I have enjoyed "getting my hands dirty" with the activities in module two. I learn from hands on experience and doing the activities has greatly increased my understandings of how an online class should be set up. I feel as though I had that "Aha" moment many times after completing the tasks. I am starting to see how using these types of technology can really improve collaboration among students in an online course.
The reflection I have so far is that technology can still attempt to create a more intimate feeling. The voice thread program I was really impressed with. Having so many options to contribute to a discussion was very impressive. I think the more face time students have the better. I am looking forward to seeing what the other members post. Once you get over the initial stage fright of talking into a web camera I found the experience very valuable.
When I teach an online course I am going to challenge myself to use these technologies as much as possible. It is easy to write out directions but to show students through a screencast would really enhance the experience. Recording my voice as mp3 links also adds an extra connection with students. Overall, I learned that technology used effectively can help make online classes feel as though they are not as impersonal.
Thanks for this insight, Eric. Many find that making video recordings of themselves is uncomfortable, or maybe it's watching these videos. I have decided, after making several of these, that I'm just not going to fret about how I sound or what I look like on video. I'm just going to get the message out like I would in a face-to-face encounter. What helped me here was dealing with lots of other students who made videos and who were horrified at the results. But when I watched, they seemed fine to me. I came to the conclusion that it's probably a natural reaction to be less than pleased with how we look and sound to ourselves on video, so I don't worry about it anymore.
ReplyDeleteI need to read that point yet, Rick S, but Amen to what you say.
ReplyDeleteI agree. When I hear or see myself on video I am so busy being aghast at how I look or sound, I can't focus on anything else...lol. Like Rick said, I just put it out there, what else can you do? No one has run screaming from the room (that I'm aware of) so I just let it go. :D
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