Educational Technologies Blog

The URL (www.knowthenet.org.uk) selected is about Digital Citizenship that refers to etiquette or for digital term “netiquette”. This was a site that was posted by Elanne Bonilla-Varner that provided information on the proper use of communication with technology. This site focuses on the use of simple language that is vital to adult learners who are ESL learners. This site provides users with the ability to look up words when they do not understand or want use the word in the proper way.

The reason for selection of this website is that it provides adult learners who could be ESL or GED learners with a technology tool that provides them with information that support their needs while communicating over different types of technology. This tool offers adult learners with the capability of using words in the proper manner and acquiring an understanding of the correct way to communicate when sending information. Having this type of information prepares adult learners for their future positions in the real-world. Bonk (2009) discussed how the instructional approaches of choice in online environments are more collaborative, problem based, generative, exploratory, and interactive. Based upon these uses, it is vital that adult learners have an understanding of netiquette when encountered with any of these types of learning environments. This requires various forms of communication where adult learners must write their thoughts and provide creative and critical thinking explanations.

Within my professional practice this application of technology would assist the international students of different countries who have difficulty with communicating in English over different forms of technology. Additionally, this would assist other learners who do not really understand the proper means of communicating over different types of technology devices. These adult learners would have an understanding of the proper way to send information in different platforms of communications.

The URL (www.turnitin.com) selected is the means of evaluating papers for plagiarism, tracking and submissions. This tool was posted by Lizzette Santana that provided information the submission of papers for evaluation. This application provides adult learners with the capability of examining their papers or professional writings that they will pass on for classroom or business work.

The reason for selection is because this was a very helpful tool within my current studies. This tool would assist adult learners including those who have been away from formal education for quite some time. Turnitin provides adult learners with an understanding of the proper way placing cited information within their papers. This teaches adult learners how to properly cite information and the appropriate use within the professional writing. Overall, this assist in providing these learners with an understanding of plagiarism and the correct means of inputting information that supports their thoughts. Bonk (2009) discussed how online communications and interactive tasks and events between and among students and instructors, trainers, or tutors are often referred to as the heart and soul of online learning, especially in higher education. This a requirement where writing in professional forums become important as form of expressing creative and critical thoughts. Turnitin would provide these learners with knowledge of the proper means writing in a professional forums.

In my professional environment, I would use this for the students who have to write papers on Leadership, book reports, and professional summaries. This tool would provide these learners with an understanding of the various means of applying support to their papers. In addition, these are the future leaders who need to have knowledge of the proper means of evaluating their subordinates’ papers.

The URL is for the use of Smartphone for learning.

http://web.b.ebscohost.com.ezp.waldenulibrary.org/ehost/detail/detail?vid=6&sid=aa732758-b96a-485d-92b0-d10cfd8fdf46%40sessionmgr198&hid=116&bdata=JnNjb3BlPXNpdGU%3d#db=ehh&AN=98598586

The use of smartphone is vital to success of adult learners because it provides these learners with a means of accessing classroom information anywhere and anytime. This tool allows users with various capabilities that are very similar to the use of computers by applying different applications that support the users’ needs. Overall, this technology tool is a miniature means of communicating in different settings. Atimota DeRisse posted the information that support the use of this device as learning tool for adult learners.

The reason for selection of this tool is that the majority of the adult learners own a smartphone. This is ideal adult learners because this tool has the capability to enhance learning. The use of different types of learning application associated with this device allows learners to access their learning needs. Most institutions support the use of mobile devices for their curriculum and this is allows users to access their information anywhere, anytime. Bonk (2009) acknowledged that with mobile devices, the educational event or activity follows the learner, instead of the learner having to arrive at a designated place in which to acquire it. Adult learners who have other obligations have the ability to use this as a means acquiring information in different places at different times.

Most adult learners in my profession have smartphones and use them as means of collaborating and communicating. Additionally, these devices can assist educators with passing on class instructions and as a means for students to work in cooperative groups. Students can access social networking through their devices where they have access anytime. This would allow them to work on group projects while in different locations.

References

Bonilla-Varner, E. (2015, June, 19). Learning Resources – The Internet Etiquette and Rules. Retrieved from http://eleannevarner.edublogs.org

DeRisse, A. (2015, May, 29) Educational Technology Blog. Retrieved from http://atimohafreedomdoor.blogspot.com

Bonk, C. J. (2009). The world is open: How web technology is revolutionizing education. San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass.

Santana, L. (2015, June, 18). Digital Citizenship, Ethics, and Netiquette. Retrieved from http://slizzette.weebly.com/