Intellectual Property for Educators

The idea of producing a five minute video seemed simple. Producing a video about intellectual property and keeping it short was overwhelming. Here is the video; there is so much more to say.

Oliver

Reflection of the static and dynamic qualties of online learning

In the interest of making a full disclosure, I have a substantial background in computer system construction and design. Although I am perhaps more at ease with the technical aspects of online learning as a result, I hold no advantage in the arena of educational software.

A student from Flagler College in Florida told me recently that online learning must be such a solitary journey. He even suggested that it is the exclusive domain of introverts and geeks. He is a bright young man but has never taken a distance learning course.

Reflecting on the concept map, I think his analysis is too facile. Traditional colleges may have us beat for the social scene, but as far as academic interaction, they cannot compete.
I am seldom without a peer in my current online classes. Often my professors are available for communication at any time, rather than just during static office hours in a brick and mortar building some distance from my home. I merely have to look over at my Skype screen to see who is on line. Can you help me with this? Did you understand that? I wonder if my friend from Flagler ever had a one-on-one conversation with a professor late on Sunday or was able to contact a peer for help in under ten seconds. I am sure he was never contacted by a peer offering help when he didn’t post, i.e., turn in, his assignment on time. I have had the pleasure of alternatively receiving and making those types of calls. Having had both experiences, I can confirm that the traditional brick and mortar school leaves one far more isolated than the experience of carefully constructed online learning.

Module 5 - Distance Learning Concept Map