New Media in Learning Pedegogy

Back in NIE. This time learning about new media. Can you see this post?!

Can U B Trusted?

Reliability counts in data analysis. Continuing on our WIHIC journey, our group analysed the Preferred and Actual forms data from the entire class using the SPSS data mining software. Data was sampled using the Cronbach's Alpha principle to churn out reliability numbers. The significance of the reliability number has several different interpretation by many gentlemen but the chosen one for this case was that of Nunnally. The main takeaway from this is that back at the workplace, I am unlikely to apply the tedious method of data analysis but at least the adminstering of the Preferred and Actual questionnaires is something practical and would give insights into how I run the courses.

Look At Us!

The Trouble With Schools' Learning Environments

Nothings Perfect.The same can be said of a school learning environment where so many variables and challenges exist within the Learning Environment domain. Linking the case studies which were we examined today to the lessons from Moo and Bransford, it strikes me as odd that only the teachers' perceptions were explored. According to Bransford, "The classroom is a learning environment where interactions occur among students, teachers, and learning takes place (Talton & Simpson, 1987). Recent research has shown that a strong link exist between student outcomes and their perceptions of their learning environment". So where is this element in the case studies in attempting to understand more about the learning environment in these schools? Something to think about when I conduct my own analysis of my classes.

The cases were certainly interesting and my main takeaway from today's session is that these studies attempt to measure the Learning environment in the areas of Organisation/Community, Performance, Tasks and People. Relating this to my own work, I have never had a formal measure of the Learning Environment and it will be something which I will conduct to see what are the positive and not-so-good attributes of my own learning environment as I am in a position to improve upon it. If anything it will alert me to the existing defficiencies which I may not know about.

Forms Forms Forms

Finally, the course is taking shape.. after learning about this dude called MOO and the developments he had made in assessing learning environments. Theory is pretty straightforward - assessing relationships, how people grow and the overarching system. To me, it is a check between what we started out trying to achieve and what is the reality. The principle is based on the notion that success of learning is based a lot on perceptions - about the environment as one of the determinants of the outcome of learning.

(source:quantum.riverview.nsw.edu.au/)

Using forms to determine what "I" feel and perceive and want out of my learning aka the beta press vs what is actually going on. If I started out wanting to be creative but along the way it turns out that the learning structures in place didnt actually allow that, that means that something has gone amiss that my perceptions did not match reality. As an instructor discovering such data, it will then alert us to investigate further and do some soul searching to see where we have fallen short and failed to meet the expectations of the learners' needs.

Day 1 Reflections

Today, we explored the various aspects of the Learning Environment in the realm of both the physical and organisation. Besides the usual physical factors of classroom and resources, the more important takeaway for me is how the organisation and people affect the learning environment in a much greater way than the physical aspects alone. In particular, we dwelled into thories of a gentleman by the name of Brandsford in which he postulates there are three overlapping areas of Learner, Knowledge and Assessment centric approaches which is encapsulated in an overarching Community sphere of influence.

John D Brasford (source: www.apa.org)

Applying this to my work, I am now aware of the different benefits of each of the Learner/Knowledge/Assessment centric approaches and how they can yield different benefits for different training scenarios and context. It was also a good time to revisit some ideas learnt previously like Formative Assessment (self reflective process to promote attainment) as well as Summative (assessment of learning & summarising development).

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Our group also discussed on management styles and how they affect learning under different situations. In the process, I also learned that I fall into the "Commanding" category which is defined by the survey as being in control and uses his discretion to allow students to do what they wish.

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Certainly an insightful session, looking forward to whats to come tomorrow!

Learners In Action