Assessment - Reflecting on Learning Tools
This week I sometimes felt overwhelmed with information overload. There is so much information that segways into other information.

I am also learning more new language in on-line learning. For example Re-usable Learning Objects (RLO). These are tool kits that you can use pieces and parts of for constructing learning modules. I am reading the article, Introducing Reusable Learning Objects that Datta shared with the class to learn more about RLO's.

There were discussions about fair compensation, ownership of course curriculum, and standardizing credentialing for educators. This is probably one of the major challenges faced by national and international education systems today.

Lastly, Dream big dreams and provide "Reality Checks" -which brings to mind this quote in a frame on my desk
"Do what you can where you are with what you have" Theodore Roosevelt @ the battle of San Juan Hill, Spanish American War
While he is famous for the quote, the African American Cavalry is responsible for winning the battle according to some historians.

Assessment & Course Design using Concept / Mind Map
(Inspiration Software)
Click on the name above for an enlarged view in Google Docs

Time Flies

Assessment - Weekly Reflections
Wow- I had an epiphany while reading an asynchronous discussion post between Carol, Paul, and Chris this week.

There is an opportunity for exposure to more discussion in asynchronous discussion posts as opposed to the classroom. The reason for this is related to time.
In a face to face class, you need to listen to one person at a time. If there are 10 people sharing in the class and they each speak for 5 minutes, the 50 minutes go by and you have heard the thoughts of 10 people.
In Asynchronous discussion posts 10 people can think at the same time and post simultaneously. So 10 people used 5 minutes as opposed to 50 minutes.
The strength and opportunity with asynchronous discussion boards is exposure to more information and a variety of perspectives. The weakness or threat of the asynchronous discussion board is becoming overwhelmed and experiencing information overload. I am still thinking about the repercussions of this time warp.

Medical Symbol at Ancient Ruins in Ephesus, Turkey-

Assessment- The Interview

The first week of class I was interviewed by Kim Hollman to gain experience with interview as an assessment tool. It was a nice ice breaker and most students agree that is a nice way to ease into a new group or class. Kim posted the interview to introduce me to the class.

Introducing Carolyn

Carolyn is a nurse and is responsible for nursing and health care education, and she is interested in offering some of the courses online. This is Carolyn's second online course; the first being E-Learning for Educators. She would like to teach health care at a community college.

Carolyn and I both have children at the high school age and both have been to Turkey. Carolyn lives in South Carolina and does not miss the cold from growing up in Washington D.C.

We did find our log-in times are very different, and never got to a "live chat".

Kim- Wisconsin

Assessment - Interactive Inventory
Teacher Centered versus Student Centered Learning

I was able to identify the characteristics of learner based assessments. I agree with how the assessments are different. Teacher centered versus learner centered assessments in the classroom represent a paradigm shift in the United States. I believe the education system, educators, and students are currently in the process of adapting to this shift.

Sometimes teachers get very excited when they are introduced to learner centered teaching methods and start implementing the techniques in their class. Students in traditional classrooms may object strenuously and say they only want to be taught through lecture what will be on the test. The teacher ends up with a poor evaluation from the students. Poor evaluations make the teacher less likely to introduce these new learner centered teaching methods in future classes. Other teachers argue that they don't have time to provide learner centered techniques and also teach to the standardized tests that are a measure of success in learning.

While I favor learner based assessments, I realize that adult learners have not had much experience with this type of learning and need a gradual introduction into the process. I believe there will also need to be some changes in the United States education system to support alternative assessment and student centered learning.
Carolyn Jenkins

BLOGS and CREATIVITY
This is the third time I created a blog in my life. It has been a creative process for me.

Last semester I created my first blog as part of a requirement for the e-learning for educators class. I decided to make the blog about the Pasos Beaufort program in our community and it evolved into a blog to document grant deliverables. Check out Pasos Beaufort I will continue to post on the progress of the program for grantors and the community.

Then last weekend, I helped my husband create his own blog for his customers to post ideas, techniques, and solutions to problems encountered while making their creations. Check out glasseyesonline I hope his customers will post and comment.

Today I am creating my third blog. Carolyn's Reflective Journal. I am happy to have an opportunity to practice and build on what I learned about blogs last semester.