Nathan+Ho's+Heuristics


 * 1. Nathan Ho**


 * Draft Heuristic:**


 * Decreasing the Uncertainty of Online Learning Through Considered Implementation of Online Learning Tools**

This heuristic is based on a case study conducted by Tan & McWilliam (2008), in a prestigious high school to determine the influence technology had on students’ learning and achievement. As the school had a reputation as a school with a high academic background, emphasis was placed on traditional learning, curriculum and pedagogy (Tan & McWilliam, 2008). The aim of the study was directed towards understanding how students could be influenced by, and develop the confidence to engage with innovative teaching and learning technologies to achieve similar learning outcomes (Tan & McWilliam, 2008).

The article raises consideration towards the current abilities, competencies, and values held by members of the teaching and learning environment, looking at how the perceptions of online learning technology affect the learning that actually takes place.


 * Comments:**
 * SG -** Hi Nathan. I read this paper and I was really interested in this tension between the traditional values enculturated in formal schooling - the 'diligent student' and the values required to be successful in digital media - the 'digital natives'. It really begs the question of how we will do assessment as we move into education systems that more fully embrace the new digital mediums. Even now, they're struggling with the idea of students taking laptops into the HSC. If knowledge becomes so ubiquitous, what point in assessing student's retention of a small part of it, when it is so freely available. I'm toying with another heuristic - "Digital Natives - Strike terror into the heart of the system!"- joking, but it really highlights the need for structural change in our educational institutions.

Shirley 13/8: Try and make your heuristic statement more "to the point" - I'm not sure the point you're trying to make

2. Nathan Ho


 * Draft Heuristic**


 * Blogging Our Way to Forming Online Study Groups**

The heuristic relates to how the appropriate and frequent use of blogging can assist students to co-construct their knowledge through informal, online web log entries (Paulus, Payne, & Jahns, 2009). Through the use of blogs, students were given opportunities to connect with their fellow students, share their understandings, and assist each other in the learning process (Paulus et al, 2009).

I thought this would be an interesting topic to look at because in a technologically changing society, these tools become more a part of our lives, making it important to form connections and take learning beyond the regular learning context.


 * Comments**


 * Shirley 13/8: Again - make the point clearer eg., Blogging can assist to....so consider using it to foster online study groups... **

__1. Understand Online Learning to Increase Online Confidence__


 * With the emergence of new technologies in teaching and learning, they can either be used to enhance students’ learning or distract them from their learning, all depending on how they are understood and applied. **


 * Tan, P, J., & McWilliam, E, L. (2008). Digital or Diligent? Web 2.0's challenge to formal schooling. In Proceedings Australian Association for Research in Education (AARE) 2008 International Education Conference, Brisbane. Accessed 26/7/10. University of Wollongong Library e-readings.**

__2. The Online Learning Experience Improves With a Supportive Environment__


 * The use of online communication tools is prevalent in modern tertiary education, and when used appropriately, can enhance the overall learning experience. **


 * Dawson, S, (2006). Online forum discussion interactions as an indicator of Student Community. Australasian Journal of Educational Technology 2006, 22(4), 495-510.**

__3. Blogging can Assist in Forming Online Study Groups__ Using blogs in educational settings has the potential to build links between the actual learning that takes place in the formal settings, as well as extending beyond to the learners’ everyday context. **
 * Paulus, T., Payne, R., & Jahns, L. (2009). “Am I Making Sense Here?”: What Blogging Reveals About Undergraduate Student Learning. Journal of Interactive Online Learning. 8, 1, Spring 2009. Directory of Open Access Journals.**

__4. Authentic Learning Enhances Online Learning__


 * With recent developments in technology and changes to its impact on teaching and learning, there is the possibility of providing more relevant learning experiences resulting from online learning tasks. This heuristic relates to how Authentic Learning can be enhanced through online learning. **


 * Woo, Y., Herrington, J., Aghostinho, S., & Reeves, T. (2007). Implementing Authentic Learning in Web-based Learning Environments. Educase Quarterly, 3, 2007, p36-43. http://net.educause.edu/ir/library/pdf/eqm0735.pdf** **[accessed 28-7-10] [online]**