High Tech Learning: Course Materials: Email Archives

High tech learning refers to the constantly evolving hardware, software, and networking tools and resources available to those wishing to acquire knowledge, skills, attitudes, or values through formal instruction or free inquiry. Because of the virtual nature of these digital tools and resources, high tech learning can occur anywhere, anytime.

Start at the Course Home Page. Explore the Course Materials section to read the Syllabus, explore the Calendar, Requirements and Checklist, or access the Course Guide. When you're ready to begin, work your way through the three sections of the course: High Tech Learning, Tools, and Learning Spaces.

Questions? Contact Annette Lamb.

Class Email Archives

You should have received the following message through email. If you didn't get this email, please email me with your current email address so I can add you to the class list.

Class Update: August 30

We've made it through the first few days of e-class. I can tell already that the semester is going to fly by! From now on, I'll normally send out a message during each weekend. I know many of you like to work on course materials over the weekend.

Some of you are feeling a little overwhelmed by the readings. I tried to stuff a lot of ideas into the first week of the semester! On the other hand, I think this information is critical for the "big picture" of what's happening with high tech learning. You'll be happy to hear that the rest of the semester, the readings will be lighter.

THE PURPOSE OF READINGS
Put simply... the readings are intended to help you complete the activities and the projects for class. People come to this class with very diverse skills. Some people have no background and need much more support than others. Since there are no tests, it's only really essential that you skim the materials until you feel like you have the concept. In some cases, just reading my web pages without reading any of the articles may be enough background for you.

So... here's the strategy I'd use. Read my class page. Then go back and select articles you think look the most interesting and relevant. Skim those first. Then, if you feel like you need more help, go back and skim some of the other articles.

Pay particular attention to the red icons that will help you determine what you should read and do. If the reading doesn't have a red icon, it's just for reference if you need more information. Unlike traditional textbooks with specific page lengths and uniform formats, the readings for this class include everything from blogs to podcasts. I know this can cause confusion, but it's also a chance to explore different approaches to gathering information in a "high tech" world.

Everyone is overwhelmed at first. There's lots of reading the first couple weeks to provide background information. Don't worry if you don't understand everything. You just need enough background to ask some questions and choose an area you can explore for the first assignment. Remember, the course wouldn't be about learning if you already knew everything. ;-)

ASSIGNMENTS
You probably noticed that the Oncourse discussions are now in an area called FORUMS. It was fun reading everyone's introductions. We have a very diverse class! It's going to be an exciting semester.

This week we're going to dive into the high tech tools. Keep in mind that these resources and tools provide the building blocks of high tech learning environments. Although you may have used text and graphics for many years, consider the new tools that are available. Later in the semester we'll apply these tools to learning spaces from blogs to interactive environments.

Read High Tech Tools http://eduscapes.com/hightech/tools/index.htm
Read Tools: Texts http://eduscapes.com/hightech/tools/texts/index.htm
Read Tools: Illustrations http://eduscapes.com/hightech/tools/illustrations/index.htm

FIESTA 1
It's time to work on the first assignment, Fiesta 1: High Tech Learning, Text, and Illustration.
Read the requirements at http://eduscapes.com/hightech/course/courseguide.htm#f1
Notice that the steps will take you through the requirements and criteria for evaluation.

Before you select your topic, be sure to read all the readings in the High Tech learning section (http://eduscapes.com/hightech/overview/index.htm)

If you need ideas for the Web 2.0 requirement, go to the Web 2.0 page (I updated it last week, RELOAD/REFRESH for the latest version) - http://eduscapes.com/hightech/overview/web/index.htm

You should use a different application for the Web 2.0 step and the Text/Illustration requirement.

Be sure to notice that you're required to make a reply in addition to posting your project. You can take up to a week to reply to the postings of classmates.

Before you head out for the Labor Day weekend next week, be sure to finish up the Fiesta 1 assignment. It's due Tuesday September 7.

Have a great week!

Class Update: Let's Go!

It's time for the first day of school. Classes start Monday August 23.

Many of you have made a posting in the Introduce Yourself area. Way to go! The class is rolling!

YOUR JOB IN THIS COURSE
You have three tasks:

1 - Follow the course calendar and complete your assignments on time. As a matter of fact, getting things in early is a good idea.

Read my class email updates for a review of what's happening. If you think you may have missed one, just check the class archives which is also the entry page for our Oncourse materials at http://www.eduscapes.com/hightech/course/archives.htm

2 - Let me know if you run into trouble. Don't fret and worry about your problem. Instead, email me and let's discuss it. If you're not sure about a topic for an assignment or have trouble with a due date, just let me know. I'm flexible and happy to help.

3 - Have fun. Learning is about opening a new world of information, skills, and understandings. Many assignments encourage you to explore resources and brainstorm ideas. Don't think of the class discussions as painful homework. Think of them as a chance to interact with your colleagues about issues and ideas important to our profession.

MY JOB
My job is to help you successfully complete this course and expand your skills in high tech learning. I "live" on the Internet, so I'm happy to hold personal email discussions whenever you feel the need to talk. Feel free to email any time. I'll get back to you ASAP.

Enjoy the course... You'll hear from me again this weekend.

Class Update: Get Set!

Classes begin Monday August 23, so it's time to get started. From now on, my emails will generally provide an overview of the required readings and assignments as well as suggestions and tips. Although I know these emails can get long, please read them. They will really help direct your activities for the week.

COURSE GUIDE
The Course Guide will help you work through the course materials. It links to the course readings and provides the guidelines for all the requirements. Be sure to read this page carefully. Notice that it provides a key for the tiny red icons you'll find throughout the website.
http://eduscapes.com/hightech/course/courseguide.htm

At first, people are overwhelmed by all of the links. You don't need to read everything... it's not possible. Instead use the icons and directions for guidance. Notice that it will tell you to explore, skim, or read the pages.

Keep in mind that the course reading assignments can be found in two places: the course calendar and the Course Guide pages. Here are your first set of readings that will be useful in addressing your first assignment:

Rosenfeld & Loertscher
* Skim Parts 1 and 2 Chpts 1-15
* Read Chpt 16-18, 34, 69

ASSIGNMENTS
You can find an overview of the assignments in the Course Requirement page at http://eduscapes.com/hightech/course/require.htm

Your first assignment is to enter Oncourse. Update your Oncourse Profile. Consider adding a photograph of yourself.
Also, go to the Discussion option and find the General Discussion: Introduce Yourself forum. You should do this by Monday August 23.

As you move through the process section of the Course Guide, you'll notice the Fiesta activities. It's a good idea to get ahead in case you get busy in other courses or at work! Don't worry if you don't have experience as a teacher or librarian. Do your best making use of the readings and your life experiences to address the requirements.

Your POSTING for the Fiesta 1 assignment is due on Tuesday Sept 7. If you wish, you can take up to an additional week to make your REPLY. It's due by Monday September 13.
Fiesta #1 - http://eduscapes.com/hightech/course/courseguide.htm#f1

EMAIL UPDATES
The periodic emails will keep you up-to-date on things you should be doing for class and due dates. I'll also throw in some personal stuff to keep it interesting. I lead a pretty unique, strange, and interesting life. Feel free to share your life with me too. It makes some students feel more "connected".

I've already sent out a few preliminary class emails. Let me know if you missed it. Or, check out the class email archives at http://eduscapes.com/hightech/course/archives.htm

I prefer to use my personal email for class interactions rather than Oncourse. My personal email is on almost "24/7" so I'll usually get back to you immediately. I often only check Oncourse once per day. However you're free to use the Oncourse mail with classmates if you prefer.

If you need me right away, "friend" me on Facebook. I'm happy to live chat with you if I'm already online.

I'm also happy to chat using the Oncourse Chat feature.

NO SYNCHRONOUS MEETINGS
There are no required face-to-face or scheduled chat sessions for this course. Many students enjoy taking an online course because they don't have to be in a particular place at a particular time. HOWEVER, this means that you're responsible for making your own personal schedule in order to meet the course requirements on time. Some people find that this the most difficult part of the course. You need self-discipline to be successful in distance learning.

Have a great week!

Class Update: Get Ready!

It's a week until class starts, so it's time for another preliminary email.

For people who've never taken an online course before, this will be a new, exciting, and occasionally confusing or frustrating experience. For those who've taken a course before, I hope your experiences with online courses have been positive.

Each of you comes to the course with a unique set of experiences. As you move through the course materials, be sure to email me if you find yourself lost or confused. It's my pleasure (as well as my job) to help. :-)

COURSE MATERIALS
Here's a list of some of the most important course resources and links. It's also available in Oncourse. Oncourse can be SLOW much of the time. My suggestion is to open the course readings directly from your web browser. Only go to Oncourse when you want to interact with the forums.

Use the following links to complete the course requirements.

The Course. This page contains many online materials for the course. The course has both onsite and offsite reading assignments.
http://eduscapes.com/hightech/

Course Materials
http://eduscapes.com/hightech/course/index.htm

Syllabus. This page provides the course syllabus including the course materials, goals, requirements, grading policy, and calendar.
http://eduscapes.com/hightech/course/syllabus.htm

Calendar. This page provides the course calendar including the assignments and due pages. Notice that the calendar has three columns. The first column provides dates. The second column discusses the things you should be doing such as things to work on and read. The third column states the projects that are due.
http://eduscapes.com/hightech/course/calendar.htm

Email Archives. This page contains the archives of the course announcements and email updates.
http://eduscapes.com/hightech/course/archives.htm

The Requirements. This page highlights the course assignments and activities.
http://eduscapes.com/hightech/course/require.htm

Course Checklist. Contains a checklist of requirements.
http://eduscapes.com/hightech/course/checklist.htm

Course Quest. This page guides you through the course readings and assignments.
http://eduscapes.com/hightech/course/courseguide.htm

LET'S START
soo... what now? If I were you, I'd read the syllabus and requirement pages.

The requirement page contains information about a few introductory activities you need to complete. These activities will be posted in Oncourse. Then, print out the course checklist. Next, I'd go to the Course Quest to get a feel for how the course materials are organized.

Finally, take a deep breath and relax. Once you get a handle on the materials, you can start rolling!

Check the syllabus calendar and you'll notice that the first assignment is to go to Oncourse and Introduce Yourself.

We're using the new version of Oncourse. Here are some directions to get you started:
Go to Oncourse at http://oncourse.iu.edu and login.
Click the S603 Course tab to find out course.
On the left side, you'll see Forums as an option on the list.
Under General Discussion, choose Introduce Yourself.
You'll see a list of postings.
Create a new posting to introduce Yourself. Also, reply to a classmate.

INSTRUCTOR INTRODUCTION
In the past, I've been a school library media specialist, curriculum library director, and college professor in Iowa, Ohio, and Indiana. I know that we have a wide variety of students in this course. Some have teaching experience and/or library experience, while others are new to the library and/or education field. I look forward to learning more about you!

I love teaching online courses and exploring the world around us. I'm a new kind of professor. I teach full-time at IUPUI, but I don't live in Indiana. We live all over North America, traveling in our motorhome. We just finished building a "home base" in southern Utah, so we'll probably hang out here for the semester. Don't worry about trying to find me, I'm online, all-day, everyday, most days.

PHOTOS AND UPDATES
In the past, I included photos in my email updates, but some people had trouble downloading them. As a result, I'll just include a link to my website with fun personal and professional updates. I try to keep it up to date. If you want to keep up with our adventures or learn more about me, check out http://www.eduscapes.com/lamb/ or the lastest photos at Facebook.

I look forward to having you in class. Be sure to email me if you have questions. I'm online all the time, so I can normally get right back to you with an answer.

Class Update: Preliminary Message

Some of you are relaxing in exotic vacation destinations, while others are still finishing up summer school. As you catch your breath between semesters, I thought I'd send a quick overview of the High Tech Learning course for people who would like a little head start.

I think I have everyone's email address. However if you'd prefer getting the updates at another address, just let me know.

I'll be sending a few emails before classes get started with preliminary course materials. Here's some course information that will get you started.

GET STARTED
There are NO required face-to-face or virtual meetings. However we'll all get started working together online as a class around August 23.

ONCOURSE DISCUSSIONS
You'll need an IU or IUPUI account to access the Oncourse materials for class discussions at http://oncourse.iu.edu/

We'll be using the Oncourse system for some of the class discussions, but we'll also be using other online tools for blogging and wikis.

The Oncourse materials are ready to go.

THE COURSE TEXTBOOK
Since this course is called "high tech," I'm trying to incorporate the latest technology you're likely to encounter in educational and library settings. As such, I had difficulty locating a good print textbook.

I wasn't happy with the options available for public and academic library programs. However the following resource will meet most of our needs. Additional resources will be provided online to address specific needs in the public and academic library area.

REQUIRED -
Rosenfeld, E. & Loertscher, D.V. (Eds.). Toward a 21st Century School Library Media Program. Scarecrow Press. 2007. ISBN 0-8108-6031-7.
Order Direct from Scarecrow Press online
Order from IUPUI Bookstore

RECOMMENDED
In the course syllabus, you'll find a list of recommended blogs. I'd suggest your might use these to identify resources and trends in your area of interest.
http://www.eduscapes.com/hightech/course/syllabus.htm

COURSE MATERIALS
The online class materials are now available. This course had a massive makeover last year and I'm continuing to refine the materials this year with additional visuals, audio, personal notes, and other enhancement, so you'll see additions throughout the semester.

You can check things out at http://eduscapes.com/hightech
This link is also available through Oncourse.

As you work your way through the materials, you may find typos, dead links, and other problems. Please send me a quick email with the specific page and error. I'm particularly interested in problems that the spelling or grammar checker is likely to miss such as writing "discing" rather than "discussing." I'll be gathering these errors during the semester so I can clean it up. Also if you find great online readings or resources, let me know so I can add them to my "Learn More" sections.

COURSE INSTRUCTOR
I've been a school library media specialist, technology coordinator, and college professor. As many of you know, my husband (Larry Johnson) and I have been traveling full-time in our motorhome for the past decade. We teach our online classes from all over North America. We're currently hanging out in southern Utah where we've finished building a "home base."

I love teaching online courses and exploring the world around us. If you'd like to learn more about me,
check out http://eduscapes.com/lamb or our latest activities at Facebook.

GETTING STARTED
If you're feeling excited, frustrated, confused, anxious, enthusiastic, happy, or any other emotion about this course, you're normal. Online courses are a great alternative to traditional, face-to-face courses, but it takes a little time to get comfortable.

I'll provide much more guidance in terms of organization of the course and requirements in an email next week. However you're free to jump in and work as far ahead as you wish, here are some fun things to get you started:

1) Jump into the online readings. Use the Course Quest as a guide at http://eduscapes.com/hightech/course/courseguide.htm

2) Log into Oncourse, go to the Forums and Introduce Yourself. Be sure to read the directions, because I've asked you to share some specific things about yourself.

3) Go to LibraryThing. It's a cool online tool we're going to be using later in the semester. It's so much fun I thought some of you might want to get started now.

LibraryThing - http://www.librarything.com/
Annette Lamb's Profile - http://www.librarything.com/profile/eduscapes
Annette Lamb's Catalog - http://www.librarything.com/catalog/eduscapes

4) From hosting virtual book clubs to guiding a family history project, you're going to be making a blog for a learning application of your choosing. If you want to go ahead and jump into the fun, go to http://www.blogger.com
Be sure to get the FREE account. You don't need a premium account. If you prefer another blogging service such as Wordpress (wordpress.com) or Edublogs (edublogs.org), that's fine too.Notice that this will be a guided learning application rather than a personal blog.

5) We're going to do some things with digital cameras, if you don't have one it's time to make some friends who do. Consider jumping ahead and looking at the digital photography section if you have some vacation time before fall starts.

If you have questions, be sure to e-ask (as in email me). About half of the students in the class have taken one of our other online courses... they survived to take another one... that's a great sign. ;-)

I'll be sending a couple more updates before e-classes start, so I'll e-see you again soon!

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