Week 5 thoughts

I was discussing my course with a colleague today. I began assessing all of the different ways we are expected to communicate in this course: RSS, blog, wiki, e-mail, class discussion threads (2 for the week, plus the cafe), skype chat, phone calls, video chat, group chat, chat with the instructor, chat with the instructor and at least one other student...

I'm certain I missed something in there, like I missed the "By Thursday of each week" (I was thinking it was Sunday, my bad) All of this coupled with the readings has at times left me wondering how I have had time to get involved with facebook, twitter, diigo, and juice all at the same time.

Knowing how and when to use the various synchronous and asynchronous communication is the big lesson I take away this week. Can't wait for the next drink from the fire hose.

Week 4 thoughts

Here we are another week into the blogosphere, even if it is only the equivalent of dipping ones toes in shallow end of the pool. After having read several blogs outside our circle, I have found a spectrum of uses and users. There are the true believers, reading hundreds of blogs a week, and there are those who see this as a waning fad. Once perspective is put on the objectives and goals of why one is blogging or using a wiki, or e-mail, or a chat room, the selected communication platform makes more sense.
Urgency in communication requires the synchronous communication provided by a phone call or a chat room. Wiki’s and blogs create a more lasting record of interaction. In an education setting this can provide huge benefits for students and teachers. Automation of grading and feedback, individualization of instruction, and minimizing paperwork are just the tip of the iceberg. In the Richardson book, “Blogs, Wikis, Podcasts and Other Powerful Web Tools for Classrooms, he relates a story of an entire class being afforded the opportunity to interact with the author of one of the books they were reading. This has to be one of the ultimate forms of team teaching.

Reflections week 3.1

As I try to find the right file to put all of this new information in, I see the need for collaborative effort in the blogosphere to be the primary function. If you never want anyone to read your thoughts, wrong place! If you are afraid to invite others or vistit other peoples sites, Wrong place! If you are afraid of the future, other people, other peoples thoughts, or just about anything but spiders...you guessed it wrong place.

Kent Thompson

is here