Just responding to a comment posted about the learning curve for technology has prompted a thought...that is how we set students up with a "safe" learning experience in a short amount of time. In other words, what help do we provide students so that they can experience success as part of the class.
Part of the way I do this, as shared earlier, is by creating study guides, being active in the discussion and ...new this summer to me...using Elluminate! This allows me to show students how to access the different parts of the classroom and allows me to provide a live interactive classroom for students. If a student cannot make the session- no problem! A recorded link is available. Over the past semester, I have been able to eliminate some of the questions I have had in the past in units- because I was able to address in these live sessions. I am now preparing to host a session to help students as they plan for a final report (that will take the rest of the semester to complete). I will be sure to post how this helps!
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Dionne, I give you a lot of credit for creating something in Elluminate. I love Webinars created with it, but creating one myself seems like it would take a lot of time. (something I seem to be in short supply of)
ReplyDeleteRight now, I am trying to learn Second Life and use my Avatar. That is a time drain, however, I want to at least know what it is all about.
Thanks for sharing.
Dionne,
ReplyDeleteNothing like a meeting, even if it is virtual, to answer the many questions students may have about a complex project!
So far...so good :) Many of questions that are typically received at this point have not been asked. From the work I have been able to view, the students were able to take the information from the live session and from the recorded session (LOVE this capability- I can see that many students have accessed the recording as Elluminate tracks this). When I received a question from a student today, I was able to refer her to the link in the classroom and ask her to provide me with specific questions- where was she getting lost in the directions. This has been an invaluable tool as we are working with a shorter session (10 weeks instead of 15).
ReplyDeleteI have also used Elluminate to provide unit reviews and allow opportunities for students to earn extra credit points on their unit exams by applying concepts being studied to their lives. Although it can be a challenge to find a time that works for everyone, I have had students express appreciation for the opportunity.
Just graded the drafts! What a difference it made in what was received! Yeah for this technology!
ReplyDeleteDionne, I'm excited that you're using Elluminate this way. I hope we can expand the use of it in our courses.
ReplyDeleteI remember using the chat tool in WebCT, and you're right, the challenge was finding a time when most students could attend. Of course, there are also those students who have no interest in a synchronous experience, and I guess that's ok, too!
I ask students for feedback in the last discussion. There have been many positive comments about these sessions, as well as suggestions as to where more could be provided!
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