Harvard Review Article regarding "Interviewing Skills".

The article by Martha Snyder aims to inform that effective instructional design theories should be implemented to best engage and impact learners to create a "community". The research paper introduces a model that supports a sense of community; it is three theoretical frameworks: Learning communities, Adult Learning Theory, and Constructivism. The article the progresses to identify and provide examples on the components of the actual model: Design Theory Goal, Design Theory Values, and Design Theory Methods. Many different methods are reviewed that are deemed effective and can be manipulated to influence behavior. For example, establish trust and rapport, maintaining consistency, encouraging public sharing of information, and confirming member expectations are a few effective methods to include within the instructional-design theory to create a sense of "community" in an online learning environment. (Rating: 7/10)

This research article conducted by two researchers aimed to assess the correlation between motivation and learning strategies at the higher education level among teachers. Various information outlined in the article is valuable, such as the various learning strategies commonly adopted by educators and brief descriptions of each. In addition, the concluding findings from the research showcased that high motivation came from different varying learning strategies among the 300 surveyed- reinforcing the idea that all learners learn differently. This informed is useful as various findings and elements highlighted in other research articles state declare that learner’s must identify and adopt learning strategies that work best for them. (Rating: 6/10)

The journal article by S. Farris provided a comprehensive review of the core components to include in the design of an online learning initiative- based off her experience and data collected from courses implemented earlier in her career. Farris reviewed tools to incorporate into the design such as pre-assessments for learners to determine skill levels and other tools such as troubleshooting technology-based issues. The crucial information provided in the articles was covering core strategies on how to include group collaboration that is typically associated with in-person learning. However, Farris reviewed strategies of incorporating tools, such as discussion board, VoiceThread for discussions, group project, and more. Farris reviewed effective technological tools to leverage to incorporate the group and collaborative dynamic. (Rating: 8/10)

This peer reviewed research article conducted by two University of Georgia researchers aims to assess the effectiveness of constructionist-centered “The Studio” curriculum within the Learning, Design, and Technology program. The method is used is reviewing design of the curriculum, the learning environment, theoretical concepts, and review of application methods. The research review is helpful in identifying how the constructionist-based, collaborative model is designed and implemented in contrast to the one-course/one-instructor model. In addition, the article outlines the general practices and framework for design under the constructionist learning theory. (Rating: 5/10)

The research review by D. Nord reviews the foundational elements that causes recent challenges with evaluations and potential future challenges that may be encountered. The information presented is valuable because it strives to define specifically what an online learning program is, implementation context, and how these various platforms are being utilized. The information presented is crucial as a general and very broad framework is provided for evaluators as they develop learning initiatives; seeking positive outcomes for their users. (Rating: 5/10)

This research journal was conducted by a faculty member of the University of Mysore, India. The overall purpose of the paper was to determine if the needs of students varied depending on the following: gender, scholarship, subject matter. Useful information outlined in the article pertained to defining e-learning and its components, review of needs assessment basics, and the findings and outcomes. The information and findings highlighted by Azimi provide reinforcement on the importance of having proper needs assessments to ensure quality learning programs are developed. (Rating: 4/10)

This article by Tracey Cekada is an excellent resource what defining a "needs assessments", why they are necessary, and how to properly conduct one. I found this helpful because in completing a needs assessment, a facilitator could obtain data before beginning a course as to learner needs and gaps. With the data, it could give early indicators on strategies and resources will be needed to integrate learners and technology together- especially if the learners have technological gaps or are hesitant in using the technology. The article provides a general framework for McClelland's needs assessment model that provides an 11 step process. In closing, the article reviews core effective components of a needs assessment and real-life examples for the reader to observe how it can be applied in real world scenarios. (Rating: 7/10)

The paper by Sue-Jen Chen reviews a research study where a objectivist-constructivist blended approach was applied to an intensive online course at an educational institution. This approach was adopted to ensure that valuable and quality content was not lost for the learners, but still met the time constraints of the course. The article continues by promoting that the instructor should take lead in facilitating the content, but still providing options to the learner that applies to their motivations, interest and it relevant to their past experiences. A "blended approach" framework is presented that consists of four core components: content, people, technology, and goals/learning tasks. The article concludes by providing detailed examples of how each component would look in a real life example by giving details of the study conducted. (Rating: 10/10)

The article by Dr. Steve Bada outlines the constructivism learning theory and the overall benefits to adult learners. The article starts by providing preliminary information about constructivism and how the learning theory is centered around self-directed learning (SDL). In addition, the article reviews how the theory takes into consideration that adults learn best when they incorporate their past experiences to assist in developing new knowledge- the knowledge is constructed from past knowledge; built upon. Two important notions are outlined: learners are construct new knowledge from things they already know and that the learning process is more active than passive. The article then reviews the general benefits, implications, and principals of adopting a constructivism learning theory in the classroom; both for learners and facilitators. (Rating: 9/10)

Supported and promoted by the Arizona Department of Education, the Technology Integration Matrix (TIM) is a tools to assist educators in integrating technology into the classrooms in meaningful way. This online resources provides additional information on how to leverage the matrix and even provides a short video tutorial. Within each "cell/module", two lesson plans are provided that are designed to facilitate the integration of technology in the classroom. Five main level of integration are outlined: Entry, Adoption, Adaptation, Infusion, and Transformation. (Rating: 4/10)

This article; developed over 10 medical professionals, aims to tack the best strategies and initiatives to develop faculty using adult learning strategies. In order to best keep physicians , support staff, and other medical professionals up-to-date with their learning, 5 main strategies are encouraged. First, "Use of Standardized Patients to Teach and Assess Interpersonal Communication Skills" is proposed to instruct and measure clinical skills and performance. Second, "Using Online Quizzes" are suggested because learners can best see where strengths and weakness' are present. Alternatively, instructors are able to better observe where content needs to be tailored to fit the needs of student. Third, is "Using Practice Sessions and VideoClips to Augment Significant Learning in Skills-Building Workshops" as it gives students the opportunity to apply knowledge immediately. Fourth is "Developing Complex Professionalism Skills through Vignettes and Discussion" to develop professionalism through coaching and feedback via the platforms used. Lastly, "A Model for Individualized Learner-Directed Online Learning" is suggested for learners as it give the opportunity for self-directed learning and maintaining a life-long learning commitment to the profession. (Rating: 8/10)

The article written by David Starr-Glass, who has over 10 years of experience in working with military personnel, provides a comprehensive review and research on how to engagement that group within online learning environments. The article tackles three components: the "personas" and roles that military personnel have (i.e. informal and formal); the typical stereotypes that can be adopted towards the military personnel; and the importance of adopting an andragogical approach in an online format. The article the concludes by reviewing general "rules of engagement" to impact the military learners, such as developing awareness, cultivating empathetic approaches of appreciation, and ensuring inclusiveness and diversity. (Rating: 9/10)

This webpage sponsored by Portland Community College provides a six question "True or False" assessment. After completing, the article states that if you answered True to most of the statements, then the assumptions align with Malcolm's Adult Learning theory. The article reviews in detail on how most adults need to know why they need the information; most learners need to have the ability to incorporate their past experiences in their learning; learners are motivated by different elements and factors; and that all learners are diverse (i.e. ages, learning styles) and efforts should be made to be aware of the difference/similarities. The article concludes by reaffirming that facilitators should be aware of the diversity of the learners using different strategies and make an attempt to become aware of what motivates them. (Rating: 6/10)

The fact sheet provided by TEAL Center reviews three core adult leaning theories, including andragogy, self-directed learning (SDL), and transformational learning. In terms of andragogy, the fact sheet informs that, in contrast to pedaggogy, the learning theory caters to adults by leveraging a set of 5 assumptions. In terms of SDL, this learning theory strives to have learners take the lead in directing their own learning and use their past experience to direct what is important to them. SDL assist user in identifying what goals to accomplish, how to evaluate content, and what to accept and reject. Lastly, transformational learning theory is the learning that the learners have a change of perspective (i.e. about themselves or their environment) after the learning has occurred. (Rating: 10/10)

The article constructed by three higher education researchers; whose details of background and credentials were not disclosed, aimed to review and define quantum perspective of learning, review seven questions to align the learning theory and instructional design together, and provide examples to showcase how to facilitate the theory. The quantum learning theory has a foundational ideology that learners are connected to all facets of our every world- more of a fluid process and focuses much on the learner’s environment. Core elements that are addressed and reviewed are factors such as: culture, sociality, behavior, cognition, spirituality, and others. The core element outlined throughout the article, but emphasized and highlighted in the Implications, is truly about helping learners to discover the various connections that exist to assist in learning in online environments. (Rating: 5/10)

This article strives to explore the psychological science and interactions between older adults and different advance technologies (i.e. digital learning environments, home-based technology systems). The article provides preliminary information on the various capacities as older adults may encounter technology in their every day life and some of the common perceptions. The article then clarifies that the purpose of the research is to identify the source of the age-related differences and variables. The CREATE Model of Aging and Technology is reviewed to provide a framework on how to best design technological systems to ensure older adult compatibility. The article closes by confirming that older adults do have a higher rate and probability of being slower to adapt to advanced technologies, but frustrations can occur with all ages- not just older adults alone. (Rating: 9/10)

The online content provided by Portland State University provides an in-depth explanation of what culturally responsive and inclusive is and how to incorporate it into the classroom. In the closing of the content, the educational institution highlights the top five essentials for the framework. In addition, the source provides additional references in the bibliography for additional resources regarding the subject matter that can be leveraged for future reference. (Rating: 6/10)

This source materials reviews and defines typically what assistive technology is and how it can be leveraged to assist learners. The most significant and insightful information provided in this material is clarifying that assistive technology does not apply to just learners with disabilities. Instead, assistive technologies can assist and support all learners- it is not restrictive. (Rating: 8/10)

The document developed by the Office of Educational Technology provides various instructional tips for educators and facilitators in managing different tools for online learning environments. The text also provides example of how the tools can be implemented and provides general case studies of agencies that have implemented. The content outline is useful to know as it provides context on how to implement within the digital classroom. (Rating: 8/10)

At a conference in Santa Barbara; representing University of Los Angeles, Barbara Son delivered a segment on three core strategies to include in e-learning environments; environments with a rich amount of technology. The three main things included tools that were flexible, pedagogical techniques that innovative, and integrated collaborative learning. The three broad strategies covered were referenced in other annotated sources; serving as validation due to re-occurring discussions and findings. The information outlined in this source if highly valuable due to many different examples of tools to be used are provided. (Rating: 7/10)