Session 3 -Audio-Tutorial

My initial reaction to this was, wow you really have to have self-discipline to take a class in this form.  The very first part to the A-T System is called, ISS (Independent study session), independent-on your own.  I cannot see many of my students achieving success with this approach.  Who would keep the students on task?  On the other hand, my auditor learners would benefit from the audio portion of the ISS.  Students with reading and comprehension problems might also benefit from this type of system.  I have a few students who receive read aloud services on tests; this would help them on class activities as well.  If I offered a GAS (General Assembly Session) for my students but did not make it mandatory they would not come.  Why even offer something that is not mandatory, this seems like a waste of time.   I often have my students quiz each other.  I feel that this has tremendous benefit and helps to improve test scores. 

I could definitely see myself using this system with my current students.  Since I teach courses taught in a computer lab, I am already in the perfect setting.  Instead of using tapes I would create a podcast for my students to use.  They would have access to headsets and the freedom to start and stop the podcast as needed.  For quizzes I could use Quia (I already have an account).  I am not sure that my students would even want to use the general assembly session.  I don’t think there is any benefit to this. 

Web-based tools that come to mind are YouTube, Quia, Elements, Delicious, Elluminate, Picnik and Jaycut. 

Using The Keller Plan

My initial reaction is that the modern classroom is changing and if instruction/learning can incorporate modern technology we must embrace it.  Computers and web based applications offer teachers the capability of reaching students more quickly and easily. Traditional classroom instruction definitely has its place but we live in a more fast pace world and the concepts describe in this article are limitless. 

As I was reading through the article, namely The Keller Plan I kept thinking about the changes being made to one of the courses that I teach.  Next year Computer Application I will be replaced with the Microsoft IT Academy.  This course will allow students to become certified in either PowerPoint/Word or Excel/Access by working in modules.  Based on my limited understanding of this new course students will view tutorials, and work through modules which involve various assignments.  They will also take standard tests.  A benefit of this system is that students will be allowed to work at their own pace allowing me as the instructor to add modules for more advanced students who might feel held back by students who are struggling.  A potential benefit of this system involves oral tutorials. Conceptually this type of web based instruction/learning could be very beneficial in the modern classroom such as mine although there could be obvious barriers.  An unmotivated student, left to work at his own pace could choose to do nothing.  An instructor must monitor students at all time to make sure they are staying on task.  Another barrier is the expense of the technology and the equipment needed.