Description:

In addition to our Blackboard online learning platform, we used other free online collaboration and communication tools during this online class. These collaborative exercises serve a twofold purpose:

(1) enhanced technology proficiency and

(2) mastery of online learning collaborative facilitation.

It was important to get an early start in organizing our tools, so that troubleshooting issues were resolved by the time the programs were needed! Some of these are web-based, so some require only the set up of an account. Some required installation and configuration.

Assignment:

Below are the programs and specific instructions for set-up. These are only the instructions for setting up an account using these programs. The activities we will complete using these programs are described in detail in the corresponding Modules.

Please read these instructions very carefully! BE SURE TO WRITE DOWN YOUR ACCOUNT INFORMATION FOR EACH OF THESE PROGRAMS!!!!!

1. Skype

Used throughout the term.

Everyone should have access to Skype's free chat feature. Be sure to include your Skype username when you complete the Student Information Survey (please see Step One in the Online Readiness Folder) OR email the instructor with your Skype username if you have already completed the survey and did not include your Skype username.

Downloading Instructions:

Access http:www.skype.com

Click on Get Skype now

Downloading will automatically begin. (Check for messages from your virus protection software if downloading doesn’t start.)

At the prompt select “Save” and navigate to the C: drive on your computer from the drop down menu in the Save box.

Select Run. Select Install. Be patient, this may take a few minutes!

When the sign-in box appears, select “Don’t have a Skype account?” and follow the prompts to set-up your username and password.

Be sure to complete the tests for speakers, microphone, and webcam. If you don’t have a microphone or webcam, it’s okay! You don’t need to purchase anything! We can use the chat feature if you need to talk to me!

When you receive a copy of the Student Information Survey, be sure to add the instructor and all student usernames to your Skype chat list!

1. PBworks Free Account

Used in Module 4

Access http://pbworks.com

Select For Education -> Sign Up Now -> Basic FREE - Click on Select

Select a title for your work pages

Select Agree at the Non Commercial Use prompt

Create an account following the prompts, be sure to select "Only People I Invite". BE SURE TO USE THE SAME EMAIL ADDRESS THAT YOU LISTED IN THE STUDENT INFORMATION SURVEY. Your classmates will be inviting you to join their pages through that address.

Accept Terms

Select Take me to my work space

Select Invite More People -- invite the instructor by adding the email address. Be sure to select Editorial access from the pull-down menu. When your classmates email addresses become available to you, be sure to invite them as well and allow them editorial access. (The instructor will email out a list of all student email addresses as soon as all students have completed the online survey.

Select Create A Page -> Name Page -> Collaborative ToolKit

3. Google Sites and Google Docs

Used in Modules 5 and 6

If you do not already have a Google account, access www.google.com, select "Sign-In", click on the "Create an Account" link on the left side of the page and follow the prompts to create an account. Be sure to write down your username and password! To access Google Docs, you may go directly to http://docs.google.com and log-in or go to http://www.google.com, log-in, and select Docs from the "more" pulldown menu. To access Google Sites, you may go directly to http://sites.google.com and log-in or access it from http://www.google.com, log-in, and select Sites from the "more" pulldown menu.

4. Program of your choice – Used in Module 7

For our capstone project, you will create a Scenario-based e-portfolio in which you include every project and assignment completed in this course. You will need to present this portfolio to your instructor and classmates electronically and may choose your program. Please do not publish your e-portfolio to a password protected platform or website. It should be available for viewing by everyone.

Examples for your end-of-course e-portfolio:

1. Create a PowerPoint and then publish it to Slideshare.net.

2. Create a website using a free website program.

3. Create a PowerPoint and post it to the Discussion Forum.

4. Publish to a free Content Management System (CMS) – please do not use a password protected program.

My Work:

I created and account for PBWorks. I have been a SKYPE user for several years and have had a Google account and created a Google site once before. For my capstone project, I chose to use the Google Site. With the Google Site, I am not limited by space to display assignments or my work that I felt would occur with a PowerPoint-based program.

My Scenario:

Looking back at this portfolio of work that I created convinced me that I am actually qualified to teach an online course to children.

My young students will really enjoy using Skype, PBWorks, and the Google Sites and Wikis. They will collaborate with Skype as they plan their projects and decide on their rolls within the Literature Circles. They will use PBWorks and Google Sites to work on collaborative projects as they read, analyze, and present their literary reflections to the class. I know they will proceed fearlessly into the world of online communication and collaboration.