August Reflection
Strengths and Weaknesses
The strength of the framework is RASE itself. As stated in the early parts of the reading, mobile technology has truly been useful in the field of learning and education, especially for students. With mobile technologies, education is delivered effectively inside or outside the classroom; learning platforms have widened with the help of social media and cloud computing; and that learning has been empowered with interactive multimedia, such as video, graphics, audio, and integrated graphics. However, it was also stated that these paradigms are insufficient or as described in the text, “incomplete.” Nevertheless, it was emphasized that RASE, a comprehensive and applicable framework for learning design, can be integrated to the said learning technologies and utilized for a better context in teaching and learning.
Aside from that, the RASE framework emphasizes the following theoretical work and concepts that could be considered as a factor for its strength: (1) The constructivist learning framework, (2) Activity theory, (3) Problem solving, (4) Problem-based learning, (5) Rich environments for active learning, (5) Technology-based learning environments and conceptual change, (6) Interactive learning environments, (7) Collaborative knowledge building, and (8) Situated learning.
With regards to its weakness, as stated in section 1.2 of the reading, the RASE framework cannot stand with one concept applied alone. It is like how Resources is insufficient for the full achievement of the learning outcomes. Thus, there is a need for the other concepts – Activity, Support, and Evaluation – to be applied. This means that applying one concept solely is a weakness of the RASE framework and for it is effective as a learning design, it must be partnered with the other concepts.
Addressing the Weakness
The weakness may be addressed by combining the concepts with each other since the applying a sole concept is said to be ineffective. Also, the framework may not prove to be effective if not applied properly. Furthermore, it is good to consider to at least engage the students in the activity first, start planning the evaluation, followed by the provision of resources and support.
Best Setting of RASE
In the reading, the texts usually emphasized the words: classroom, students, teacher, and learning. Although generally, learning may or may not be inside the four corners of a classroom, RASE would best suit in a higher education classroom setting. Why?
If we would dissect and analyze the theoretical works and concepts of RASE, we would understand that the people behind it want to engage the students in a complex environment. For example, Jonassen believes in his Problem Solving concept that “learning is most effective in the context of the tasks in which students engage to solve ill-structured, authentic, complex and dynamic problems.” He added that the problems may be dilemmas, case studies, strategic decision-making, and planning. Also, in the concept of evaluation, it is stated, “Artefacts produced by students must undergo peer and expert review and a revision before final submission. This process may also involve learner/group presentations and peer/expert feedback.”
Therefore, the application of RASE would not be appropriate for high school students, even elementary students since it aims to engage students in complex problems and the outputs needed by the framework needs to have an expert review. However, it does not already mean it is not applicable to general education students. It is just that higher education students seem to have a lot of theoretical knowledge and basic foundations that they are fit for the application of RASE in a classroom setting.
Learnings and Future Application
Overall, I have learned that mobile technologies that aim to augment learning is best partnered with a reliable and comprehensible framework for learning design such as RASE. Also, I have understood that applying a concept of RASE alone is not enough and that all four components should be integrated with each other. I aim to use the framework is not only in the context of mobile learning but even in simple topic reporting in class.
Null and Void 