Welcome
Welcome to Week 12 and our Open Learning Environments (OLEs) website. Since the topic of OLEs is broad, we are providing you with an initial overview on the topic and then an introduction of virtual worlds and education. We have chosen to focus on the virtual world, Second Life, which supports learning in a revolutionary way and we believe it will change how we learn in the online context.
As you navigate this website, we recommend the following order:
1. Read the 'Welcome' page (this page), watch our Introductory Video, and feel free to read our bios to get to know us.
2. To activate knowledge, complete the short poll at the bottom of this page.
3. Read the 'Overview of OLEs' page, where you will be introduced to the topic of OLEs.
4. Partake in Interactivity 1A - which can be found on a drop-down menu under 'Overview of OLEs'.
5. Partake in Interactivity 1B - which can be found on a drop-down menu under 'Overview of OLEs'.
6. Read about and watch videos on the 'Learning in Second Life page' - where you will be introduced to Second Life and education.
7. Partake in Interactivity 2A - which can be found on a drop-down menu under 'Learning in Second Life'.
8. For a challenge, partake in Interactivity 2B - which can be found on a drop-down menu under 'Learning in Second Life'.
9. Click on the hyper linked words throughout our site to enhance your learning experience.
10. Each page will give you instructions and links to discussions to our ETEC UBC Blog.
11. Finally, join others to reflect on your learning experience in the 'Reflection' page.
As you navigate this website, we recommend the following order:
1. Read the 'Welcome' page (this page), watch our Introductory Video, and feel free to read our bios to get to know us.
2. To activate knowledge, complete the short poll at the bottom of this page.
3. Read the 'Overview of OLEs' page, where you will be introduced to the topic of OLEs.
4. Partake in Interactivity 1A - which can be found on a drop-down menu under 'Overview of OLEs'.
5. Partake in Interactivity 1B - which can be found on a drop-down menu under 'Overview of OLEs'.
6. Read about and watch videos on the 'Learning in Second Life page' - where you will be introduced to Second Life and education.
7. Partake in Interactivity 2A - which can be found on a drop-down menu under 'Learning in Second Life'.
8. For a challenge, partake in Interactivity 2B - which can be found on a drop-down menu under 'Learning in Second Life'.
9. Click on the hyper linked words throughout our site to enhance your learning experience.
10. Each page will give you instructions and links to discussions to our ETEC UBC Blog.
11. Finally, join others to reflect on your learning experience in the 'Reflection' page.
Introductory Video
Julie
Hi, my name is Julie Kotler and I am originally from Montreal, Quebec, but now live in Tel Aviv, Israel. For the past few years I have been working as a freelance editor (both online and offline) as well as a book editor, and worked as an assistant program developer for an educational center. Before this program, I had also completed my B.Ed. and B.A. but my strong belief in the power and value of technology within education is what encouraged me to pursue my Masters in Education Technology as well as a career in the field. Along with many other recent technologies, I believe open learning environments offer great potential and will continue to do so in the future.
Eva
Hi, my name is Eva Ziemsen and I am a PhD student in the Interdisciplinary Studies Program at the University of British Columbia. I'm also an independent filmmaker and instructor in the Film & Television Production Program at Humber College in Toronto, Canada. I completed my Master of Arts in Feature Film at Goldsmiths College at the University of London, England, as well as, a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Film & Video Production and Screenwriting at York University, Toronto. I have written, directed and produced several short films, and I continue to try to make films. I also teach short workshops on financing and the film industry for Women in Film & TV in Toronto. I'm passionate about international filmmaking and online film education.
Sophia
Hi, my name is Sophia and I am a Jamaican Canadian. My career in education spans teaching, administration and quality assurance management. At present, I am an education and youth services manager with a non-profit organization in British Columbia. I have always been a bit of a techie and really enjoy developing educational programs that incorporate technology. I am now involved in the development and implementation of: an online education program in Moodle; a blended program for youth; and webinars via Adobe Connect. I also recently guided the development of a speak-out website for teen adoptees and youth in care. I hold an M.B.A., B.A. and a Diploma in Education.
Adriana
Hi, my name’s Adriana. I’ve worked in English Language Teaching since 1984 in teacher training, coordination, teaching and materials design at all age groups and levels. I’ve given workshops and seminars in Mexico, Latin America, the USA, Canada and Asia and have co-authored various ELT textbooks. My passion for teaching and writing has led me to experiment with all sorts of techniques and tools in an attempt to enhance learning or at least stimulate the brain and the students’ response (images, mental maps, music, the senses etc.). I feel technology affords an immense variety of tools for teaching and creating materials that can help make learning a more social and stimulating experience; my objective studying MET was not only to discover some of these tools, but how they are best used. In the end, a tool is only as good as its user.
Activating knowledge
To prepare you for our presentation on OLEs, think about what you know or don't know about an OLE. From the list of tools and resources provided on the right, please check those you think fall within the category of an OLE. Once you have done this, please join us in 'Overview of OLEs'. See you there. |
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