Navigate 2.1.1 Delivery Methods and the Synchronous Vendor Market Quest

Compose a blog post regarding the available options in the synchronous delivery market for learning.

The tools available for online learning have grown exponentially in the last few years.  My first experience with "online" learning was in 1995 where class participants would call in for a conference call with our professor who was located in Key West, Fl.  Fast forward to 2016 where even public schools offer online learning in computer labs utilizing various formats.  So, districts have at their disposal a cornucopia of available resources to offer online learning but the question should be, is it necessary?

In reviewing the myriad of options out there, I'm left with the impression that most districts make their platform decision based on advertising.  Synchronous learning allows students to interact with one another in achieving educational goals.

The market for such programs is so fluid as vendors are appearing and disappearing at an alarming rate.  However, a few programs have stood the test of time and are appropriate for districts.

Webex:  A great web conference tool.
Blackboard:  Online conferencing, interactive and even messaging.
GoToMeeting:  Web conferencing that has support.  Latest group to hit the airways with ads.
Interwise:  Great communications tools for districts.
HorizonLive:  Web conferencing, elearning, and web-based collaboration tools.

Create 1.1.1 Time Management Quest

To complete this Quest successfully:

List five time management tools in your blog and briefly describe their use and relevance to the online world. Does the tool relate to personal, professional, or a combination of both?

After completing a blog post that meets the requirements of this quest, submit the link to your post in the Submission Form at the bottom of this page.

Next, as a courtesy to fellow TOOL participants, join the Create 1.1.1 Time Management Forum and share the link to your post. Upon sharing the link with fellow TOOL participants, consider providing helpful feedback to others regarding this topic.

The article, "10 Must-Have Tools for Time Management" provides some very useful resources for those of us with poor time management skills.  Here are a few of my favorites and how they can help you enhance your time management.

Rescue Time

Just like a budget where you track where the money goes, Rescue Time allows you to see where you are spending your time on your computer.  The detailed report provides immediate data on.  Information on actual time spent on particular sites allows one to re-evaluate precious time spent of frivolous sites.  Much like Matthew 6:21; "For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."  The site allows you to cut the clutter.

Listly

The key to time management is to prioritize your tasks.  List.ly provides a tool to do just that.  Great site that will help you establish the useful from the useless.

Toggi

Toggi allows you to see just how much time you have spent on a project.  This can be useful for billing if needed but more importantly, allows you to see how much you have invested in the project.  Aggregate data from this program can provide insights as to your strengths and weaknesses which in the long run can improve your efficiency.  Find that you do not have the gift for a specific element of a project, find someone who is and emphasize your strengths.

OneNote

OneNote fulfills the first commandment of time management...being organized.  This program allows efficient note taking and organization of huge amounts of data.  Can't remember what you did on that last project to solve a particular issue...simply refer back to OneNote, press Ctrl-F and find the information quickly.

StayFocusd

StayFcocusd could be used in conjunction with Toggi to help wean one from those addictive but useless websites that eat up valuable time.

Create 2.1.1 Web Tools Quest

Create 2.1.1 – Web Tools Quest

Use the internet to research a variety of Web Tools that can be used for student learning or instruction. Then, create three categories and elaborate on the value of the tools referenced. Describe each tool explaining its use, associated cost and how the tool would implemented in a learning environment. Document the items in your blog.

Tool	Use	Cost	Implementation
Google Forms	Feedback	Free	Survey to evaluate assignments.
Google Blog	Writing	Free	Students given prompts/RAFTS related to classroom topics.
Prezi	Presentations	Free	Faculty or students utilize this program for presentations.
Google Docs	Feedback	Free	Students can submit assignments for me to review before officially turning in for final grade.
Khan Academy	Research	Free	Acts a personal tutor for students for every topic known to man.  Even includes SAT prep!
Youtube	Research	Free	Students can watch video clips that enhance their understanding of topics.
Quizlet	Study Guides	Basic Free	Study aid for students to develop formative assessments.

Navigate 1.3.1 Discussing the LMS and CMS Quest

When would one need a full blown LMS? Discuss the perceived differences in the industry between LMS and CMS in your blog.

A "full blown LMS" system would be required for any organization seeking to offer a complex platform for instruction.  The LMS system allows the organization to create the "brains" of what will be an opportunity to offer all stakeholders the tools necessary for success.  Similar to purchasing a laptop computer...take care at the onset to ensure your needs are covered by the system you are purchasing and you will enjoy years of productivity.  Seek to save a few dollars and find yourself limiting the potential of your organization.

When it really comes down to it, the key difference between LMS and CMS is scale.  A Learning Management System is the mothership from which everything will launch.  Great care needs to be given to development of the LMS platform due to the fact that if you do not include all necessary built in features, you could actually limit the capabilities of your organization.  Very similar to school districts who contract for programs such as Infinite Campus or PowerSchool.  If the district if wise, they will purchase the Cadillac package to ensure the district is covered.  Unfortunately, all too often districts will attempt to save money by purchasing the Pinto package.  This purchase works in the beginning but eventually you are going to realize how you have limited your organization.

A Content Management System would be like a destroyer in a battlegroup.  The CMS is comprised of tools that will be utilized by those on the front lines. A CMS makes available to teachers PDFs, Excel spreadsheets, and access to Word documents that allow them to organize their classroom. The CMS program helps drive the content of the course and is essential to the teacher who is in constant need of storage capabilities for their course.

Navigate 1.2.1 Online Learning Environment

Navigate 1.2.1 Describe Roles and Functions in Online Learning Environments Quest

To complete this Quest:

Describe roles and functions in online learning environments in your blog.

After completing a blog post that meets the requirements of this quest, submit the link to your post in the Submission Form at the bottom of this page.

Next, as a courtesy to fellow TOOL participants, join the Navigate 1.2.1 Describe Roles and Functions in Online Learning Environments Forum and share the link to your post. Upon sharing the link with fellow TOOL participants, consider providing helpful feedback to others regarding this topic.

When it comes to creating an online learning environment, many hands are necessary to make the process work.  Students are going to utilize the services offered by the system whether those services are direct or indirect.  Course requirements, submissions of assignments, and receiving feedback are all SIS features that are critical to the student having a positive learning experience.  Teachers rely on a trustworthy system that will allow them to communicate with their students, post assignments, share grades, and offer a venue where students can interact with the teacher and other students.  Administrators rely on an efficient learning system that will allow them access to what is actually occurring in the online classroom.  Administrators are able to determine if standards are being taught, if students are given the opportunity for communication, and to ensure that the students are being afforded every opportunity for success.  Of course, without a Facilitator having access to approve courses, little learning could actually take place in the online classroom.

Most helpful was the schematic of involved parties provided within the introduction for roles and functions in online learning.  The diagram clearly illustrates the participants in the process and their critical role in making the online learning process possible.