Online Tools and Learning

Alexandre EnkerliDepartment of Sociology and Anthropology

Concordia Universityhttp://enkerli.wordpress.com/

http://www.slideshare.net/Enkerli

Why Am I Here?

• Nobody special (PTF at Soc. and Anthro.)• “Free, Open, Flexible: Rethinking Learning

Materials Online” (Spirit of Inquiry)• Tech/Teach backgrounds• Use of Online Tools

Teaching Experience

• Informal and formal teaching• Face-to-Face+Online • Anthropology TA at UdeM (1996)• Folklore AI at IU (1998-2000)• Anthropology at UdeM, UNB, IUSB, BSC, Tufts,

ConU (2002-2007)

Teaching Approach

• Constructivist influence• Relativism, holism, particularism• Bridges between life and teaching• Laid back

Controversial Stance

• “Content is cheap”– Knowledge over Information– Open Access

• “Learning happens despite teaching”– Enculturation– Socialisation– “Learning by osmosis”– Exposure to diversity

Technology Approach

• Tech enthusiasm– Play around with tools (low stakes)– Think about possibilities (“sales pitch”)

• Tech and human life• Anti-deterministic• Tools meant to be used

Online Tools for Learning

• Learning Management Systems• Virtual Learning Environments• Course Management Systems– WebCT– Blackboard– Oncourse– Sakai– Moodle

Enjoying Moodle

• Platform (modules, applications)• Open development• Moodle community• Constructivist model• Approach to complexity/flexibility• Teacher-student connection• Resources and Activities

Moodle Tools

• Course outline• “Content” (slides, references, media)• Assignments• Grades• Journals• Forums• Podcast

Moodle Attempts

• RSS Feeds• Wikis• Glossaries• Blogs

Moodle Issues

• Training/documentation• Versions• Some confusing tools• Outside authentication (ConU)• Toward social networking