When we talk about open source, we should already be past the cost/benefit discussion on it. It's for a good cause. It unlocks information for benefit of all, it provides a resource for students, faculty and alumni that supports learning and collaboration.
Now what comes to my mind is: maintenance issues. Since it's open, we are supposed to build a community that contributes to one or more courseware projects. I guess unlike the packages that are more technical and have more tendencies of bugs, I suppose there aren't any potential "patches" or "updates" on the technical side of our e-learning materials. However, if there is one change that needs to be made, then the whole package needs to be updated and uploaded.
I definitely embrace open source/courseware. It benefits the whole world. However, will I be participating in the development and maintenance, and keep up with it? I'm not too sure unless I become old and still passionate about what I do in my professional life. Also key word here is TIME, the time that I can set other priorities aside and the amount of time I can commit to this meaningful endeavor.
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Blog Post for Week 11
As we get closer to doing the Web-based module using scenario-based design, what are your biggest concerns?
My biggest concern right now is branching. I'm using one or two scenarios for my project. And I'm afraid it will turn into some story telling, that is, linear problem resolving that starts with the issue, and the solution can't branch out to different scenarios.
What skills would you still like to learn during this class (other than Web design)?
I wish I could have more time exploring what Captivate can do, and have an opportunity in class to talk about each software's capabilities and how using all of them can compliment the functionalities of each other.
What cool things have you discovered that you would like to share with your classmates?
Well, they may already know, but I just found out how to split audio tracks and actually insert a sound in the original sound track in Audacity. In the first podcast project, I had to use Camtasia to combine music and my recording.
What I also discovered in PowerPoint is: In "Customize Animation", you can start one sound, and manually set the seconds for all other pictures and texts to come in by going to Timing, and Delay. Another thing about embedding sound in PowerPoint is: the only file that could be embedded is WAV files, mp3 files need to be converted into WAV, and the program you can download is CDex, and here is the URL:
http://www.pptfaq.com/FAQ00155.htm
My biggest concern right now is branching. I'm using one or two scenarios for my project. And I'm afraid it will turn into some story telling, that is, linear problem resolving that starts with the issue, and the solution can't branch out to different scenarios.
What skills would you still like to learn during this class (other than Web design)?
I wish I could have more time exploring what Captivate can do, and have an opportunity in class to talk about each software's capabilities and how using all of them can compliment the functionalities of each other.
What cool things have you discovered that you would like to share with your classmates?
Well, they may already know, but I just found out how to split audio tracks and actually insert a sound in the original sound track in Audacity. In the first podcast project, I had to use Camtasia to combine music and my recording.
What I also discovered in PowerPoint is: In "Customize Animation", you can start one sound, and manually set the seconds for all other pictures and texts to come in by going to Timing, and Delay. Another thing about embedding sound in PowerPoint is: the only file that could be embedded is WAV files, mp3 files need to be converted into WAV, and the program you can download is CDex, and here is the URL:
http://www.pptfaq.com/FAQ00155.htm
Blog post for week 9
I looked at one of the PowerPoint developed by previous student in EME6415: The Master of the E-mail. I thought it's a good teaching material for using online email, and it's fun. But it has the following issues:
1. Branching
I don't see any branching in this PowerPoint. With Scenario-based design, if it's just one story, it is hard to branch out into different scenarios. I guess it's all about the topic that we are choosing.
2. False Information
I notice the answer that this tutorial is giving to a person who doesn't know the password is: "Call the person who helped you set up the account. They may remember your password." THAT is amazing! :)
3. There is no game or quiz in the end, but a one-page survey. And technically I don't think the survey will go anywhere because there is no recording mechanism to tally up the answers. It certainly serves no purpose for the learner.
4. Here is something minor. In the beginning, the same screen shows up whether the learner chooses YES or NO to the question. I thought that was interesting.
I would make the following changes.
1. Always double check to see if screens are consistent.
2. Change the survey to a quiz.
3. Add the "email address registration process" piece in the tutorial since it's all about email and how can you start using email when you don't even know what email is.
1. Branching
I don't see any branching in this PowerPoint. With Scenario-based design, if it's just one story, it is hard to branch out into different scenarios. I guess it's all about the topic that we are choosing.
2. False Information
I notice the answer that this tutorial is giving to a person who doesn't know the password is: "Call the person who helped you set up the account. They may remember your password." THAT is amazing! :)
3. There is no game or quiz in the end, but a one-page survey. And technically I don't think the survey will go anywhere because there is no recording mechanism to tally up the answers. It certainly serves no purpose for the learner.
4. Here is something minor. In the beginning, the same screen shows up whether the learner chooses YES or NO to the question. I thought that was interesting.
I would make the following changes.
1. Always double check to see if screens are consistent.
2. Change the survey to a quiz.
3. Add the "email address registration process" piece in the tutorial since it's all about email and how can you start using email when you don't even know what email is.
Thursday, February 26, 2009
User testing
My co-worker is the user in this case. I was there with her and introduced her to this blogger site. She is our training coordinator and just got her computer degree recently, and she's a quick learner as well. It didn't take her a long time to set up her blogger account. The initial setup was really straightforward since she already had a Gmail account. I was by her side though and walked her through some of the pages. After choosing the template, she was able to be on her own. Basically she didn't have any problem using blogspot.com. Her feedback of the site is very positive.
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Camtasia Studio
I’d like to talk about Camtasia. It’s a product designed and developed by TechSmith. You can record onscreen activity, make edits on the timeline, add image, audio, video into the project, and produce the video in the end. What I like about this software package is that things seem to be very intuitive. There is almost no need for training in order to be a pro. You can start a new project by either recording a new screen, or importing media.
The easy import and export functions and wizards make the project fun and entertaining. Once a project is created, the storyboard is showing at the bottom of the screen. Video and audio are split on the storyboard. The audio can be adjusted.
You can also insert voice narration after you put everything in place. There are nice slide transition for you to pick from, they add up the space and size of the file but they are nice and really make the production more smooth and professional.
The final production wizard is easy to use as well. Only problem is the dilemma between the quality and size of the file. If you want the best quality with clear original image and sound, the file size would be huge. You can put the file CD, but it’s not possible to email.
There are a few drawbacks of this software product.
1. Audio and video functions are restricted. There are only two audio tracks to be manipulated. You can less control over the audio adjustment than what’s given by the other video products out there such as Audacity and Captivate.
2. Quality of the production is highly dependent on the options of production method. If you choose “Email” (which means you’d like to send the file as an email attachment), the poor quality of the production really makes the “Email” option impossible to use.
Overall, Camtasia is a great tool to put media together in a short timeframe. The screen recording and media merging functions, although limited, can do most of the work. You can produce something presentable quickly and nicely using this software tool.
The easy import and export functions and wizards make the project fun and entertaining. Once a project is created, the storyboard is showing at the bottom of the screen. Video and audio are split on the storyboard. The audio can be adjusted.
You can also insert voice narration after you put everything in place. There are nice slide transition for you to pick from, they add up the space and size of the file but they are nice and really make the production more smooth and professional.
The final production wizard is easy to use as well. Only problem is the dilemma between the quality and size of the file. If you want the best quality with clear original image and sound, the file size would be huge. You can put the file CD, but it’s not possible to email.
There are a few drawbacks of this software product.
1. Audio and video functions are restricted. There are only two audio tracks to be manipulated. You can less control over the audio adjustment than what’s given by the other video products out there such as Audacity and Captivate.
2. Quality of the production is highly dependent on the options of production method. If you choose “Email” (which means you’d like to send the file as an email attachment), the poor quality of the production really makes the “Email” option impossible to use.
Overall, Camtasia is a great tool to put media together in a short timeframe. The screen recording and media merging functions, although limited, can do most of the work. You can produce something presentable quickly and nicely using this software tool.
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Blog #4 Dalgarno's Taxonomy Explained in Elmo's Game
Within the Elmo's Workshop games, there are following input and output:
Input:
Selecting
Buttons
Icons
Dragging
Drawing (I'm not sure if this represents exactly what Coloring Book does in Elmo. In Coloring Book, there is no need for mouse clicking. Just by moving the mouse, you can make the black and white picture change its color.)
Output:
Displaying
Presenting media
Assessing answers
Generating feedback (with audio that tells you that you made a wrong choice, and encourages you to move if you've been idle for a while)
Saving and loading (When the game is clicked on)
Input:
Selecting
Buttons
Icons
Dragging
Drawing (I'm not sure if this represents exactly what Coloring Book does in Elmo. In Coloring Book, there is no need for mouse clicking. Just by moving the mouse, you can make the black and white picture change its color.)
Output:
Displaying
Presenting media
Assessing answers
Generating feedback (with audio that tells you that you made a wrong choice, and encourages you to move if you've been idle for a while)
Saving and loading (When the game is clicked on)
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Blog #3 Sesame Street Game
I have ZERO online game experience. Since I have to really get involved with certain game to be able to critique thoroughly, I chose to give Sesame Street Workshop a try. This is something I sit in front of and watch almost 4 times a week.
From educational stand point, I embrace this game site where kids can go and choose different games to play. It features different areas of practice, such as letters, numbers, colors, sizes,shapes, moving objects, games to improve kids' observation skills, etc, etc. My 4-year-old can dress up a monster while my 2-year-old can just simply do some coloring by moving the mouse. The best part is my kids love it, and they both learn from these games.
The URL is here: http://www.sesamestreet.org/games
The interface of these games is very attractive. It's got colorful pictures and objects. There are audio instructions by characters from Sesame Street. In the middle of the game, if the child stops working, audio will start talking again and reminding the child of what needs to be done in order to finish the game. In my opinion, the game is as interactive as it can be. And my take on the game concept is: if it can make kids sit in their chair for more than 10 minutes, it's a successful game!
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
My First Podcast
This is a tutorial that teaches you how to get started with FAMU's Learning Content Management System.
You can click on this link to get to our LCMS to follow along.
http://famu.chalknetwork.com/FAMU/signin/signin.aspx
You can click on this link to get to our LCMS to follow along.
http://famu.chalknetwork.com/FAMU/signin/signin.aspx
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Multimedia Principles
Contiguity principle
Redundancy principle
The trainings on Microsoft website immediately jump out because they exactly follow this principle: the narrator is simply repeating word by word that is on the same page. For a while, I was wondering why they had to read when we can see the text. Maybe it’s because of the intention of being ADA compliant. I’m not sure.
This is a good example of a how-to article page on Survey Monkey website. Different interface screen shots represent different how-to topics. The alignment of the graphics and text on the screen is just right. Users don’t have to scroll down much and possibly lose the graphics that explain the texts. The page is very easy to be searched via google, and once viewers are directed to this page, they easily find the specific topics that interest them.
Modality principle 
This YouTube Photoshop tutorial example is a good one. It explains how to use Correction tool within Photoshop. The audio part of the video dominates this learning experience. Without it, learner would be bored to death, and the outcomes are not guaranteed since the audience would find it hard to watch the screen closely enough not to miss a step.
This YouTube Photoshop tutorial example is a good one. It explains how to use Correction tool within Photoshop. The audio part of the video dominates this learning experience. Without it, learner would be bored to death, and the outcomes are not guaranteed since the audience would find it hard to watch the screen closely enough not to miss a step.
Redundancy principle
The trainings on Microsoft website immediately jump out because they exactly follow this principle: the narrator is simply repeating word by word that is on the same page. For a while, I was wondering why they had to read when we can see the text. Maybe it’s because of the intention of being ADA compliant. I’m not sure.
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Week 2 prep questions
How do you define courseware? Give a brief example or two of experiences you have had with courseware. How about learning objects?
Courseware is instructors and course developers create to deliver their instructional content electronically. It could be in a CD-ROM or online form. One of my experiences I have had with courseware was creating a series of material for my Microsoft Office Suite. It consists of PowerPoint demos, hands-on exercises and quizzes. Learning objects are reusable, accessible learning materials.
How might they relate (or not) to your career?
This is my career. I provide technical support in our training department. And at the same time, I'm the one, if any, who create intensive instructional and training materials.
What is your initial reaction to blogs and your impressions on what are the unique characteristics/affordances of blogs that can be used to support learning?
Cool! Everyone could use a blog to post and share their lives, personal interests on here. It could be viewed as public diary for some people. In week 1 I learned we could also form an academic community where people with similar professional or interests share their learning and work experience. We may acutally learn something new and get inspired each day by visiting someone else's work and information.
Courseware is instructors and course developers create to deliver their instructional content electronically. It could be in a CD-ROM or online form. One of my experiences I have had with courseware was creating a series of material for my Microsoft Office Suite. It consists of PowerPoint demos, hands-on exercises and quizzes. Learning objects are reusable, accessible learning materials.
How might they relate (or not) to your career?
This is my career. I provide technical support in our training department. And at the same time, I'm the one, if any, who create intensive instructional and training materials.
What is your initial reaction to blogs and your impressions on what are the unique characteristics/affordances of blogs that can be used to support learning?
Cool! Everyone could use a blog to post and share their lives, personal interests on here. It could be viewed as public diary for some people. In week 1 I learned we could also form an academic community where people with similar professional or interests share their learning and work experience. We may acutally learn something new and get inspired each day by visiting someone else's work and information.
Thursday, January 8, 2009
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