Learning why these new tools can have benefits.

Second Life Elluminate recording

I have begun listening to the elluminate recordings to see how it is managed both by the facilitators and the listeners. The first one was the Joining the Second Life Education Project on New Zealand. One of the points that was brought up was the concept of tone in a discussion. It is easier to have a conversation face to face because of the tone of voice makes all the difference for me . I find it better to be able to ask questions directly or in response to topics, ideas or points taht have been brought up.However I see that if you are delivering information through a virtual classroom (Elluminate) with a discussion at the end there is still an element of being able to hear the tone of voice rather than a group forum or email group.  I can see that I could use this  for my students so we could have answers and questions.  I was listening Asynchronously to the recording and I am keen to become part of a synchronous discussion. I have heard both of these terms before but now I have taken the time to stop and decide if there is any useful application for me. Because I  was unable to be there for the original session is was great to be able listen to the recording and knowing I could pause it and go back to it as well as go back over something that was said and listen again. I am also enjoying the new terminology asynchronous, synchronous, virtual classrooms and even “Second Life” I look forward to seeing that working. 

Jan Delmas video was very interesting clear ideas about how to facilitate a group workshop.

 The  video   from Nancy White  about communities was also interesting and I found the definition of the difference between network and communities very clear and concise. I also read  Building Online Communities this supported some of my frustrations with online communities.

• That some people read but don’t respond I am guitly of this on occasions I like to think about what I am going to say because the online is very public.
• I can think faster than I can type and going back because I have made an error re typing can be frustrating.
• The need for F2F communication and body language I suppose this is important in developing relationships but perhaps not so when delivering information for example how to to students.
• There is a lot of reading and scrolling through and I apologise for those who will have to read such a long post.
• I need to be able to develop community and encourage participation

I have done a lot of reading and it has been very interesting. I have been busy with other projects and I still am, so getting up to speed has been a bit of a mission. This has also put pressure on me so I think of students who will probably be in the same position I am interested in ways to minimise this issue.

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