TalkShoe Session

     This past Monday we had the opportunity to tune into our TalkShoe session and hear the online lecture from Dr. Jim Monaghan. He stated that that Cal State San Bernardino has made significant changes between the old blackboard 7.0 and the new version 9.0. Monaghan spoke of the shift in focus from the older version to more social media focused version borrowing tools from websites such as Wiki and blogs. Though, many are trying to get accustomed to the new version faculty members worked with designers, Monaghan also  stated that the new BB 9.0 shares similar features and looks more like Moodle, which allows more student and instructor interaction. With the reconstruction of the new BB the developers pulled a lot of ideas and learned a lot from Moodle.

     Monaghan also cited the Odl.csusb.edu/faculty website that would allow individuals to look at another resource that would describe more in detail about what else is different in the two versions based on the training standpoint.

     He stated in the past few years he has seen a lot of changes in the market place with the switch to an online learning platform. Since the change in learning has changed from the more traditional setting to the E-learning setting, the real focus on the BB 9.0 came from the focal point of making online classes credible for those who need an alternate method of seeking advanced education. In order to increase the need of online learning CSUSB has recently received grants to make more programs available online. These online programs include: social work degrees, business degrees, programs for those in the military and their families and for those in rural areas.

     In the past faculty used WebCT, but because BlackBoard was more user-friendly the upgrades of BB continues and faculties stopped the use of WebCT. Now faculties has enlisted other E-learning methods by using sites such as Moodle, Facebook, Google and YOUtube.
 
    Since the focus of traditional learning has shifted more to online learning there is a need for assessment tools to detect plagiarizing. Now teachers ask for multiple drafts of papers because it is harder to buy drafts of papers instead of a final draft. In theory the best way to ensure no cheating on test would be to install webcams when students are taking a test. Turn-it-in has help instructors with plagiarism of papers and how much of a students work is originally theirs. Assessment tools that are used to detect plagiarism tool are still in development and the need will increase as the use of E-learning advances and grows.

     The tablet has become increasingly popular and useful because it allows multiple functions as a handheld, portable device. One of the questions that I asked was about Google groups which allow students to receive information as soon as a comment is posted. This Google group also has a tool that is a useful function such as Google Docs. Monaghan stated that these were useful tools however; CSUSB does want to obligate their students to use outside sources with advertisements. He did state though that he would look more into those specific functions, their applications and how they van be applied with the new BB 9.0.

     In closing, Monaghan stated that one of the challenges for developers of E-learning is for them to stay current in forms of E-learning. I feel that as technology becomes more advanced it will be up to the instructor’s preference to find these tools and to see what tools work best for their course outline and structure.