Rapid Prototyping

Rapid Prototyping can be defined as a group of techniques used to quickly fabricate a scale model of a part or assembly using three-dimensional computer aided design data.




An example of rapid prototyping in an architectural design class, could be a prototype of a house or building. Rapid prototyping can be used in education as an instructional tool that develops the learning experience of both the student and teacher as the design-evaluation cycle continues throughout the life of the project.

Hypothetical Problem

Blended learning is the combination of multiple approaches to learning. For example:-self-paced, collaborative or inquiry-based study. Blended learning can be accomplished through the use of 'blended' virtual and physical resources. Examples include combinations of technology-based materials, face-to-face sessions and print materials.





Knowledge management system is a phrase that is used to describe the creation of knowledge repositories, improvement of knowledge access and sharing as well as communication through collaboration, enhancing the knowledge environment and managing knowledge as an asset for an organization.

Problem: Evaluating Internet and Electronic SourcesThe blended learning approach for this problem would be a Webquest. A Webquest is an inquiry-based lesson that utilizes the web for resources. Students will use Google Docs as their knowledge management syst

Informal Learning

Informal Learning: http://marciaconner.com/intros/informal.html

I've experienced a variety of informal learning situations in my adult life. This informal learning has ranged from casual conversation with friends or family members, training sessions, talking with students and while taking a class or two. Informal learning is an on-going process that occurs daily. Overall, my informal learning originally had no purpose, but the experience was an aha moment when things clicked for me. I must say most things I learn are engaging. However,there are times in my social life that I learn something too. My roles have been mostly as an observer, participant and facilitator of my informal learning experiences. The instructor in most cases has acted as a facilitator of the knowledge I've gained through informal learning.

Electronic Performance Support Systems

Definition 1--An Electronic Performance Support System is, according to Barry Raybould, "a computer-based system that improves worker productivity by providing on-the-job access to integrated information, advice, and learning experiences."

Definition 2--Gloria Gery defines it as "an integrated electronic environment that is available to and easily accessible by each employee and is structured to provide immediate, individualized on-line access to the full range of information, software, guidance, advice and assistance, data, images, tools, and assessment and monitoring systems to permit job performance with minimal support and intervention by others."

Definition 3--Electronic Performance Support System - (EPSS) A system that provides electronic task guidance and support to the user at the moment of need. EPSS can provide application help, reference information, guided instructions and/or tutorials, subject matter expert advice and hints on how to perform a task more efficiently. An EPSS can combine various technologies to present the desired information. The information can be in the form of text, graphical displays, sound, and video presentations.

Definition 4--An electronic performance support system (EPSS) may also be known as electronic performance support, automated job aids, electronic performance support tools, electronic coaches, intelligent online help, performance centered design, embedded support, or enriched learning environments.



I prefer definition 3 for electronic performance support system. This definition reminds me of the features available when utilizing a database or our online catalog. In my opinion EPSS have not been widely used because of the lack of knowledge, implementation expense, and overall change. I'd like to think that in education we can see the need and have an appreciation for support systems. Therefore, I could see EPSS being used more in the education arena than any other area.

Human Performance Improvement

Human performance improvement is the systematic process of discovering and analyzing important human performance gaps, planning for future improvements in human performance, designing and developing cost-effective and ethically justifiable interventions to close performance gaps, implementing the interventions, and evaluating the financial and non-financial results.

I'd say inventory of library resources is a human performance problem in my area of work. A non-instructional solution to completing inventory would be to weed or complete an equipment removal form for all outdated resources. Therefore, only current items are available.

Professional Development

In order to plan a successful professional development there must be input from the staff. I'd start with a survey covering technology use in the classroom. I'm all about building relationship with those that I work with. When you have a trusting relationship people don't mind attempting things out of their comfort zone such as using technology in their classroom. I'd facilitate these sessions from a selling/coaching approach from a situational leadership perspective. This approach emphasize high task and relationship focus. The leader defines roles and tasks, but seeks ideas and suggestions from the followers. However, decisions remain the leader's prerogative with communication being two-way. My goal would be to give direction and supervision in the implementation of technology in the classroom, this is more or less a collaborative effort on everyone's part. For those who are not comfortable with technology I'd give more time and individual support from a member of the campus technology team. I'd also involve the staff in decision making which would garner their commitment to task. The ultimate goal is to ensure that the sessions include the following components:built-in evaluation, continuous funding, adequate resources, administrative support, technical assistance and support, time, active participation of teachers, curriculum specific applications, variety of learning experiences, hands-on technology activities, and connects to student learning.

First session: cover research finding on technology integration in the classroom; show examples of technology use in the core subjects; brainstorms ways to implement technology in classrooms

Second session: each department set goals and objectives for technology integration; schedule a time for technology training from campus technology team

Third session: department technology focus walks; technology evaluation etc.....

In a collaborative effort I along with the campus will do the following:

• determine goals
• decide on a method/activity/resources to use
• target date
• date completed
• outcomes/revisions

Technological Innovation

In my opinion Google Docs was a technological innovation our district has chosen as a staff development choice for librarians. The attributes of this tool seemed hard when explained however, when we actually went through the pace of accessing the different resources available through Google Docs a lot of librarians were truly amazed. We've implemented the use of Google Docs on our campus for both students and teachers.

• Relative advantage: Google Docs utilizes a simple folder and file organization system that can be access from any computer with Internet accessibility; multiple users can make edits to the same file-online collaboration
• Compatibility: Google docs was compatible with our campus belief of using technology whenever possible, after a brief run through with our teachers most are using this tool within their classes
• Complexity: No complexity issues
• Triability: There is no trial period as long as the user has an email account they may access Google docs
• Observability: In the beginning most teachers sat back and observe the different resources available through Google docs and they practiced a couple of things before they felt comfortable using for themselves. We've used Google docs to create presentations for the library such as our library orientation, research skills, using the onlice catalog, creating surveys etc.....

Google Docs rocks!!!!!!