Storyline Development for E-Learning

Storyline Development for E-Learning What is a story? A story is an account of imaginary or real people and events told for entertainment (Dictionary.com, 2012). In the case of learning, a story is a supporting foundation of context that can be used to transport an idea, concept and/or fact to the learning audience. This is a definition that can be used validate the use of story in an eLearning tutorial. One of the reasons that eLearning simulations are so popular and effective is that simulations provide a context of reality, making abstract ideas concrete, by aligning probable scenarios with concepts. Stories can be applied to informational situations to convey ideas with clarity. Who doesn’t like a story? Stories are engaging and deliver a level of enculturation that cannot be garnered from bullet lists or paragraphs. I decided that it would be great to incorporate more “story” into the eLearning that I build. In my quest, I begin by examining Slide:ology (2008) and Resonate (2010) both by Nancy Duarte. Slide:ology appealed to me for this purpose because its content is centered on communication, presentation, graphics and Microsoft PowerPoint. Resonate is all about using and building stories for presentation. The next few blog posts will be dedicated the ideas and information gathered from these two books, beginning with Slide:ology.

Kentucky State University Concert Choir - Spreading Christmas Joy!

What would the world be without a song? I recently received a gift CD from my Alma Mater, Kentucky State University featuring the Concert Choir. The KSU Concert Choir is a supreme musical ensemble led, directed and instructed by Dr. Carl Smith. This is the organization that provided me the opportunity to go to college on a music scholarship and of which I received the honer of being recognized as most valuable female vocalist in 1981. During my attendance the concert choir was then a spectacular ensemble which traveled all over the US and internationally, and the legacy continues. The sounds of the Kentucky State Concert Choir continues to stir the soul.

This recording is Sweet Little Jesus Boy, Arr. Stacey Gibbs, Soloist: Arlicia Shorter of the KSU Concert Choir. She sounds like me, I am so proud ! and Stacey Gibbs is one of my classmates, he has also arranged music for the Harlem Boys Choir and others. Great Job, Stacey.


Listen to the podcast and share in the giving of Arlicia's spirit.

Happy Holidays, Enjoy !

Michelle

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The Effective Foxy Facilitators Team Process

The Team Process
Janee Caslin, Michelle Jones and Julie Sandler all started at the beginning of the semester as strangers, who were then assigned as a group by Dr. Ke Zhang. The group slowly and out of necessity of completing assignment came together. All participant of this group possess strong personalities, are self motivation and operate as selfstarters. After just one team meeting, we accelerated past storming and norming and formed a Team.

The Formation
The formation of the team occurred naturally, and each member emerged with tangible strengths. We had no issues of ego, or esteem. Each member of this group stood eager and ready to assist the other. All willing to take on whatever, or all the tasks required to get the job done.

A Team
A team must have a leader, and considering that all of us possess leadership skills and qualities it was amazing that there were no struggles. Julie emerged as the project manager, Janee was the editor and idea generater and I was the visionary, the techie and quality assurance. All the while completing the responsibilities of our individual assignment.

A viewing of the vodcast in my previous blog will provide a glimpse of how well the three of us communicated by listening, learning and responding to one another.

One of the best team experiences I have had! Julie and Janee you are the BEST!

In Learning!

Michelle

Best Practices: Facilitation and Online Learning

Using Mobile Learning

What is Mobile Learning?
Mobile learning is the intersection of mobile computing and e-learning (Clark Quinn, 2000).

When examining mobile learning and its uses, it is apparent that mobile learning is really just the same as other learning except that is it is powered by available technologies that support digital learning by providing access anywhere anytime, it is ubiquitous!

For instructional use, what is it about mobile learning that might be important to a facilitator, trainer, teacher, professor? I think what, how, why and when, along with benefits and drawbacks of use, is what we all want to know.

Mobile Learning Technology is the How
Mobile technology that enables access media:

• iPod
• MP3 Player
• Laptop/Tablet
• Personal Digital Assistant (PDA)
• USB Drive
• E-Book Reader
• Smart Phone
• Ultra Mobile PC (UMPC)
• PC

Tools to Create the Media:

• Internet
• Learning Management Systems
• Web Authoring Tools: Dreamweaver, Flash, Fireworks, Captivate and others
• Audio Authoring and Editing Tools: Soundbooth, Garageband, Audacity
• Video Authoring and Editing Tools: Pinnacle, Premier, Windows Movie Maker
• Digital Media Player such as Itunes

What Kinds of Learning to Use it for:

• Synchronous/Asynchronous
• Performance Support
• Specialized Knowledge Capture
• Audio, and Visual Learning Preferences or
• Reading and/or Displaying Development Phases
• Short bits of Knowledge Sharing

Mobile Learning Strategies:

• Educational Podcasting: Audio and Video
• Cell Casts
  
• E-learning
• Games
• Demonstrations
• Tutorials
• Simulations
• Vod-Casting: Video Lectures

Want to know more? click here to access a Mobile Learning Update pdf. published by Elliot Masie, 2008. This document has great information on mobile learning, its pedagogical uses and how it is being researched and applied by different industries.

What to create a Podcast go to PodBean Podcast Publishing site and click on Publish a Podcast.
You will need a microphone, and audio authoring tool. Try it you will enjoy the experience.


Got to the top 100 tools for learning professional by Jane Hart Knight this is a great resource.

Happy Learning!
Michelle

Interesting What is Being Projected - Though Not Surprising

Web 10.0? Is he close? What would you imagine it to be and how would you use it to empower learners?

Educational Podcasting

Thank you so much for listening and following on this educational journey!

Now that you have learned about Educational Podcasting in the context of Mobile Learning.

1. What do you think about using podcasting a mobile learning tool?
2. Do you see that podcasting has any benefits to making learning more accessible?
3. Do you think that you can incorporate podcasting into your lessons as an online facilitator?
4. How would you use podcasting in the learning modules that you present?
5. What are two of the benefits to using podcasting? Can you provide one example?
6. What are two draw backs to using podcasting? Can you think of a work around that would negate one of the drawbacks you listed, so that it will be a benefit to making it work positivily with in these identified circumstances or conditions (drawback)?

I look forward to your responses . . .

In Learning!
Michelle