Internet+for+Instruction

Overview
toc The Internet has provided unique opportunities for instruction that a generation ago had never been fully explored. This section was created to explore how different Internet technologies benefit overall learning.

Advantages of Using the Internet for Instruction

 * **Motivational Power** - time on task, enjoyment and sense of satisfaction
 * **Resource-based Learning** - potential to link many different types of resources and provide a guided path through them
 * **Collaborative Learning** - ease of communication and collaboration even across distances; students may contribute to different projects that can be shared with their peers and other instructors worldwide
 * **Control** - students can choose time, place, and pace of learning
 * **Interactivity** - potential for choosing how to pursue and synthesize information, for commenting on information, for self-assessment quizzes, for contributing information
 * **Scalability** - infinitely changeable to meet the learning needs of the student, can be kept very current

Links

 * 1) [|Teachnology and Webagogy] Brief essays commenting on the use of instructional technology in higher education.
 * 2) [|4Teachers.org] 4Teachers.org works to help you integrate technology into your classroom by offering online tools and resources.

Definition of Content Management System
A **content management system** (**CMS**) allows publishing, editing, and modifying content as well as site maintenance from a central page. It provides a collection of procedures used to manage work flow in a collaborative environment. These procedures can be manual or computer-based. ([|Wikipedia])

Characteristics of Content Management Systems

 * Allow for a large number of people to share and contribute to stored data;
 * Control access to data based on user role (i.e., define information users or user groups can view, edit, publish, etc.);
 * Facilitate storage and retrieval of data;
 * Control data validity and compliance;
 * Reduce duplicate inputs;
 * Simplify report writing;
 * Improve communication among users.

Definition of Learning Management System
A **learning management system (LMS)** is a software application for the administration, documentation, tracking, and reporting of training programs, classroom and online events, [|e-learning] programs, and training content. ([|Wikipedia])

Characteristics of Learning Management Systems

 * centralize and automate administration
 * use self-service and self-guided services
 * assemble and deliver learning content rapidly
 * consolidate training initiatives on a scalable [|web-based] platform
 * support portability and standards
 * personalize content and enable knowledge

Systems are selected based upon how they best fit the needs and processes of the individual learning environment.

Relative Advantage

 * Customizable (function and appearance) lets you create the exact learning experience you need
 * Per person costs associated with training and professional development is dramatically reduced, allowing you to train more people, more frequently
 * Anytime, anywhere **web-based training** allows students to learn at their own pace, resulting in a more relaxed, positive learning experience
 * Robust reporting and tracking capabilities allow instructors to monitor the progress of the learners, identifying any problem areas they may need further assistance with and/or highlighting any areas they excel in that may have previously gone unnoticed
 * Seamless collaboration among subject matter experts and course designers
 * Ultimate re-usability of content by making it available through a wide array of output types

Links

 * 1) [] - Moodle Course Management System website
 * 2) [] - Sharepoint Learning Management System website
 * 3) [] - Blackboard Learning Management website
 * 4) [] - A listing of many course management systems for comparison purposes

Definition of Instructional Strategies
Means by which the content and skills are transferred from the training delivery system to the learner. Examples include: demonstrations, role plays, hands-on activities, practice, simulations, discussion, lecture, illustrated diagrams, step-by-step review; self-study exercises, reviews, on-the-job training, practice with coaching, video demonstrations, examples, etc. Often organized by these categories: pre-instructional activities, content presentations, learner practice, feedback, and closure. ([|about-elearning.com])

Examples of instructional strategies as used with the use of the Internet are discussion boards, chats, collaborative projects, self-directed learning, virtual tours, and tutorials.

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Relative Advantage

 * Allows access to places that might otherwise be unreachable
 * Current and relevant information is easily accessible
 * Students are able to record, contrast and categorize information through different query features
 * Students may collaborate on projects with their peers and publish their completed work for consumption by a larger global audience
 * Allows for mentoring with experts in various fields of study

Links

 * 1) [] Nine Essential Instructional Strategies
 * 2) [] Glossary of Instructional Strategies
 * 3) [|http://www.astd.org/LC/2005/0105_dobrovolny.htm]Effective and Ineffective Instructional Strategies
 * 4) [] Lists of Instructional Strategies Available Online

Definition of Student Information Systems

 * A student info system** (SIS) is a [|software application] for education establishments to manage student data. Student information systems provide capabilities for entering student test and other assessment scores through an [|electronic grade book], building student schedules, tracking student attendance, and managing many other student-related data needs in a school, college or university. Also known as //student information management system// (SIMS), //student records system// (SRS), //student management system// (SMS), //campus management system// (CMS) or //school management system// (SMS). ([|Wikipedia])

Relative Advantage

 * Students are able to access information on their performance which provides faster feedback.
 * Students can use the communication tools, blogs and wikis, to work together and learn collaboration skills to use in the future.
 * Students can have access to notes and journals at any time. This will aid in increasing learning as it will provide ways to review learned materials.
 * Students can have individualized learning paths in the course which allows for the ability to chart growth

Links

 * 1) [] Article on Student Information Systems for both Online and Blended Programs
 * 2) [] - PowerSchool Information System Website
 * 3) [|http://www.eschoolnews.com/2010/12/08/new-breed-of-student-information-systems-is-emerging/]Article on New Generation of Student Information Systems
 * 4) [] - Follett Software Information System Website

Definitions of Information Literacy
The National Forum on Information Literacy defines information literacy as “...the ability to know when there is a need for information, to be able to identify, locate, evaluate, and effectively use that information for the issue or problem at hand.” This is the most common definition; however, others do exist. For example, another conception defines it in terms of a set of competencies that an informed citizen of an information society ought to possess to participate intelligently and actively in that society.

The [|American Library Association]'s (ALA) Presidential Committee on Information Literacy, Final Report states, "To be information literate, a person must be able to recognize when information is needed and has the ability to locate, evaluate, and use effectively the needed information." information Literacy is important to all libraries, library users, and the general public. ([|Wikipedia])

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S.O.S. for Information Literacy is a web-based multimedia resource that provides lesson plans, handouts, presentations, videos and other resources to enhance the teaching of information literacy.

Relative Advantage

 * Information is faster to access.
 * Materials are reusable
 * Information is placed in a structured, more organized fashion.
 * Students can learn either through collaborative means or in self-paced learning structures

Links

 * 1) [] Information Literacy Section of the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions
 * 2) [] Through its member organizations, the Forum examines the role of information in our lives and integrates information literacy into their programs.
 * 3) [|http://www.educause.edu/]The mission of EDUCAUSE is to advance higher education by promoting the intelligent use of information technology.
 * 4) [] Information Literacy Community Partners' Toolkit

Free Technology Tools
The Internet is awash in free tutorials, lesson plans, and a myriad of other helpful resources available for educators. There are millions of free resources available for both the traditional and online classroom settings.

Links

 * 1) [] Free Technology for Teachers Website
 * 2) [] The Education Technology Blog
 * 3) [] Great Technology Tools for Teachers Featuring Resources and How-to Guides
 * 4) [|http://www.eschoolnews.com/2011/12/06/as-budgets-get-stretched-schools-turn-to-free-digital-tools] Article on How Cash-strapped Schools Are Turning to Free Digital Resources
 * 5) [] Microsoft Partners in Learning
 * 6) [] Intel Teach Program