learning environment look like? My answer was: it depends. It depended on the course and lesson objectives for that day, how many students needed to be present, in what medium was the content presented...etc. I slowly came to the realization there were too many variables for my vision to fit one technology.

In my previous life as a web designer/developer, I knew there were certain limitations and many considerations when building an application. The more versatile an application was made, the more complex it became, which meant it became less user-friendly. Due to different technical skills and technology road blocks, my perfect learning environment is impossible. Not to mention even it were possible to have my own perfect world, that doesn't mean it will be perfect for my students...you know, the ones taking the course.

A good place to be

I still have many ideas related to the different aspects of distance education, but I'll have to save them for later. This mind dump was reserved for my view of distance education as a whole and what I think is a dangerous trend in education. While this post may have taken on a solemn tone, I believe this is a great time to be an educator. Not only has a new medium dropped in our laps, we have the ability to help create it.

My goal on a mind dump post is to just get everything I'm thinking about a particular topic on (digital) paper. While I do go back and proofread for grammatical errors, I try to keep my thoughts as uncensored as possible. My arguments might have glaring holes, and that's okay. My point is to lay out my view of a topic, with my bias (or my view of reality) included in hopes of creating conversation and furthering a shared knowledge.

It is important to state that I'm keeping my comments as general as possible because this is not about any one university/school/educational idea. It is just the view from my reality.

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New York Times: Harnessing Gaming for the Classroom

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 19:50:00 -0800

A neuroscientist at Bristol University, Mr. Howard-Jones says that “computer games are very, very engaging. And just as nuclear fission can be used to make bombs or generate electricity, games also have a light side and a dark side.”

http://www.nytimes.com/2012/01/30/world/europe/harnessing-gaming-for-the-classroom.html

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Today was my last day at Texas Wesleyan

Mon, 31 Oct 2011 16:33:00 -0700

I've put this post off long enough, but indeed today was my final day at Texas Wesleyan University. Tomorrow, I'm blessed to say that I start as an Instructional Designer Consultant for the University of North Texas. It is a truly wonderful opportunity and I am extremely blessed to be there.

There is so much I wish I could say about my departure from Texas Wesleyan, but it would neither be helpful nor productive. I will say, until a month ago, I never considered leaving the CETL. While I was always aware of my options, working in the CETL was too good of an opportunity. Not only was I working in one of the best faculty development centers (also now award winning!) in Texas (and possibly the country), I was given an opportunity to do what I love: assist faculty in creating a great learning environment for students. I have a deep passion for helping students achieve their dreams (corny, I know), and I loved having a job that enabled me to do just that. Unfortunately, due to budget constraints, I was informed my role would be changing and I would be moving out of the CETL. Despite protests by my current boss at the time, the decision had been made. I was deeply saddened by this sudden change and I realized my time at Texas Wesleyan had come to an end.

While I've been blessed to work on several great teams, I'm truly going to miss the CETL team. While this may not have ended the way I wanted, I'm grateful for the opportunity I had working with each of them. I learned something from each of them that I will carry with me for the rest of my career:

From Arturo, I learned to be slow to anger in every situation. I've seen him work magic on the phone calming down angry faculty members, and turning a bad situation into a very productive one. He has one of the best attitudes of anyone I've ever worked with. Also, I don't care what you say, Grease 2 will never be as good as the original Grease. The fact you even consider that might mean you have an unhealthy love for awful movies.

From Bill, I learned how to give honest, critical feedback. Every time I asked Bill to read over something, he would spend a tremendous amount of time giving me an honest assessment. He is easily one of the most thoughtful people I've ever met. Also, every time the Rangers play, I'll think of you. Your passion for the Rangers was infectious and helped me get through the horrible World Series collapse. You are right: next year is our year!

From Amy, I learned what it means to be a good boss. While I've been lucky to have had great bosses in the past, Amy made it look easy. She was very personable, but knew how to get the team to function at the highest level we could. I aspire to be just like that one day. Also, I'll hang a picture of Tim Tebow in my new office just for you. Your love for him was a little weird, but I guess we all have a favorite player.

Happy trails to my friends in the CETL. I pray blessings upon each one of you and I pray you find your path God has laid for you. Goodbye friends!

On to UNT!

PS. Take a moment to enjoy the "unofficial" CETL theme song: Never Say Never by Justin Beiber (Amy's favorite)

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Well, well...it's finally official

Tue, 30 Aug 2011 16:31:00 -0700

It IS finally official. I've started school and am once again a graduate student. This time I'm pursuing a PhD in Educational Computing. Never before have I been so scared and excited in my life.

I had my first class last night, and after a few minutes, I started to breathe a little easier. I was able to meet many of my classmates and have been amazed at some of their journeys.

I don't have much else to say yet, but I've already started researching my first major topic. I'm planning on looking at gamification in education. (If you are confused with that fancy word "gamification", think Foursquare, the location-sharing application. That application gamified location.) Hopefully I'll have much more to say on it soon because it's a topic I've been dying to research.

Hears to the next five years!

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Why I Use a Kindle

Fri, 22 Jul 2011 09:14:00 -0700

There are many eReaders out there. The iPad, Nook Color, Sony Reader, any smartphone...and those are just the ones that are popular. There several I hadn't even heard of. The Kobo, Novel, Alex eReader...etc. the list goes on and on. With so many choices, why on Earth did I choose a Kindle?

You immediately retort: "But it's a single function device!! You can only READ books on that thing. Not surf the web, read your email...NOTHING else!!" (actual arguments I've heard)

I'll admit that these are all valid points. While it's true you can just read on a Kindle (though there is a Kindle web browser but it's woefully awful, so I pretend it isn't there), all of the arguments I've heard against the Kindle are exactly why I wanted a Kindle.

Number 1: Eliminate Distractions

Often I get quite distracted while trying to read on my computer. "Did I just get an email??" I wonder. "Has someone mentioned me on Twitter?" I ponder. All these questions lead me away from reading. They also tell me that in order to focus my mind, I need to change settings. As with a computer, an iPad or Nook Color is a multi-function device. They have apps to check your email, Twitter/Facebook...etc. While those devices are very cool, they only enhance my desire to distract myself online. The moment, I don't have enough self-discipline to stay focused on a single task. I have to consciously remove all distractions or my procrastination starts to kick in.

Number 2: E-ink Display

When I read, I love the pages. The contrast between the text and paper is perfect for my eyes. When using a device (such a iPad, Nook Color, even a computer), those screens are back lit, which tires my eyes at a rapid pace. The Kindle uses e-ink, which (to my eyes) displays the book exactly like reading a normal book. I loooooooooove that.

Number 3: Amazon Store

I love the Amazon store. To me, it is the greatest place online. The fact that it integrates so nicely with Kindle only makes it that much more awesome. I can buy a book online, send it to my Kindle, and be reading the book in 30 seconds. Amazing. While I'm sure you can do that with an iPad and Nook Color, you can't buy from the Amazon store, which for me, is a big deal. (I'll admit you can download the Kindle app on both of those devices, but it isn't the same. See number 2.)

Number 4: Price

Did you not think I was going to mention the price? By far the cheapest eReader on the market. You might be tempted to reach for those same arguments used at the beginning of number 1, but just remember, they are distractions.

Conclusion

Cheaper price, e-ink display, single-function device, and the Amazon store. To me, that is a no-brainer. If you are still not convinced, I've had to charge my Kindle 3 times in 6 months. Better?

There is no device that has a better bang-for-your-buck than the Kindle.

Kindle Wi-Fi

Kindle 3G/Wifi

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A New Website (again) & A New Focus

Wed, 22 Jun 2011 05:38:44 -0700

For the past year, I've been searching for a blog solution. I've looked at almost every available option and have decided to make my new home Posterous. I'll still be tumbling, tweeting, and facebooking, but my new "home" will be this blog.

I have some changes coming up in my life (which will be a future blog post - nothing bad), and in leiu of those changes, I quickly realized I was going to need a robust blogging platform. While I love using Wordpress and Tumblr, I wanted a free hosting solution, but still maintain the appearence of the site and keep my domain. While you can do that with Tumblr, I wanted something more "bloggy" and Posterous was simply the best choice.

The direction of this blog will follow my passion which is education, specifically higher education and student learning. There is nothing more powerful than a great teacher but I fear many of our future "great" teachers are choosing different careers because of a poor educational experience. My goal is to change that and I hope you'll join me in making learning meaningful.

Three cheers to the start of a great adventure.

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What if you are wrong?

Mon, 25 Apr 2011 05:33:00 -0700

One of the best lessons I’ve ever learned in my entire life occurred when I was a sophomore in college. I was asked a question:

“What if you are wrong?”

While the context of the question is irrelevant, I was stunned. In all my arrogance, I had never, ever considered such a question. I live my life as you probably do - as someone who is right all-the-time and surrounded by idiots!

But….

What if the things in my life I know to be true…the things that I know without question…were wrong?

While I found this TED talk only a few days ago, Kathryn Schulz takes you on that same journey I went down several years ago.

From TED 2011 -

Most of us will do anything to avoid being wrong. But what if we’re wrong about that? “Wrongologist” Kathryn Schulz makes a compelling case for not just admitting but embracing our fallibility.

If the video is not loading properly, please watch it on the TED site.

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Real-Life "Minority Report" Technology

Thu, 03 Mar 2011 04:45:00 -0800

Minority Report science adviser and inventor John Underkoffler demos g-speak — the real-life version of the film’s eye-popping, tai chi-meets-cyberspace computer interface. Is this how tomorrow’s computers will be controlled?

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Motivational Poster

Fri, 25 Feb 2011 04:57:00 -0800

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Futuristic Interfaces

Thu, 24 Feb 2011 07:26:00 -0800

Wow. Just a big wow. The future is so close. I can’t wait until we are there. It looks awesome! (link via @amcollier)

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How would you like your graphic design?

Mon, 31 Jan 2011 09:05:00 -0800

From Cool Infographics:

An incredible use of the Venn diagram. Designed by Colin Harman, he accurately illustrates the frustration between designers and consumers.

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Ever try to walk in a straight line with your eyes closed? Spoiler: You can't.

Wed, 12 Jan 2011 07:00:00 -0800

NPR reports:

Try as you might, you can’t walk in a straight line without a visible guide point, like the Sun or a star. You might think you’re walking straight, but as NPR’s Robert Krulwich reports, a map of your route would reveal you are doomed to walk in circles.

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