Unique Instincts Web Design

About Imani Mance

Graduate Student & Research Assistant
Instructional Technology
Georgia State University College of Education
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Currently Imani is a full-time student at Georgia State University in Atlanta, GA pursuing a Masters in Instructional Design and Technology.

Personal Statement

Learning is Life.

I believe that all humans are learning each and every moment of the day. We are all constantly learning and we are all also constantly teaching. The job of educators is to observe and analyze the gazillion or so learning moments and then replicate them. It sounds simple enough but it is all so challenging for two reasons: (1) the only mind we are privy to is our own and (2) too many variables that impact our lives such that we can never truly be sure the of cause and effects of events. Basically, it is hard to observe the moment a person “learns” something and furthermore it is even more challenging to observe a person enough to know exactly what series of events lead to him/her learning. With that said, it is remarkable to me that we have learned as much as we have about learning but I can see why we face many challenges in trying to standardize education for the masses.

Professional Interests

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Interests

Internet Learning/eLearning

I am interested in Internet training, teaching, and learning because I think it is one of the greatest educational tools of our generation. The Internet provides a great opportunity to customize and tailor education experiences to the learner. It also is the only tool I know of that allows for real-time collaboration and commutation while also offering virtually unlimited, real-time access to rich and in depth content resources.

For these reasons I am more than enthused about using the Internet in my future endeavors. After obtaining my masters I hope to continue my work with Unique Instincts but also I would like to work with the K-12 school systems to find ways to improve its effectiveness and reach; both of which I think could be positively impacted by Internet learning, teaching and training.

Mobile Learning

In recent years, technological advancements has fostered a movement towards ubiquitous computing communities, which has given birth to a generation of “On Demand” learners that engage in learning activities anytime and anywhere. Furthermore, this new type of learner has a variety of mobile tools and resources that enable him or her to truly exhaust the possibilities of what it means to learn at a distance.

Distance Education in Developing Countries

Learning at a distance is now becoming a viable option for learners in rural and developing countries where access to education has traditionally been limited or non-existent. Both advancements in technology and continued growth in infrastructure development across the globe are making it easier to offer distance learning resources to a wider audience of learners. This potentially wider audience of learners potentially means a greater set of considerations must be taken into account. More than likely there are many cultural, economic, and historical implications that must be taken into account in order for distance education to be effective. I am interested in understanding these and other impacts to design process while also working to deliver sound, cost effective and efficient learning resources to learners residing in rural and developing regions of our globe.

Skills and Experience

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Imani Mance

Degrees/Certifications

Bachelors of Science May 2003
Computer Science with Mathematics Minor
Spelman College

Masters of Science Pending (2012)
Instructional Technology
Georgia State University

Discussion of Distributed Learning and Instructional Design

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Discussion of Distributed Learning and Instructional Design

Imani Mance
Georgia State University
Fall 2009

The term distributed learning is often thought to be a synonym for distance learning; however, as instructional practices and technology evolved, more and more “distance learning” resources were incorporated in traditional classrooms and thus the definition of distance learning was no longer appropriate. Distance learning is defined as instruction where the “learner is separated by in space and time with the instructor and peers” (Dempsey & Eck, 2007, p. 290). Distributed learning was adopted to provide a broader definition of the use of distance learning technology in instruction. John Dempsey and Richard N. Van Eck define distributed learning as follows: “distributed learning is any educational or training experience that uses a variety of means, including technology to enable learning” (Dempsey & Eck, 2007, p. 290). The distribution portion of the term refers to utilizing multiple learning resources to achieve learning goals. Furthermore, according to Dempsey and Eck, “it can provide for intentional and incidental learning outcomes and may be separated by time, distance or both (Dempsey & Eck, p. 290, 2007).” Distributed learning, however, is not limited to distance or online learning as it can be incorporated in traditional classroom settings as well as virtual classrooms. The primary goal of distributed learning is “to customize learning environments to better fit different learning styles” (Cornell Library, 2009, para. 1).

Effective Uses of Social Media Technology for Education

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Someone once told me of a story about a school that spent thousands of dollars to purchase and install Smartboards in every classroom, only to have 50% of them go unused. It wasn’t a question of teachers not knowing how to use them but rather the teachers not knowing how to incorporate them into their classroom exercises in a meaningful way. I personally think that technology should be incorporated in the classroom when it enhances the learning process or makes learning or teaching methods more effective. With that said, I decided to develop a list of suggested uses for social media for learning. I compiled this list based on my own experiences and ideas of how to incorporate social media.

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Unique Instincts

About Imani Mance

Personal Statement

Professional Interests

Interests

Internet Learning/eLearning

Mobile Learning

Distance Education in Developing Countries

Skills and Experience

Degrees/Certifications

Discussion of Distributed Learning and Instructional Design

Discussion of Distributed Learning and Instructional Design

Effective Uses of Social Media Technology for Education

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