I don’t know that I am at one end of the dynamic/static spectrum or the other. The thing that would guide me the most in deciding what technology or delivery method to use for a given activity or objective is what is the tool that does the job best. Of course if there is a dynamic tool that does the job just as well it is clearly beneficial to utilize it as opposed to a more static tool. It is always challenging for me to write about this because I have such limited experience in distance education. My work as a teacher has always been in the classroom. As a public school teacher budgetary issues are always a concern. As Fahey (2009) observes print, among several strengths, is cheap.
There are so many amazing tools available, and many are free. Thus making the incorporation of dynamic technologies into instructional design more available. But Fahy (2009) does also note that while coming down, cost still limits widespread access. This is, in all likelihood, where smart phones will soon make a significant impact. Many struggle to afford a laptop or desktop computer as well as an ISP. Smart phones make a computer, albeit currently less powerful than most laptop or desktop computers, a very affordable.
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Fahy , P.J. (2009). Characteristics of interactive online learning media. In Anderson, T. (Ed.). The Theory and Practice of Online Learning. (2nd ed.). (p. 167-199). Edmonton, AB: Athabasca University Press.
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McGreal, R. & Elliot, M. (2009). Technologies of online learning (E-learning). In Anderson, T. (Ed.). The Theory and Practice of Online Learning. (2nd ed.). (p. 143-166). Edmonton, AB: Athabasca University Press.
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I like the way you tied every thing together in your concept map. I think you bring up a very good point with the smart phone. Affordability is one of the keys. The type is just so tiny :) I think I will stick with my laptop.
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ReplyDeleteI think that we move continuously on the spectrum, based on what we are doing. But overall, I think to be fully on the dynamic side we need to be providing our students with opportunities to use higher order thinking skills. I find this very hard. It takes time to develop meaningful activities. I like how you talked about the availablitly of free dynamic tools. With out school budgets being cut, there are less opportunities to purchase new innovations for the classroom. Again, going back to the time factor, it takes time to develop dynamic experiences using existing tools