Saturday, April 19, 2008
Thursday, April 17, 2008
Week 7 thoughts and stuff that are a lot like thoughts
What a week. It started out with a Sunday and skipped right away to Thursday at 9:06 p.m. local which is 7:36 a. m. in Afghanistan. Every one in the course seems to be a week or two ahead of me. I get requests to check out their presentations (which I love to do) and my recording time slips away in chunks too small for me to record in anyway.
I learned over the years that a minute of great quality recording takes about an hour to produce. I also discovered how really hard it is to not look goofy on a web cam. I need more practice or more mood altering substances to make me look natural. I am thinking of doing out takes for the end of my pod cast if it doesn't turn into one big out take/laugh track inducing farce.
On another note, hmmmm, (that was Be sharp) I find it interesting to be working on a project that will serve a dual role. A podcast can be used in synchronous or asynchronous form. If a class contains repetitive material, an instructor can record it before hand and introduce it while taking role. If there are any students absent the material is there for them in an asynchronous form.
I learned over the years that a minute of great quality recording takes about an hour to produce. I also discovered how really hard it is to not look goofy on a web cam. I need more practice or more mood altering substances to make me look natural. I am thinking of doing out takes for the end of my pod cast if it doesn't turn into one big out take/laugh track inducing farce.
On another note, hmmmm, (that was Be sharp) I find it interesting to be working on a project that will serve a dual role. A podcast can be used in synchronous or asynchronous form. If a class contains repetitive material, an instructor can record it before hand and introduce it while taking role. If there are any students absent the material is there for them in an asynchronous form.
Thursday, April 10, 2008
Week 6 thoughts
The halfway mark,
I started this course thinking I would be able to use all of the stuff I knew to breeze through.
Wrong! I am happy I had the background, but I am also thrilled with how much new information and experience I am acquiring here. The requirement to communicate our thoughts in so many venues for such an extended period may lead to new habits. Readings pushing us to rethink how far we have come, and how far we still need to travel, provide discussions outside the classroom as I engage peers and colleagues in the lunchroom. All in all, I am having fun with this.
I started this course thinking I would be able to use all of the stuff I knew to breeze through.
Wrong! I am happy I had the background, but I am also thrilled with how much new information and experience I am acquiring here. The requirement to communicate our thoughts in so many venues for such an extended period may lead to new habits. Readings pushing us to rethink how far we have come, and how far we still need to travel, provide discussions outside the classroom as I engage peers and colleagues in the lunchroom. All in all, I am having fun with this.
Thursday, April 3, 2008
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.
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.
Sunday, March 30, 2008
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.
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.
Monday, March 24, 2008
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.
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