Week 5: Final Post

This week had a structured discussion format. Each person posted a topic, then everyone made one observation either about the topic or about the initial post itself. Then the original poster made a closing comment. I found this structure and smaller groups much more helpful then the free-for-all postings of previous weeks. Because of the size of the group, there were four areas of discussion.

“Do” Activities
Topic was raised by Alia. Initially focusing on the ability to reinforce and expense, observations pointed out that “Do” activities could be used before the absorb part of the presentation, and that they can be used for testing.

Learning Games and Design
This was my topic as game design is something of interest to me. The initial post warned against games both for the chance of growing too large and from not really doing their job – teaching the topic. An additional warning on sticking to intent and knowing it has done its job was raised. Overall, games were seen as beneficial tools, but requiring proper application.

More on Games and Simulations
Topic raised by William. His focus was on the utility of games, particularly in getting students engaged in what are otherwise dry topics. It was pointed out that there are tools to assist in creating games, as not every ID has the skills to create games from scratch.

Absorb Activities
Topic raised by David. David focused on the “ebb and flow” of Do and Absorb activities, the idea that these need to work in partnership to be truly effective. Absorb activities provide a needed change of pace in the process of learning. It was also observed that the Absorb needs to be able to motivate the learner into the Do type of activity.

Again, I found this controlled discussion format much more beneficial than free structured discussion on the boards. Alia observed it did not feel like a true discussion. I’m not sure that’s a bad thing. Freedom is often overrated in learning environments.

My most important contribution was my own topic, although I did get an inspiration point for making observations about the sequencing of activities. That is, that Do really can come before Absorb. But, within my topic the quote about when a designer has achieved perfection is what I really liked. There is a tendency in the eLearning world, particularly if connected to the net, to add more and more until something is bloated beyond use. The hours of material to download for a single day’s discussion would be an example from the current eLearning conference is a good example. Simplify, simplify.