Instructional+Materials


 * Team Member A **


 * Instructional Materials**

Goals for the participants are:


 * To desire to integrate cloud computing into their classrooms, and
 * To gain the skills to apply cloud based computing to enhance instruction.

Cloud computing represents a new way of interacting with the learning environment. Double loop learning, a theory by Chris Argyris, focuses on learning to change underlying values and assumptions (Smith, 2001). According to Argyris, learners need to test their theories in action and reflect upon the outcomes. To encourage learners to value cloud computing technologies, the instructional model places the students in situations where they will explore, use, evaluate, and discuss these very technologies.

To meet the objectives, the instructional program will use a combination of multimedia, print materials, and reflection and discussion in small group, cooperative instruction. Participants will apply multimedia technologies in a constructivist approach. Instructors will act as facilitators as participants actively engage with the instructional materials and create new meaning in authentic, open-ended situations. The mixed choice of instructional materials, wiki, video, print, and reflection and discussion also addresses the diverse learning styles of participants.

__Multimedia__

Multimedia instructional materials include wikis and videos. Wikis allow multiple users to collaborate in the same web space. A wiki will be used in two ways. First, a wiki will be established as a delivery mechanism for the instruction. Second, participants will plan and set up their own wikis to demonstrate mastery of the course objective to integrate cloud computing. The wiki will allow reflection and discussion as well as exploration and application of the technology.

Videos will be used to engage the learner as well as demonstrate the effectiveness of well crafted videos in instruction. The selected videos are simple yet dynamic, effectively integrating audio, graphics, and text. Finally students will create their own video. In addition to teaching participants how to record and upload their own videos, recording, editing and uploading video will appeal to learners who prefer tactile, hands on experiences.

__Print Materials__

Print materials include advance organizers and handouts. Print materials will be given to reinforce auditory instructions and facilitate transfer of new knowledge. Advance organizers will be used to help students organize their ideas before constructing their wikis. The advance organizer will point out key elements participants will need to include in their design. Handouts will list procedures to be followed to set up a wiki and add content. Design elements will include concrete text, typographical and visual cues, examples, and illustrations (Morrison et al., 2011).

__Reflection and Discussion__

Reflection and discussion questions will be provided throughout the instruction. Group-centered and collaborative discussion of reflection topics will promote active learning, encourage participation, and provide feedback.

References

Morrison, G. R., Ross, S. M., Kalman, H. K., & Kemp, J. E. (2011). Designing effective instruction (6th ed.). (Chapter 9).Hoboken,NJ: John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

Smith, M. K. (2001). Chris Argyris: theories of action, double-loop learning and organizational learning. //The Encyclopedia of informal education//. Retrieved from www.infed.org/thinkers/argyris.htm.