Week 11 Reflection

 This week has probably been one the toughest for me personally, because I was trying to get my own final exams and last week of the summer semester wrapped up. I did not effectively manage my time as best as I should have and fell somewhat behind and behind the eight ball. Having said that I was able to complete my work and concept version of my paper. I have decided that YouTube was my favorite platform to use with regards to learning and comprehension, but there is a plethora of good ones out here.  

Which Platform?

With so many web 2.0 tools and platforms to use, which one is the best for online learning and retainment of pertinent information? This question is one that I have consistently asked myself throughout this semester and particularly for this course. I have researched and written on this subject matter, and i truly believe YouTube offers a tremendous platform for learning and comprehension. Maybe because I am visual learner and seeing information presented in video format just seems to stick with me more so than discussion boards or PowerPoints. Even social networking sites like Facebook and Instagram don't seem to be geared towards learning as much as they are socializing. Is there one platform that you enjoy or would recommend more than most? 

Social Media Usage in Developing Countries

 The usage of the internet is something that we here in America take for granted. I myself do not think twice when accessing the internet from research, education, or simply entertainment however, I think it is often overlooked not everyone has ease of access to these same features and usage. One article that I found interesting dealt with this specific topic and from what I gathered, there is a direct correlation between GDP or Gross Domestic Product and internet and or smartphone usage. The article showed that in more developed countries, smartphone and internet ownership and usage is very high when contrasted against countries that are still developing. Having said that, the numbers of developing countries whose citizens own smartphones and have access to the internet is growing rapidly. Are there other reasons as to why these developing countries do not have the same access as other more developed countries? Are there any other correlations that one might identify? Other than GDP?  I would look at standard of living, social and cultural customs, such as gender roles and differences and expectations as well. For instance, not every country has the same social contract norms as the U.S and therefore, could play a role in the lack of internet access and usage for its citizens. I also would have to look at things like the average income and also free time away from work or responsibilities. What do you all think could be some reasons as to why this is? 

Professional Social Networks

 

Professional Social Networks

Professional social networks (PSN) are online environments where practitioners can present themselves, get in contact and socialize with coworkers, share, and discuss ideas, or exchange business‐related knowledge. (Mettler, 2018, Abstract section). In this description of PSN’s, one can see that there are a great many platforms or networks that could potentially fall into this category. For instance, Facebook allows for all the aforementioned descriptors as well as YouTube, and Instagram and LinkedIn. For a professional who is interested in exploring pertinent research and or sharing information with other likeminded, similar professional colleagues, which one is the best? I personally believe that LinkedIn offers the best network or platform for content creation and sharing in a professional context. That does not mean that the others don’t or can’t provide quality information. I just feel like it seems more formal if it comes from LinkedIn.      

 

References

Mettler, T. (2018, July). Contextualizing a professional social network for health care: Experiences from an action design research study. Retrieved July 14, 2023, from https://eds-p-ebscohost-com.proxy.lib.fsu.edu/eds/detail/detail?vid=0%26sid=c904fd15-a3fa-43ac-8b68-d19ee9747a46%40redis&bdata=JkF1dGhUeXBlPXNoaWImc2l0ZT1lZHMtbGl2ZSZzY29wZT1zaXRl#AN=130023822&db=bth

Week 7 Refelctions

 This week has been an interesting one. I've found myself researching a little more and participating more actively via twitter and some new to me LMS tools such as piazza. I think what I have tried to focus on most this week has been the various tools that are similar to social media but offer more privacy. These tolls can be incorporated into lesson planning and or course planning and offer greater collaboration and are more student driven. Obviously, we want students to be engaged and social media platforms are seemingly everywhere. One must ponder if this is a good way to keep students engaged while not limiting creativity. Also, I wanted to address one of the questions posed in our discussion with regards to me getting ideas from tools versus using tools to complete tasks of my own design. I think that it is fluid meaning both honestly. there are times when I might be using a specific tool and then something prompts me to create something completely different or when I have a concept and know exactly what tool, I want to employ to complete the task. Discovering some of these newer platforms has been encouraging and helpful for me because it has allowed me to create things, I hadn't thought of conceived of before. 

Using Piazza as A Supplemental Learning Tool

 I have been reading and researching this latest helpful tool called Piazza. After reading and watching a series of videos, I believe this tool can help with a multitude of functions and assist with learner cognition and retention. The tool itself is designed to help students work together in collaboration. Whereby students can ask and answer each other questions, and professors can help guide the discussion by adding their perspective and focusing points. There are a number of assets for the instructor like being able to view and encourage participation as well as see contributors' activity. This really just help increase productivity as well as encourage active participation. It also helps facilitate communication between learner and teacher. I myself am still very new to this platform; however, I feel like it is worth exploring and possibly incorporating into a lesson or course in the near future. 

Piazza • Ask. Answer. Explore. Whenever.

Using Social Media in Conjunction with Lessons

The year is 2023, and on the whole, almost everyone has some type of social media whether it be Facebook, twitter, Instagram, Pinterest or any number or combination of a vast plethora of other social media platforms. Instructors and learners have had to adapt an evolve over the last couple decades to help meet the growing tide of students and try and reach their curiosity as well as educate them. How and what is the best way in doing this? Should teachers hold classes via Minecraft online learning communities? Should instructors design models and link them to YouTube or Xbox live? What is the best way to peak a student's interest? there are many factors an instructor must take into account before using. For instance, an instructor should first and foremost make sure that everyone learner has the same opportunity and availability. Some students may not have access to required platforms especially if those platforms require some type of subscription. Designers should also try to incorporate examples of what they want students to complete. Giving examples, can help alleviate anxiety and increase productivity. I thin k in this day and incorporating lessons via social media is a very valuable tool and will help reach students and their interests.