Week #3

This past week, in class, we focused on distance-learning. We discussed the motivation behind developing online learning communities like The University of Phoenix and other organizations like it. It was interesting to here the stats and discuss what type of people were more disposed to participate in distance learning. I have always been one that has appreciated the classroom environment, so online classrooms can be difficult as they don't allow me the full interaction of a classroom setting. For some, this is much appreciated as it is more convenient to their lifestyle needs.

Needs are things that we are being called to address as we move forward into designing an artifact for the underserved population we are addressing. In an effort to support an under served, Professor Kim has noted, we are to pay attention to the population needs. Topics like ease vs. difficulty level and zone of proximal development were addressed. Designing an efficient artifact requires careful thought, with regard to a calculated effort not to make the device to easy or to difficult in its use. An application that is to easy or difficulty may cause your audience to lose interest. Even if your desired effect should be a progressive one, where the user is encouraged to participate leu of a learning gap, by initiating a (ZPD) zone of proximal development, students are able to achieve their learning potential by engaging in collective intelligence practices.

We were then given an opportunity to use this in a real world senerio. As an design team, we were to construct a learning program for a business seeking to empower its employees. Taking into account the assets and needs of the organization, a plan was devised so as to help the company reach their goal. Different web-based modalities needed to be implemented to instruct, assess, and enrich the learning process. Technology was used to perform as many functions necessary to educate, motivate and accommodate the company participants. There were some limitations as it addressed the quality of learning experience and making sure that the technology that was being used was effective in its teach practice. Some technology was on point as it was the perfect medium for the information being presented. Others fell flat in their inability to properly support the learning experience. Overall, it is important to consider the type of media being used to effectively illustrate particular learning concepts.