Using e-Learning To Facilitate 21st Century Learning

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MY TALK
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Using e-Learning To Facilitate 21st Century Learning

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This post will be updated after the two day Tutor Seminar (arranged by the Training Division, Ministry of Health) at the Hotel City Bayview, Penang. This seminar's theme is 'TRAINING EXCELLENCE', so there should be a lot of interesting things to learn. In short, this post should include some more interesting and reflected learning juice in a couple of days :)

Use Google Translator To Translate OER Into 47 Languages!

• Google Translator Toolkit
• Demo Video
  
• Via Joseph Hart

"...Of course translation services are vital components to facilitate the world-wide sharing of educational resources. " - Joseph Hart


WHAT?
"Google Translator Toolkit is part of Google's effort to make information universally accessible through translation. Google Translator Toolkit helps translators translate better and more quickly through one shared, innovative translation technology.

Here's what you can do with Google Translator Toolkit:

• Upload Word documents, OpenOffice, RTF, HTML, text, Wikipedia articles and knols.
• Use previous human translations and machine translation to 'pretranslate' your uploaded documents.
• Use our simple WYSIWYG editor to improve the pretranslation.
• Invite others (by email) to edit or view your translations.
• Edit documents online with whomever you choose.
• Download documents to your desktop in their native formats --- Word, OpenOffice, RTF or HTML.
• Publish your Wikipedia and knol translations back to Wikipedia or Knol." - Source

EXAMPLE PLEASE!
"For example, if an Arabic-speaking reader wants to translate a Wikipedia™ article into Arabic, she loads the article into Translator Toolkit, corrects the automatic translation, and clicks publish. By using Translator Toolkit's bag of tools — translation search, bilingual dictionaries, and ratings, she translates and publishes the article faster and better into Arabic. The Translator Toolkit is integrated with Wikipedia, making it easy to publish translated articles. Best of all, our automatic translation system "learns" from her corrections, creating a virtuous cycle that can help translate content into 47 languages, or over 98% of the world's Internet population." - Michael Galvez and Sanjay Bhansali


EASE-TO-USE?

This video will teach you how to use the Google Translator Toolkit in 1 minute 37 seconds (it is that easy!):

REFLECTION

I have been exploring translation software for years, and it just amazes me how much they have improved over the years, especially Google's arsenal of translation tools. For example now, I can easily read any blog in 47 languages and comment back, and the translations seem good (at least understandable). For example, a few weeks back I read a Spanish blog post referring to one of my posts, and then I commented in Spanish using Google translator. I am not 100% sure it was 100% correct, but since then I have got Spanish speaking learning professionals e-mailing me this and that in Spanish.

I suppose English to Arabic, Chinese, Korean, Japanese, etc. might not be as accurate as English to Norwegian (or other European languages), but I am sure it is sufficient to understand, and then we could always use the new toolkit to touch up the remaining 2-10% out of context. When I have used Google's Language arsenal to translate my posts into Norwegian, it is if it is reading my mind about what I want to say (except for a few glitches here and there). It is amazing!

I suppose many translators might say these translation tools are not up to mark, but I suppose they are in a way trying hard to protect their profession and pay. But these tools are going to get better and better, and if they aren't using such tools to speed up their translation work, or simply aren't that good (at translation), they better start looking for a new job and profession. Be smart, use the tools and add your contextualized expertise to perfect the translation (99.97%).

Also, this growing collection of freely available translation tools are going to do wonders in translating Open Educational Resources (OER) to 47 languages (over 98% of the world's Internet population). Let's use these tools to globalize OER into everyone corner of the world. At least 98% of it!

Translation professionals out there, don't be proud and stubborn, start using Google translator kit (or other better alternatives out there!)! You might argue, it was bad before, but they are getting better, and they might within a few years challenge you word for word to the extreme. Master them now, so when they eventually meet your expectations, you are ready. If you are already using such tools, RESPECT!

Finally, if I had to sum up my opinion on Google's translator toolkit using just one word, it would be:

Awesome!

I mean: Imponente! Ehrfürchtig! Fryktinngytende! Génial! Mengagumkan!مرعب! 可怕的! Nakakabilib! Impressionante! 恐ろしい! Φοβερός!Милый! Dehşet verici! ดีเลิศ! 훌륭한! Imponerende! Ontzagwekkend!

Hopefully, it translated correctly :)

My First eBook Joins The +100,000 Hits Club!

• View eBook - 69 Learning Adventures in 6 Galaxies

SERIOUS?

Since my '69 Learning Adventures in 6 Galaxies' ebook was published using SCRIBD on August 6th (2008), it has been viewed more than a 100,000 times. WOW! That is really cool! Have you read (or scanned through for juice) it, too?

But, then I discovered that due to the ebook's exotic title (I suspect), many people out there Googling/Binging/Yahooing for ...SENSORED!... have discovered "69 Learning Adventures..." instead. Usually, it is the other way around! In other words, I am creating disruptive and creative connections beyond my imagination. I can live with that! And perhaps some of those disruptive minds that did discover the ebook by accident, have been enriched and enlarged in ways beyond their imagination, too :)

EBOOK IS ABOUT WHAT?

A collection of 69 learning nuggets (articles) from ZaidLearn compiled into an ebook. This ebook is divided into six learning galaxies (or themes), which are: Learning, Teaching, Stories, Free e-Learning Tools, Free Learning Content and Free EduGames ...more.

FEEDBACK

Besides the accidental hits, this eBook has enabled me to connect with many exceptional learning professionals and people around world, which has truly humbled me beyond words. Here are some of the constructive (positive) reviews and comments I have received:

"One of my must-read blogs on technology and education, ZaidLearn has been rating various learning tools since July of last year. The blog was started by e-Learning Manager for INCEIF, Zaid Alsagoff, who has done research in the areas of “educational gaming, role-play simulation, virtual classrooms, learning (content) management systems, e-learning standards” and “instructional design and courseware development.

Recently, OpenEducation.net alerted me to Zaid’s first e-book, “69 Learning Adventures in 6 Galaxies,” which compiles and examines the various “learning nuggets” that have been posted on ZaidLearn for the past year. The 267 page book contains a wealth of information regarding the internet and education, espousing some interesting theories like George Siemen’s Connectivism and lines of thought from famous persons like Albert Einstein and Henry Ford..." - Jane Park

"Zaid Ali Alsagoff has organized and edited 69 postings from his weblog Zaidlearn at the ePublishing site Scribd. Zaid's eBook provides many links and many valuable perspectives on the worlds of learning that are available on the Web. ____JH" - Joseph Hart

"Malaysian maven Zaid Ali Alsagoff has filtered his prolific and always valuable output at ZaidLearn down to 69 great nuggets of learning for your e-Reading pleasure. You can find it on Scribd, but I recommend getting there via Zaid's post on the eBook to get all the back story - and to find out what Zaid's other "hedgehog goal" besides publishing a book is.

Either way, I highly recommend joining Zaid on his intergalactic learning adventure!" - Jeff Cobb

"...Zaid's blog caught our attention for a number of reasons. First and foremost, Zaid uses a measuring stick called learning juice to categorize materials that serve to inspire readers of specific materials. Second Zaid consistently searches the net for interesting web sites related to technology and learning so his blog features a number of compilation posts listing the latest sites worth visiting.

At the same time, what has always been critical for this writer is the amount of reflection Zaid puts into the role of teacher. He constantly reviews his own practices to determine the impact he is having on his students making him an outstanding role model for those aspiring to the profession... (A long review)..." - Tom Hanson

"Zaid Ali Alsagoff is in Malaysia and is an e-learning researcher. He has an ebook which you can either download or read on his blog for free called "69 Learning Adventures in 6 Galaxies". Reading it will increase your vocabulary of current jargon used in educational circles and you will quickly develop a list of the big names in e-learning. His 2 hedgehog goals for 2008 were to write a book on e-learning and enroll in a doctorate program. Here's the link to his book which grew out of his blog http://zaidlearn.blogspot.com/ It is divided into 4 sections: Learning, Teaching, Stories and Free e-learning tools. This is a great find for someone like myself who is interested in e-learning but is outside the educational community." - An Old Lady Reconnecting

"Sounds like a bit of a gimmick title right? Well, it’s not. It’s a free eBook by Zaid Ali Alsagoff, the e-Learning Manager for The International Centre for Education in Islamic Finance (INCEIF) in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. He’s assembled a very easily readable eBook that covers six major topics (aka Galaxies!): Learning, Teaching, Stories, Free e-Learning Tools, Free Learning Content and Free EduGames. In conjunction with his blog called Zaidlearn, it provides a nice set of resources for the practitioner who is in "knowledge seeker" mode." - Eric A. Tremblay

"Zaid Ali Alsagoff, who has an intriguing Norwegian connection, has carved out a neat niche in the edublogger community, providing colorful and interesting slideshows on different topics, whether it be Web 2.0 educational tools, lists of edubloggers, or other resource collections. He has even published a book, called 69 learning adventures in 6 galaxies, available for free online..." - Stian Håklev

AREAS FOR IMPROVEMENT

Though, I have also received several constructive comments on things that could be improved (tremendously!). One dear friend suggested (through e-mail) that I include a real summary or conclusion (Icing on the cake!) that summarizes, or paints a big picture of what I have learned about ...

Also, should I ever create another ebook out of my blog, I am going delete all the time-specific information that is not relevant, or of interest to the reader.

Finally, several complained that the links to all the amazing learning resources did not work. However, that was actually planned. The only links that really works, are the article links (URLs) back to the blog, so that the reader can return to discover the latest updates (if any). As my ebook is a link heaven, I would probably need to update it on weekly basis (e.g. broken links). Sorry, this ebook has only one edition, but the blog (posts) is the dynamic edition that will evolve as I learn.

Yes, my conclusion was, if you like what you find in this ebook, then ZaidLearn is a great place to discover and learn more. That's All!

NEXT EBOOK?
So, when is your next ebook (or book) coming out?

Well, I was thinking about compiling a few dozen juicy posts from ZaidLearn to smash another ebook entitled 'ZaidLearn's Juiciest Learning Stories!' sometime in November or December this year. Still thinking, but not final yet!

Though, I do hope that by December 2010 I would have launched my first real book, which will for now be codenamed: 'IMU's Sizzling Learning Innovation Lab'

It depends a bit on whether my dream of creating electrifying and sizzling learning environments at IMU really happens. One thing is for sure; I will try my best, and keep in mind...

"Insanity: doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results." - Albert Einstein

:)

Got A New e-Learning Job! Got Any Tips to Share?

NEW LEARNING ADVENTURE
On June 15th (2009), I will embark on another e-learning adventure, and become the new e-Learning Manager at the International Medical University (IMU). I am looking forward to working with educators in the fields of Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Nursing, Medical Biotechnology, Nutrition & Dietetics, Biomedical Science and Psychology (my undergraduate roots! Cool!).

I am dreaming of conceptualizing and nurturing with IMU educators electrifying and sizzling e-learning environments (I suppose this only makes sense to 'The Rock'!). In other words, conceptualizing and nurturing e-learning environments that are:

• Relevant
• Engaging
• Fun
• Interactive
• Collaborative
  

That would be awesome! However, having experienced both sides of the learning continuum (Disaster to Success) during my career as an e-learning professional, I know for sure it won't be easy. But you know what, I am looking forward to the challenge, and hopefully it works out!

Interestingly, they are currently using Moodle as their main online teaching and learning platform, so that is great news. In the past, I have experienced a customized in-house developed e-learning platform (no so bad!), a customized commercial one (a total disaster!), and Moodle, which I promoted as an alternative learning space at UNITAR.

Whatever, e-learning platform or LMS (Learning Management System) one is using today, let's face it; learning will increasingly take place outside the LMS, in the forms of wikis, blogs, micro-blogs, virtual worlds, video channels (e.g. YouTube), social bookmarking, social networking, etc. Although, e-learning platforms (e.g. Moodle and Blackboard) often have such features and tools, they are usually not up to par with the specialized free learning tools available. But thanks to RSS and integration modules the information flow can still easily be captured and shared in the big old LMS. If it can't, then it better soon, or adios amigo! I suppose LMS will still be around for a few more years for student/course management, tracking, assessment, and some discussions, but I suppose most of the real learning will increasingly take place beyond it.

What about SCORM? That alien should be transferred back to the US military. Unless you are buying off-the-shelf courseware that has assessment you want to track, or you want to sell your self-developed courseware, it is seriously a disaster. I suppose in the corporate sector (where it is often needed for tracking purposes) one still mumbles about it, but in the University space not many learning professionals really talk about it anymore (it is there, but nobody cares! Relevant today?). Well, we have SCORM 2004, which really indicates the year that it stopped evolving. Reusable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Durable! What a joke, if you know what I mean :)


ANY TIPS?
I know that there are many exceptional learning professionals and educators that are reading (scanning or browsing) this blog, and it would be wonderful if some of you came (out of the passive learning mode) and shared with us some tips on e-learning in the medical fields (or other fields for that sake!), especially in terms of:

• Online Facilitation
• Content Development
• Open Educational Resources
  
• e-Learning Platform (features and tools to use?)
• e-Learning 2.0 (any stories to share?)
  
• Etc.
  

If you feel uncomfortable sharing in the comments section, I would truly appreciate any suggestions, or tips through other means, such as Twitter and e-mail.

Besides working on a few prototype courseware for John Hopkins University (Pediatric Sedation and Pain Management) in 2001, I have to admit I have a lot to learn about the medical fields. However, I am seriously looking forward to this new e-learning adventure, and hopefully my passion, knowledge, skills, and experience will assist in energizing IMU forward with e-learning that sizzles and electrifies (translation above!). And with your advice and tips, I am sure the road to success will be much smoother. Even a 'Good Luck' note, would be appreciated. Thanks :)

P.S. I suppose my blog posts will be shorter and fewer in the comings weeks. IMU here I come :)

Plagiarism? Turnitin with Plagium Instead!

• Plagium
• Via Jane Hart

PLAGIUM?

"Plagium is an innovative, fast, and easy-to-use means to check text against possible plagiarism or possible sources of origination. Simply enter text that you would like to analyze into the text box and let Plagium do the rest of the work. You can also check the contents of an entered URL for its sources ...more"

THINKING

Alright, it is not as sophisticated and feature rich as the commercials alternatives (e.g. Turnitin). However, we don't have to buy licenses, get budget approval, write cost-benefit analysis, and all the ding dong that comes with buying commercial software. In short, Plagium is free and a quick way to check our students' coursework against possible plagiarism.

Better yet, Plagium is so easy-to-use (and cool!); you don't need to conduct workshops to teach educators on how to use it. A promotion link would do :)


PLAGIARISM?
This juicy tool discovery is so timely! Interestingly, I was discussing with a few educators yesterday about plagiarism. And they told me that they had reverted back to more MCQs (Multiple-Choice Questions) and abandoned written coursework for several of their courses as plagiarism was so rampant. This tool could be a good alternative (besides investing in commercial alternatives) to spot possible plagiarism.

Though, should we abandon written coursework, because plagiarism is so rampant among students?

First of all, let's abandon the word 'PLAGIARISM', and flush it down the toilet. Let's call it 'REPLICATION' instead (at least I can pronounce it!). Secondly, we need to encourage students to replicate other people's ideas and findings (in summarized form) to support their ideas and findings. However, when they replicate, they have to give credit and acknowledge where it came from. In other words, it is alright to replicate, but you got give credit to the author (That is all!).

Also, if the question enables the student to easily plagiarize (I mean replicate!), then the question should be flushed down the toilet. Why? Because we are reinventing the wheel! Why should a student waste his/her time writing a summary, or a review of something, if they can Google (or Wolfram Alpha) the answer in 3.2 seconds. I suppose for quantitative subjects it is understandable, but for qualitative subjects we could be a bit more creative.

For example, my 'Intercultural Communication' teacher during my undergraduate studies would select recent articles (1-3 weeks old), and then ask us to analyze, summarize, reflect, evaluate, etc. (depending upon the article) using our own words. Our answer had to be less than 500 words (or was it 250 words! Can't remember!). If we wrote beyond that we would get minus points. By doing so, we were taught to be concise and precise (not sure if that is reflected in my blog, though!), and importantly made it very difficult for us to replicate another person's work out there.

The bottom line is that we should encourage students to write, replicate, mash-up, and synthesize information as much as possible, but we also need to emphasize the importance of appreciating and giving credit to the rightful authors when required.

Seriously, if we don't learn how to summarize, review, analyze, evaluate, and synthesize information during our University education, what kind of future can we expect in the 21st century? I can sing karaoke! Yippee!

Finally, if students really want to cheat, they will find a way. MCQs are certainly no exception :)