Module 6: Sychronized Interactions in the Virtual Classroom

Sychronized Interactions in the Virtual Classroom

Synchronized classrooms can help with educational reform.  The parents want a great education for their children.  Some see their children falling behind in school.  Some parents see their children attending unsafe schools and feel as though they have no alternative.  I believe the future that many have talked about has arrived.  Five years from now, every parent will be aware of the choices they have for their child’s education.   “With quality and increased access as the drivers of new online delivery models, schools can begin to ensure that every student, regardless of their geography, income level or background, has access to the very best education the 21^st century has to offer.” ~ Holstead

Holstead M, Spradlin T, Plucker J, Indiana University C. Promises and Pitfalls of Virtual Education in the United States and Indiana. Education Policy Brief. Volume 6,  

Number 6, Spring 2008. Center for Evaluation and Education Policy, Indiana University [serial online]. January 1, 2008

Parts of the video were taken from:
Do you teach or do you educate.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jC3D7O-ByLE
I teach, therefore you Learn.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6AWYIit1uNk

** I first videotaped my entire speech and reseach but found since I am having issues with my lips mathcin my voice, it looked rally bad. I also could not record in powerpoint because of extreme static in the background that could not be fixed.   I decided to switch over to using SMART video recorder to record the screen.  Just had computer reimaged 4 times and a new hard drive put in and it is not good on my end.  These were the best resources I could use. 

Blogs responded to:
Shar:
http://docshar.blogspot.com/2013/02/module-6-video-presentation.html?showComment=1361123234498#c3442722502944710189
LeAnn:
http://leannmorris.blogspot.com/2013/02/module-6-video-presentation.html?showComment=1361124730330#c593073610118711807
Sarita:
http://iveylearninggarden.blogspot.com/2013/02/credibility-of-online-learning-video.html?showComment=1361147408521#c3341267792805457939
Allison:

http://allisonsedtechviews.blogspot.com/2013/02/plagiarism-video.html#comment-form

Karen:
https://plus.google.com/113502076689425175978#113502076689425175978/posts

Module 5 Static vs Dynamic Technologies

             I have been teaching in a virtual classroom for about 14 years and feel I have stepped into the static-dynamic continuum.  I have always used a synchronized classroom while teaching online.  This is real-time classes with the live interaction amongst the students and teacher.   Due to the program I used to teach my students in the past, I was only able to make use of static technologies during class-time.  With the new program I now use, I am able to use more dynamic technologies.  Previously I used a program called Interwise which I was able to insert a little bit of static technology with items like websites, texting, and podcasts. With the new program called Blackboard Collaborate I can use interactive websites, web 2.0 technology, self created videos to go along with the lessons I teach, voice threads, gaming, and animation.  The students love when I use sites such as Voki.com where I am talking to them as a different character often with a different voice.  The characters seem to capture their attention due to the fact that it is something different than they are used to.   One site that I use often is Onetruemedia.com  which allows me to present the student’s in-class or homework by way of a video.  Another site I use frequently is Voicethread.com.  I can insert videos or images or even a research project into the site and the students can respond to the work presented and listen to other student’s responses. 

             I feel I am only at the beginning of using these dynamic technologies.  Like Anderson, I believe “ technologies are used to overcome distance in online learning” (Anderson, 2008, p. 167).  I am typically using video creation and interactive websites currently in class.   When I find a new type of technology, I make every effort to do a test run with my classes with just a fun topic about themselves to see how simple it is for them to utilize and if every student can produce a positive result.  I then will incorporate it into the math class.  The initial time I use a new type of technology, it is very time-consuming, but after using it that first time, I am usually able to set things up for my students fairly quickly.  I feel “that what the learner does with media is more important than what the teacher does” (Fahy, 2008). Students can expand on what I show them how to execute and create and take responsibility for their own education by taking it one step further.

References

Anderson, T. (2008). The Theory and Practice of Online Learning. Edmonton: AU

              Press.

Fahy, P. (2008). Characteristics of Interactive Online Learning Media. The Theory and

              Practice of online learning (2nd ed., pp. 305-340). Edmonton: AU Press.

blogs responded to:  http://docshar.blogspot.com/2013/02/module-5-static-versus-dynamic.html?showComment=1360206583393#c3871519329652306707

http://leannmorris.blogspot.com/2013/02/module-5-moving-toward-dynamic_3.html#comment-form