A Journey in the Digital Learning Community

Commercial vs. Open Source Virtual Classrooms Open Source Software Strengths   - "Free" or low cost - Developed by non-profit community - Can be distributed and modified for free - More secure than commercial software due to constant bug fixes as they are found - Not dependent on a company or author  - Uses open standards accessible by everyone so there are no problems with incompatible formats - No complex licensing models - No need for anti-piracy measures like product activation or serial numbers Weaknesses  - May require a technical consultation or an in-house Information Technology (IT) department that can manage hosting, upgrading, integrating, and usage of open source tools - Not straightforward to use - May require training (operating systems like Linux cannot be learned in a day) - Latest hardwares may be incompatible to the open-source platform requiring the reliance on third-party drivers - May be confusion on what functions a

Participate Lesson Reflection International Association for Online Learning, publishes  Standards for Quality Online Teaching The Participate module has provided me with an opportunity to become more informed about the roles and responsibilities of an online teacher. The International Association for Online Learning published the Standards for Quality Online Teaching. Below I will provide evidence how the information and/or activities in this module allows me to meet these standards.  Standard C:  The online teacher plans, designs, and incorporates strategies to encourage active learning, application, interaction, participation, and collaboration in the online environment. An online teacher must be well versed on how to utilize effective online teaching strategies and where to locate reputable digital resources. The lessons covering character traits of a good digital citizen and collecting reputable resources has given me a toolkit of strategies and web resources to ma

Digital Health I modified my technology habits in order to be more present in the moment with my family and to begin more aware of my posture while working on the computer. The most proactive way to ensure a balance between technology and my own well-being is to first admit just how much of my time I spend using technology everyday. I need to be more conscious of my online habits and be willing to acknowledge technology overuse. I am often guilty scrolling through social media instead of enjoying a movie with my family. The best way for teachers and students to make the most of technology is through purposeful utilization of technology. You should ask yourself questions about your technology utilization, such as: Why you are using technology? Does it serve a purpose? Does it benefit me or anyone else? Is there anything else I should be doing instead of playing online? Am I passing on opportunities to spend time interacting with others? Am I listening to my body r

Digital Safety and Security This image can be used in classrooms to jump start a class discussion on digital safety. A Think-Pair-Share activity would be great strategy to get students talking. Ask students if they see a shape to the words and what how that shape relates to digital safety. You can have students think of additional words to include on the image. Another idea would be to have students categorize the words on the image and then discuss why they chose to group certain words together. 

Plan for Protecting the Digital Rights and Responsibilities within a DLC Digital citizenship is so much more than just being safe and making good decisions online. Online learners should endeavor to make their community better through the use of technology. When interacting online, it is vital to engage respectfully (even with those with differing beliefs). Digital citizens have the ability to have their voice heard by public leaders and can make an impact in the creation of public policy. The most crucial part of being a good digital citizen is to always triple check the validity of online sources of information. These Do and Don'ts lists are a great reference for online behavior.  Digital Rights: Freedom of expression Privacy Credit for personal works Digital access Our identity   Digital Responsibilities: Report bullying, harassing, sexting, or identity theft Cite works used for res