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Assessing Online Learning

30/Jan/2011 10:36 AM
This week, we delved into many discussions about assessing online students and the many emerging technologies for e-learning. We read Professor Bonk’s 2004 article, The Perfect E-Storm, wherein he describes “dozens of emerging learning technologies that are generating waves of new opportunities in online learning environments.” Because the article was written nearly seven years ago, it was interesting to see which of the 30 “emerging” technologies actually emerged. I predict the technology that will have the biggest impact in the next five years will be e-books and their readers.
In the class discussion forum, I mentioned Bonk’s observation that, “there still isn't one place that incorporates them all” is still true today. However, after further pondering, I think that was incorrect. The course management system, Moodle, is a flexible system that utilizes plugins and modules to increase its functionality. Because Moodle is open source software, anyone is able to develop their own learning modules and share them with the rest of the community. As a result, the activities that Bonk mentioned, “concept mapping, timelines, debate, brainstorming, comparison and contrast, role play, reflective writing, virtual teaming, and article critiques” can all be added to the system and therefore, one place does incorporate them all. I strongly suggest that anyone who is interested in online learning to investigate Moodle as their course management system.

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