Final entry?

My heart suddenly turns melancholic thinking if it would be my last entry to write for this blog. Time really flies fast. We have nearly come to the end of the semester. Well, for the purpose of fulfilling the requirement in my DE class, this probably be my last entry. However, I will maintain this blog to document any information with regard to distance teaching and learning that I would come across through my reading or my experience since I am very convinced with the power of writing a reflection. To me, sometimes I feel surprised on how I could see things from different perspectives when I put my understanding into writing.

Hmm... 2 or 3 most meaningful things I've learned in this class, huh? There are a lot, sincerely! Alright, first, I like best when Dr Tee brought the class to collectively understand the definition of Distance education (DE) to be used throughout the course so that everyone would refer to the same ideas of DE. To me it is very important because my preconceived ideas before the definition was clarified was DE is equal to PJJ(pendidikan jarak jauh). PJJ is carried out when classes are conducted once a month for four hours with a lecturer. Only assignments are done and submitted from a distance. Whereas, DE in our course context is the learning group is seperated and instructions and resources are given from a distance using interactive telecommunication system like Moodle. Dr Tee also emphasizes that the keys to successful DE are in the design, development and delivery of instruction. Therefore, I would always refer to these three key elements when I were to design a blended course with my students in the future.

Second, is the dynamic model of knowledge construction (SECI) by Nonaka & Takeuchi. I am attracted to the first layer of the cycle brought forward by SECI model which are socialization, externalization, combination and internalization. I am thinking of using the model as the theoretical framework of my project paper since I am going to look at the use of online forum among English language teachers in sharing their best practices and facilitating knowledge construction. I am interested to find out if the teachers go through all the four processes through their interactions and discussions in the online forum and see if they are able to document their tacit knowledge through shared experience.

Third is the journey I took in developing the first wiki with the whole class. The experience of feeling the frustration when trying to get everybody to chip in ideas was very meaningful. I got to actually put myself in the real situation of DE learners who are trying to collaborate in developing and producing a product. At least, I know the difficulties faced by DE learners out there. Then, the process we went through together as a whole class to figure out the problems and how Dr Tee came up with the second wiki are priceless. I would be aware of what to do and how to do it when I am going to use wiki as a platform for my students to collaborate in completing a certain task given to them. So much on the technical part of the wiki, I think the experience in developing the content gives me more impact especially in the second wiki. It opens my eyes that I have to understand how people learn in order to design an instruction which suits best their learning. All this while I took it for granted. I may be aware that I am a constructivist but I did not think along the line of the principles of learning by Driscoll, especially the fourth principle that learning is reflective.

Forth is the 5 learning environment foundations by Hannfin et al, 1997: psychological, pedagogical, technological, cultural and pragmatic. When Dr Tee first explained during class on 21st January 2009, it makes little sense to me. At that time I merely wrote down and read the notes. Then when problems in wiki occured, Dr Tee brought up the factors again. Together as a class we unpacked the obstacles which hindered us from progressing in the development of wiki.
Then only I was able to relate the meaning of those terms in actual context. Again, I will consider all these 5 learning environment foundations in designing instructions for my students.

Fifth is producing a prototype. It is actually my first experience since the classes I took before this did not require any prototype but storyboards instead. I realize that it is not easy to come up with an effective course design and assessment especially when it is done in DE environment. Another big difference is Iza and I used to be the SMEs in producing different learning courseware or web based learning modules since we were not in the same group. The other members of the group were the technical expert and instructional designer. Now, when we have to do most of the technical stuffs by ourselves, it took us quite a while to come up with a satisfactory design. Nevertheless, I really hope that both iza's and my students could benefit from the website we designed.


Well, the list could go further but I guess this would do. To me it is really an honour for me to be Dr Tee's student. You really have put a lot of thoughts in designing this course for us all and you have done a tremendously excellent job. Since the first class, I know I would learn a lot from this young chap... and nothing has proven me wrong. You have set the standard in yourself and for us all when we are able to feel and see the high expectations you have towards the class. Of course we experience some tense at one point or more but thank God, we pulled through...pheww... May God bless us all. Thank you Dr Tee.