A-T Theory

My initial reactions to the A-T model are similar to those from the Kulik article. The model helps as an alternative to lecture-based courses, but the overall goals are being met in the same ways. The A-T model does allow students that need more time to understand a concept to do so, but the course has to move at some type of pace that involves all students completing and understanding concepts. If some students take longer than others, the class my become unbalanced. Some of the most important barriers in this model include; students with disabilities, students with attention issues, and the availability of the recorded content. Every student can't hear, some students have a hard time focusing, and some schools just don't have the resources to support this kind of theory. By overcoming these barriers, learners may benefit by being able to completely understand a topic that they may need extra time with. Learners may also benefit by learning how to use technologies that they may not be familiar with.

I would use this theory for certain assignments. Special project assignments where students may need further instruction will be the ideal use for this theory. This theory focuses on the audio-instructed approach, while I would be more concerned with a theory like constructivism. This theory is definitely a tool, but it should not be the main style for instructing a course.

Podcasts, YouTube, Vimeo, Screentoaster, ect. are great web-based tools that can enhance this model. Using these types of tools has helped the online class structure develop at a rapid pace. Students can learn about any topic that comes to their mind without opening a book or leaving the house.

Session 2 (Davis: Keller Plan Article)

1. The Keller Plan model is very interesting. The initial ideas are clever, and the focus of the plan revolves around the student learning at a comfortable pace. Some barriers in the Keller Plan include the preparation of tests and prevention of progress. Since the learners need a certain score to progress, they may end up giving too much time to a specific module and slowly falling behind of the course schedule.
2. I am not a huge fan of this theory. First, students moving at their own pace may not benefit the challenge of being pressured to submit an assignment. Real world situations prove that working under pressure is sometimes essential in developing work skills. Lastly, using scores to dictate a students retention isn't the best way to assess. Students may not retain important information, but they may know enough to pass the test given. I would adjust the way that the modules are assessed. I think that positive reinforcement is good in all learning environments. Self-pacing would be eliminated because some students may fall behind deadlines that are essential to learning all required information for the courses given semester/quarter.
3. Sites that encompass assessments, blogs, file-sharing, and synchronous communication abilities are good for this learning theory (Keller Plan). Also, using programs like Google Docs will be good to use when papers are due. An instructor can grade a paper using this tool, and use positive reinforcement strategies for giving feedback.

First Week

Very interesting first week of classes. I can say that I was a little overwhelmed by the amount of detail but that's always a good thing. Never can get too many details. I know that I will enjoy this course but I still feel a little nervous.