I manage special projects that involve the use of technology programs for connecting data information required for participant education crediting. This data collection involves the process of connecting one system to another with input sharing starting from the participant. These participant are adult healthcare professionals, (physicians and nurses) who are from mixed generations of Baby Boomers, The Greatest Generation and Generation X.
For the most part, these participants have busy schedules with limited time to meet with for instructions on how to use and/or introduce a new technology program that is required to obtain their credentialing. I usually end up meeting with the healthcare professional's designee (secretary or coordinator) to give instructions and details about the how to use the system.
To effectively translate learning for a clear understanding on the process of how to use the system, I have developed a self guided step-by-step Power Point PDF instructional guide of details with animated visuals of each step from beginning to end. I use this Power Point guide with detailed instruction when I meet with the healthcare professional's designee. In addition, I email this guide to the healthcare professional to assist in the most case that they are not available to meet with me.
I can see many ways to use Web 2.0 tool to translate my step-by-step Power Point guide differently using the R.A.T approach.
Using Replacement, instead of sending my instructional PDF guide through email, I would replace it by adding it to a cloud storage for open web availability and easier access. In this way, the instructional guide is readily accessible for all participants at anytime, especially for those healthcare professional with time constraints. In addition, more related information can be shared within cloud storage for updated learning materials, online support and collaborative experiences that can also be used to help with unanswered questions.
Using Amplification, I might add and develop a "Doctor and Nurses Blog" page to our information website homepage. Here the participants can rely daily, informational updates to the instructional guide questions and reflection of the learning material overall. This would also allow me have open access to respond to those questions and make adjustment accordingly.
Using Transformation I would use and incorporate a Social Bookmarking system using a website such as "Del.ico.us" for participants to add links to save and remember as guide for concentrated study. For the most part Healthcare Professionals are researchers and constantly studying materials for answers. This can be time consuming with the traditional style of research using hard cover heath books and journal. By adding the "Del.ico.us" web tool, transformation can be made from the traditional way of learning, to searching the same information on the internet for learning that can be bookmarked and linked for faster result and with a better study guided focus structure.
I am not really in the K-12 teaching environment, I am in the role of an instructor but for adults. Therefore my response to using Web 2.0 tools using RAT approach might seem a little different and was a little tricky for me. Overall, I see that "Replace" "Amplify" and "Transform" can be applied in many cases relating to Instructional Design for learning.
Hi LaCema,
ReplyDeleteAn additional benefit could be that all participants will always have access to the most up-to-date version of your instructional guide. This could help eliminate the need to make sure the participants are not using outdated versions of your guide.
You mentioned that some of your participants are Baby Boomers and the Greatest Generation. Do you think that some of these participants may find it difficult to transform from hard cover textbooks and paper study materials to electronic textbooks/study materials?
Hi Marcia, I just happened to look back at your post and didn't see my response to you that evidently didn't go through. Sorry about that.
DeleteTo answer your question, I don't think that Baby Boomers and the Greatest Generation groups have difficulty with the transformation form hardcover textbooks to electronic text. My experience moreso is getting them to use actually use the electronic media as a norm. They have been so set and use to using textbooks so much to the point that it is second nature. Getting using to something such and with using technologies instead, is something else to get use to. The challenge to get them to use the new technologies is the issue. Once they are sold to use it and that it is not something that they are comfortable with, they are fine.
Hi LaCema,
ReplyDeleteI'm in a similar situation where I don't really teach. You seem to have some avenues that you can take with medical personal and some really great ideas. Many of the individual I work with don't use computers, but they have cell phones. They love text messages and I think that has caused them to stop actually calling others. I wonder if creating an app for a cell phone is possible?
Hi, as we know with technology today, a cell phone is more than a mini computer with access for two way communication. Cell phone are more and more user friendly with multiple applications for learning and other uses. To your reference, I am familiar with apps such as live podcasting, Google hangouts and video conferencing for learning communication connections. Creating apps for a cell phone for learning are definately possible. To achieve the best outcomes with using cell phones for learning, I think bandwidth, phone data charges, and internet connection speed must be something to evaluate for this type of learning environment.
DeleteI agree with LaCema, there are a lot of things that the students can do on their cellphone (obviously smart phones). They can access pretty much anything and you can incorporate it into your teaching. Google hangout is a great app to have a group discussion outside of the church.
DeleteThis is particularly useful when we're discussing those households without a computer or internet access at home. While still a disadvantage (typing, data rates), mobile devices can help bridge that gap. Further, many web 2.0 tools have apps and high levels of functionality on mobile devices).
DeleteLaCema,
ReplyDeleteWith your studnets' age gaps I I can only imagine how difficult it might be for you to differentiate guidance for your "students". As an elementary teacher I stuggle and my students are closer in age.
I like how, despite, their differences in age you are looking for ways to close the technology gaps. The PowerPoint idea is a great approach you are taking. Nonetheless, your idea of having information posted on a cloud sounds effective. I can imagine that it will welcome participants collaboration and that thye will be able to help each other.
Yes, Rosio, the student age gap is challenging but more so from the older participants who do not like change. They have learned from older learning traditions. Sometime getting them to conform is a sale. With my experience, it seems that they really have to buy into a new learn process. It is interesting because once they do, the learning process and collaboration with it is satisfying for them. This also leaves room for them to be open to learn more with new technology advances which makes it then a little easier to teach.
DeleteYou are right introducing a new tool to learners can be a challenge, and once they learn how to use it is satisfying. As I tell my students "if you don't feel challenged you are not learning". The more I teach new tools, the more I learn how to do it with out it being exhausting to me, because I can sure get a hassle out of it.
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