Diverse Needs, Tools, and Google Wave

From LiteracyTentWiki

Subject: [PD 4832] Diverse needs, tools and Google Wave
From: Steve Quann
Date: Wed Jul 14 14:55:24 EDT 2010

Helaine and all,

As I have been reading the posts, I have been thinking that the process of selecting a social media tool is daunting. People have mentioned the diverse user needs (from the supports needed for beginning computer users to the need for accessible sites and tools) and the numerous tools out there. It is difficult to select which tool to use, particularly when we look at these issues in a theoretical manner as we are doing in this discussion. Then I think that usually the decisions about which tools to use is a bit easier when we can see the needs of the learners right in front of us. But it is almost like teaching a multilevel class. There is likely to be a range of abilities and interests, which, as Richard wrote, can affect success.

Not only are the computer skills multilevel, I also think that both our students and we will be drawn to certain tools. For example, some of us are attracted to blogs because we like to write, while others who are aural learners are engaged by podcasts.

Should we try to find one tool that can serve us, such as Google Wave (I agree with Melinda Holt that it has real potential and found that it could be more intuitive, but with some new tools, I find it usually takes a bit to get the paradigm.), or is it better to have a variety tools available to meet students needs even if that requires them to transfer skills to learn another tool? I vote for the one tool, but what do others think?


Steve Quann
World Education
Boston, MA

Subject: [PD 4841] Re: Diverse needs, tools and Google Wave
From: Richard Sebastian
Date: Thu Jul 15 09:11:12 EDT 2010

Steve (and all):

I think whether to use a single tool, or a collection of tools, is the call of the individual teacher. It IS daunting and I don't know of any easy answers. All of this is still relatively new and I think developing a high tolerance for ambiguity might be needed.

However, could we could use these new communication tools to help arrive at an answer to the question Steve posed. Perhaps our field could collaborate to create an open lesson repository where classroom teachers share tech-integrated lessons they have created, with a description of the objectives, the tools used, and the challenges and successes they encountered. This repository could be in the form of a wiki or some other open, web-based tool. Perhaps if we share the load as a field, the challenges might seem less daunting, and we could all learn from each others' successes and mistakes. Maybe this repository already exists, perhaps at a state-level, or is in the works.

What do you think?

Richard Sebastian
Instructional Technology Specialist
Virginia Adult Learning Resource Center
Virginia Commonwealth University
Richmond, VA

Subject: [PD 4874] Re: Diverse needs, tools and Google Wave
From: Holly Dilatush
Date: Thu Jul 15 22:57:48 EDT 2010

"Should we try to find one tool that can serve us, such as Google Wave (I agree with Melinda Holt that it has real potential and found that it could be more intuitive, but with some new tools, I find it usually takes a bit to get the paradigm.), or is it better to have a variety tools available to meet students needs even if that requires them to transfer skills to learn another tool? I vote for the one tool, but what do others think? Steve Quann"

Interesting question and responses!

I would vote for multiple tools, for many reasons... most of the time. But I think if we apply the "POST" idea [People / Objectives / Strategy / Technology] approach, we'll each have our answer.

A few years ago, I may have answered "one tool!" with confidence. I suspect that many adult educators and program managers might still respond that way.

However, as I've embarked on my technology learning journey, my personal toolkit has expanded greatly. Many, but not all of the items in that toolkit are used directly with students. Some are used by the students as well.

I still think that where we are along the continuum of our own personal knowledge / experience / access / practice / comfort level / professional development / mentors of and with technology is a huge factor in how we answer Steve's question.

Holly (Dilatush)
Charlottesville, VA USA
http://EnglishCafe.com ~ an engaging, enlightening, supportive, and fun community!

"Live with intention. Share inside-out smiles, inspire hope, seek awe and nurture in nature."
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Twitter ID = hollydilatush
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Subject: [PD 4876] Re: Diverse needs, tools and Google Wave
From: Steve Quann
Date: Fri Jul 16 08:28:33 EDT 2010

Holly, your point about students being more comfortable and adept with many tools is a good one. I have been constantly surprised with the number of students in our population that are at ease with the many tools and devices they encounter. But then I find a few students who need a lot of support, as Janet and others have alluded to. That is one reason I tend to think one interface like Wiggio, Wave or the recently suggested Edmodo might be helpful to them. But I suppose there is a case for offering the support for some that need it instead of getting everyone comfortable with one tool.

My vote for one tool that mashes everything together is in the ideal. It is of course difficult to have one tool meet all needs and objectives of a class. My desire for that "perfect tool" reflects my sense that people are yearning for one device that does it all. It seems like many no longer want to carry a cellphone, PDA, camera and mp3 player but want it all in one smartphone. Or that people don't want to log into three different sites when they can access accounts from one site or program.

It is true that even those who adopt Learning Management Systems need to augment their use of other tools. I know that can be restricting and so I would guess that in reality I will still end up keeping an eye out for those new technologies that serve learning objectives and teaching strategies at the time. Yet, if I had my druthers I would be able to find a program that the class could log into and that will satisfy most of my learners needs in one stop. The search for the Holy Grail continues.

Best,

Steve Quann
World Education
Boston, MA

Subject: [PD 4922] Re: Diverse needs, tools and Google Wave
From: Mev Miller
Date: Wed Jul 21 11:53:29 EDT 2010

hmmmm - Steve

As indicated in my earlier post - I too am looking for the Holy Grail.

It's impossible to have the time or focus or energy or memory (mine & the computer) to go to all these different places (this website then that one and the other and then FB, then twitter, then delicious, then wiggio, the blog....you see what I mean!) -- so far, iGoogle is NOT doing it for me!

For the purposes of my own organization/program (and personal organization), I'd like an overall, seamless, user-friendly management tool (e.g. a well constructed website) that makes use of multiple apps (like wiki, blog, facebok etc) that does NOT send people away or get them lost down a morass of rabbit holes -- but keeps them interacting in one centralized area with ONE (better yet, none) login/password.

btw - has anyone done (or know of) a "grid" that matches various technologies to Gardner's multiple intelligences? Or learning styles? I can see a developing list....

Learning Styles:

  • Visual: Flikr
  • Auditory: podcast
  • Tactile: touch screen technologies (e.g. iPad)

MI

  • Linguistic: blog authoring
  • Interpersonal: chats & forums
  • Intrapersonal: private Word journal
  • Spatial: web layout / graphics
  • Logical/Math: Google analytics
  • Musical: ring tones
  • Naturalistic: mobile devise at the beach or in a park
  • Kinesthetic: Wii

Other ideas?

Mev Miller

Subject: [PD 4923] Re: Diverse needs, tools and Google Wave
From: Richard Sebastian
Date: Wed Jul 21 12:24:36 EDT 2010

Like the Holy Grail, I think finding this "perfect" tool is going to elude us. I understand the feeling of being overwhelmed. I feel it everyday. But I think we have to learn how to adapt to this messy, imperfect, and unstable world. Even if you find the perfect tool, it may disappear after some failed IPO or corporate takeover. The best you can do I think is build a trusted network of folks who can share what's out there, explain what works, etc. and point you to resources that make it easier to learn and implement these tools.

We need to do this work for our students, of course, instead of throwing a hundred different tools at them. But I think we do need to teach them to be digitally literate citizens who are as skilled as we are in building networks, locating information, and tapping resources.

One promise is a tool like Ning (or Wordpress) that allows you to bring together various tools into one location. Twitter feeds, Flickr photos, YouTube videos, etc. Someone still has to learn to use these other tools, but at least users can benefit from having all of these resources under one umbrella.

Richard Sebastian
Instructional Technology Specialist
Virginia Adult Learning Resource Center
Virginia Commonwealth University
Richmond, VA

Subject: [PD 4924] Re: Diverse needs, tools and Google Wave
From: Ball, Patrice
Date: Wed Jul 21 12:42:24 EDT 2010

I have found Ning to be the closest thing to an "all around" easy tool, that encompasses a lot of the features of other tools, (blogs, wikis, discussion groups, file sharing, chat, ability to add features like voice conf., audio, etc.) That is the reason I am willing to pay for it now. They do offer free sites for educators and that also includes higher ed, not just K-12. Not entirely sure what they are classifying adult ed as yet, but since I'm affiliated with a community college, that qualifies. Yes, you do need a logon and a password, but with Ning (s), you can logon to any Ning with the same logon and password. I use the rule of 3's when it comes to remembering passwords; I only use 3 of them; one that is only for my bank account, one for only a few select sites, and one for general sites. That way, I know, it's only one of two possible choices.

Patty Ball, Reg. Technology Coordinator
NorthEast SABES c/o NECC
Lawrence MA

Subject: [PD 4925] Re: Diverse needs, tools and Google Wave
From: Jeff McNeal
Date: Wed Jul 21 12:53:23 EDT 2010

I agree nobody has found the holy grail and some think that it does not exist the same can be said about social network tools. It would be great if they could all use a common theme or format. It may take us as users to drive a common format or parameters for the information that we seek. I think that is where .Deb H was going starting with lesson format.

Jeff McNeal, M.Ed
Administration/GED Testing
Education and Training Connection
Midland MI

Subject: [PD 4926] Re: Diverse needs, tools and Google Wave
From: Melinda Holt
Date: Wed Jul 21 12:55:29 EDT 2010

I agree with Richard - finding the perfect tool is and will be elusive.

Developers can create what they think is the perfect tool, but users will always find at least one component that doesn't quite work for them. What seems the most perfect tool in the world for me, may not quite do it for you.

With all of our different learning curves and needs, there is really no such thing as a perfect online tool. I consider myself a proponent for most things Google but even then, I have issues with some of their tools. There are ease of use, accessibility, and functionality issues that can be found with ALL online tools.

"If it only did _____ it would be perfect"

In my opinion we need to find the tools that work for us, our colleagues and our students. Once found, we should focus and implement those tools. Rest assured, however, not everyone will think the tools we choose will be the right ones.

>D


"If it only did _____ it would be perfect"

Melinda Holt, Project Specialist
Sacramento County Office of Education
Internet and Media Services
Outreach and Technical Assistance Network

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