Jennifer Rees and Michael Anderson of UT (University of Texas) Telecampus discuss an innovative, large-scale project that required the expansion and development of learning objects. Interest and discussion in learning objects has picked up considerable steam in the last year, Jennifer Rees points out, which has resulted in the circulation of multiple definitions of what constitutes a learning object.
Continue reading ‘A Discussion with the UT TeleCampus about Learning Objects’
Archive for September, 2004
Without close attention to building and maintaining functional communities of practice, even the most carefully designed online program can will degenerate as facilitators, support, and subject matter experts speak “at” each other instead of to or with each other. Granted, communities of practice in a distributed environment have a different look and feel than those that are forged in small groups in face-to-face settings. Nevertheless, they are vital if ongoing e-learning products and programs are to be developed, nurtured, and sustained. The main pillars of success — communication, relevant tasks and outcomes, shared vision and mission, needs-responsive and ever-evolving instructional and developmental strategies — will collapse. Continue reading ‘Distributed Communities of Practice in E-Learning’
In a move I thought would be evocative of business or industrial engineering courses that use multiplayer games to simulate market and product competition environments, I decided to integrate an Xbox video game, Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell, into an online International Relations course, “Geopolitical Brinksmanship.” It required a shift of instructional strategy, and it became necessary to clearly define various roles. Little did I suspect that the approach have more in common with the way that the military utilizes games such as Full Spectrum Warrior to familiarize individuals with conditions they may face in battle. It also is reminiscent of how such games help individuals begin to be able to envision scenarios, the potential players, and possible lines of action. Continue reading ‘Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell Video Game and Online Geopolitical Brinksmanship Course’
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