Motivating Adult Learners

My video can be viewed on YouTube at the following web address: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=In-w5opK4Kk .

Static Verses Dynamic

Learning is an ongoing process and it is enhanced by the rapidly advancing technology. Learners must keep abreast of these technologies and make a change when needed. By doing this they will continue to grow and increase their knowledge. The tools that are being used in these classrooms have either a static or dynamic approach. Both of these approaches have the power to improve the teaching and learning environments through careful selection of which tools are being used and how they are being used. Also, I agree with Moller (2008) that is is highly important foruse to take a risks, experiment, and never stop questioning when we do not know or understand.

I would have to say that I stay in the middle of the continum, because I find myself see-sawing back and forth fromthe static to the dynamic. I know that there are others as well that like using tools of the dynamic approach, but still need tools from the static approach. Tools from both of these approaches are still widely needed and used today.

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Moller, L. (2008). Static and dynamic technological tools. [Unpublished Paper].

Engaging Learnes with New Strategies and Tools

With the rapidly advancement of technology in today's society there are many new tools and strategies that educators can implement. I personally believe taht anything that is used to enhance learning and the students can learn and apply what they have learned should be considered a learning tool or strategy. There are so many of us who forget what the real focus should be which is learning and not how we learn. An effective teacher faces many decisions and challenges and plays many roles. They must be able to deliver and guide the overall learning process. According to Siemens (2008) the practice of teaching is promoted in may ways. Some of those ways are research, innovations, and technology.

Discussion boards, wikis, blogs, podcasts, interactive videos, and projects were all great tools touse in my online classes. Also, those tools helped to provide me with a great learning experience. Discussion boards, wikis, and blogs are a great way for online learners to communicate, express their ideas, concerns, and questions. In order for online learners to get the maximum benefit in online learning, discussion boards must be deisgned properly. According to Durrington, Berryhill, & Swafford (2006) successful strategies to engage learners in discussion boards are constant feedback, carefully constructed and designed questions, and quality topics.

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Durrington, V. A.,Berryhill, A. & Swafford, J. (2006). Strategies for ehnancing student interactivity in an online environment. College Teaching, 54(1), 190-193.

Siemens, G. (2008). Learning and knowing in networks: Chanigng roles for educators and designers. ITForum.

Assessing Collaborative Efforts

Working collaboratively together in a group can be hard and challenging. Today's learning environments are full of individuals with diverse backgrounds, education level, skills, and personalities. In order for us to be successful, all parties involved must be willing to put asider differences and work together with the common goal of finishing whatever task is before the group. We must realize that being different is not all bad, there is some positivity that we can get out of it. Being different can mean that we thinki differently, therefore the doors are open for new ideas and alternative ways of getting the job done. We can all learn from each other .

Students are evaluated and graded according to their participation, whether individually or in a group. Also, their grades are affected by what the assignments that are being submitted in the class. Actively participating in all assignment and not being late is ver important with online assessment. Because of othe varying levels of skill and knowledge that diverse students bring to a course, the instructor's "fair equitable assessment" of learning should be a combination of individual growth and participationn, as well as the quality of the work that they submit.

Having lack of participation between members of a group who are assigned to complete an educational project is not uncommon. There is always someone who does not want to work in a group of who does just enough to get by and get a passing grade. The other members of the group should proceed with the assignment completing their parts and the person that is lacking to get their full points in the class. It benefits them best, because they will fully understand what is being taught and the processes that were taken to complete the assignment. The person or persons who was lacking will not understand what was done nor would they be able to present the finish project. I have also been made aware that lack of participation does not mean that team member is refusing to do the work, but sometimes it may mean that the individuals may not know what to do or how to do it, because of their lack of understanding. Sometimes it may take the other members in the group to assist their team members in completing their part of the project.

The instructor should indicate what he or she is expecting, when they are expecting it, and what they are looking for when they get the finished project. The guidelines that are set by the instructor are what he or she will use to evaluate and assess the group. Changes in the assignment, may be made depending on the feedback received from the group projects. Also, they instructor must monitor the progress of each group, but it is up to the group to get the project done. The team members must work together collaboratively deciding who is to do what, when, and how. Making decisions as a group and working together are the ultimate goal of collaboration.

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Video Presentation Storyboard Outline

I. Define Motivation

II. Role of Motivation

III. Identifying Adult Learners

a. Characteristics of Adult Learners
b. How Adults Learn
c. Ways to Motivate Adult Learners
d. Efffective Strategies for Adult Learners

IV. Ways to Connect With Adult Leaners

V. Factors that Affect Adult Learning

VI. Conclusion

VII. References

Distance Education and Communication

During the past decade, technology has made some amazing advancements in the way we communicate, and I can hardly keep up with these rapidly advancing changes. Communication is a powerful tool that helps students to reflect on what they have learned and experienced. Today students have the opportunities to chat online, text each other using their mobiles, participate in social networds such as Facebook, My Space, BeBo, and YouTube. Also, with these technology advancements people can talk and exhange ideas and opinions with many individuals across the globe. Distance education provides learners with the opportunity to use many technology based resources that helps to enhance their learning process. Distance education helps to improve communication and provides alternatives to learning. According to the article by Akshay, geographical boundaries have no meaning for where ever you may be sitting in the world, you can remain connected through the internet. The internet offers probable students all of the features of both a big and a small town or city. Also, Akshay stated that one of the great things about online schooling is that no matter where you are in the world you can find as many options options as you would have in the biggest cities in the world.

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http://www.distanceeducation.co.in/types-distance-education-courses/free-distance-education.html

http://www.distanceeducation.co.in/types-distance-education-courses/online-distance-education.html

Distance Education

Distance education is here to stay. I see distance education as an advancement of face-to-face and being implemented to meet the needs of our diverse learners. Distance provides alternatives and offers it users flexibility. I also agree with Dr. Simonson that distance education will continue to grow, but not in a revoultionary way (Laureate, 2008). Thre is no need to advertise or promote distance education, but there is the need to support these programs. Support can be provided in the form of how these programs are designed, accessed, used, researched, and accepted. I think distance education is going through the rate of adoption. There are concerns with distance education as there are with any new innovation.

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Laureate Education, Inc. (Producer). Distance education: The next generation featuring Dr. Michael Simonson [Video program].

Rogers, E.M. (2003). Diffusions of Innovation (5th ed). New York: Free Press.