Can you really teach an old dog new tricks?
This experiment using Contact North e-learning technology has been an amazing adventure. It all began in May 2008 when David Himmelman, our Program Dean invited me to accompany him to a Contact North workshop about e-learning…it was during this workshop that I became intrigued by the possibilities and the potential uses of this technology to assist in the teaching and learning process...I agreed to pilot one course during the Winter 2009 semester using Contact North technology...little did I realize what fun awaited...
Next, along came Debra Betty, Vice President of Contact North...Debra arranged for Dr. Stephen Murgatroyd to provide me...and a few of my esteemed colleagues...with a rapid adaptation course…Stephen is a most inspiring and extremely intelligent and knowledgeable educator and e-learning pioneer…Stephen's unbridled passion for e-learning and his energy and enthusiasm is contagious. I am quite certain...he does not fully realize the impact he had on this student...many thanks Stephen...be sure to check out his blog...The Murgatroyd Blog...at...
http://themurgatroydblog.blogspot.com/
Not forgotten...are the wonderful tech folks at Contact North and Canadore College...Paul, Erin, and Mike...who continually offered steadfast support throughout this project...if e-learning is to be successful...educators must engage and welcome tech specialists...and fortunately for me...there are none better than those who work at Contact North and Canadore College. Special thanks also to my daughter Emily and son Ben...they both got into the spirit of things and provided me with some great e-learning resources and helpful suggestions...you make the old dog proud.
The value of e-learning is not in the technology itself…but, rather in how the technology is used. E-learning may not be for everyone...nor should e-learning be expected to reasonably accommodate every course…but, properly used…e-learning offers today’s students a flexible, relevant, timely, and efficient course delivery system.
Came across an interesting article titled Farewell Lecture? (January 2009 edition of Science magazine)...written by Dr. Eric Mazur, a physics professor at Harvard University. Professor Mazur challenges the assumption that we know what education is...he claims that for many...our current education model is viewed simply as a transfer of information from teacher to student...Mazur argues this model should be turned upside down...students should become increasingly more responsible for using technology to collect, evaluate, and share learning resources...this approach would help develop independent learners and critical thinkers.
I found Mazur's article insightful...it identifies the urgent need for educators to do a reality check....today's students are part of a wired generation that allows them access to information on virtually any topic...why then would any educator insult students by having them report to class only to transfer information that is readily available online?...further, and this is a tough one if you are an educator...arguably, chances are the online resources are more exciting (You Tube, Podcasts, etc)and effective than standard classroom activity...to remain relevant to our learners...educators must not shun technology...
Before signing off on this last post…it must be acknowledged that I was blessed to have an understanding, patient, and receptive group of students who willingly embraced this pilot project…it made all the difference...thank you to all my 2009 Year I Recreation students...you are awesome and you taught me more than you will ever know...
In class, I too often remind my students of a few of my favourite quotes about learning...learning is a lifelong activity...learning is a change in behaviour...learning is all about process not content...well, together my students and I have learned a lot this semester. Hopefully, other Canadore College faculty and students will have the opportunity to experience e-learning...it is a trip worth taking...
For expert information about Contact North and e-learning courses simply contact:
Debra Betty, Vice President, Contact North
debra@contactnorth.ca
A final note…in the upcoming Fall 2009 semester...all three of my courses will be offered online through Contact North…Yes, it seems you really can teach an old dog new tricks.
That's it folks...the Rec130 e-learning pilot project and this blog are now officially history...it has been a blast...all the best my good friends.
THE END...
Saturday, April 18, 2009
Last Class - Wed April 15
Today is our last scheduled Rec 130 class…drum roll please...a record number of students are attending online...likewise, there is a better than usual turnout of in class students…perhaps the excellent attendance can be attributed to the fact that today’s session offers a last chance review for next week’s final exam.
Bruce Springsteen is our musical warm up guest and he doesn’t disappoint…when class starts there is an immediate technical glitch…throughout this course, we have been plagued on occasion with audio gremlins…this time it is a problem relating to our computer…the microphone port does not work…no power...a quick phone call to Mike Buck...Canadore's computer guru…resolves the problem…solution was to plug the microphone into a different port...now why, didn’t I think of that?
As class ends and the curtain comes down on our pilot project…everyone agrees that it has been an interesting and educational experience...we resist a group hug...students hurry off to the library to cram for finals...I log off Contact North for the last time this semester.
Bruce Springsteen is our musical warm up guest and he doesn’t disappoint…when class starts there is an immediate technical glitch…throughout this course, we have been plagued on occasion with audio gremlins…this time it is a problem relating to our computer…the microphone port does not work…no power...a quick phone call to Mike Buck...Canadore's computer guru…resolves the problem…solution was to plug the microphone into a different port...now why, didn’t I think of that?
As class ends and the curtain comes down on our pilot project…everyone agrees that it has been an interesting and educational experience...we resist a group hug...students hurry off to the library to cram for finals...I log off Contact North for the last time this semester.
Thoughts on Blogging
As well as delivering a course using e-learning technology this semester…I have attempted…through regular postings on this blog… to record the triumphs and failures of our e-learning pilot project.
Blogging is a completely new experience for this old dog…and I was pleasantly surprised to learn how easy it is to start blogging…check out this excellent web site if you would like to learn more about blogging https://www.blogger.com/start
I have also posted a great You Tube video on the sidebar that explains how you can create your own blog…why not give it a try?
Having blogged away for the past six months I offer these thoughts…blogging is a lonely pastime…blogging is a self-indulgent activity…blogging requires discipline and commitment…blogging consumes time quicker than a Hummer consumes gas...blogging is great fun.
Yes indeed....in the final analysis, blogging offers its own reward…it allows anyone…even a college teacher in northern Ontario to be published…worldwide.
Most importantly, blogging allows for the sharing of information…and hopefully; in some small way, this blog has inspired or challenged a reader or two to consider the merits of e-learning.
Blogging is a completely new experience for this old dog…and I was pleasantly surprised to learn how easy it is to start blogging…check out this excellent web site if you would like to learn more about blogging https://www.blogger.com/start
I have also posted a great You Tube video on the sidebar that explains how you can create your own blog…why not give it a try?
Having blogged away for the past six months I offer these thoughts…blogging is a lonely pastime…blogging is a self-indulgent activity…blogging requires discipline and commitment…blogging consumes time quicker than a Hummer consumes gas...blogging is great fun.
Yes indeed....in the final analysis, blogging offers its own reward…it allows anyone…even a college teacher in northern Ontario to be published…worldwide.
Most importantly, blogging allows for the sharing of information…and hopefully; in some small way, this blog has inspired or challenged a reader or two to consider the merits of e-learning.
Nagging Questions
As our pilot project winds done…there remains a few nagging questions…how often and for how long do students access the Contact North Rec 130 course outside of their regularly scheduled class times? Do they playback recorded classes? Do they access the course for review or studying purposes?
To my surprise…I discovered Centra actually has a feature that faithfully logs the frequency and duration each time a student accesses the Rec 130 course…the printout looks similar to a phone bill…which records start to finish times for all calls.
At my request, the good folks at Contact North agreed to send me printouts showing when and how often my students have accessed the Rec 130 course..impatiently, I awaited the arrival of these printouts so I could begin my scientific study.
Imagine my complete shock and total dismay when the very next day a fleet of transport trucks pulled up…each transport was loaded with bundles of printouts…ok, this may be a bit of an embellishment…nonetheless, my friends...the number of pages was considerably more than I had anticipated…enough for a small pocket-sized book.
Regretfully, I have not yet finished my calculations…it is taking so long the batteries in my calculator have twice expired…this may extend into a summer time project.
Truth is though…even a cursory review of the printouts provides conclusive evidence that students have been accessing…in impressive numbers…the Contact North Rec 130 course outside of their regularly scheduled class times…now, to tackle yet another even more important nagging question…when will the Maple Leafs win their next Stanley Cup?
To my surprise…I discovered Centra actually has a feature that faithfully logs the frequency and duration each time a student accesses the Rec 130 course…the printout looks similar to a phone bill…which records start to finish times for all calls.
At my request, the good folks at Contact North agreed to send me printouts showing when and how often my students have accessed the Rec 130 course..impatiently, I awaited the arrival of these printouts so I could begin my scientific study.
Imagine my complete shock and total dismay when the very next day a fleet of transport trucks pulled up…each transport was loaded with bundles of printouts…ok, this may be a bit of an embellishment…nonetheless, my friends...the number of pages was considerably more than I had anticipated…enough for a small pocket-sized book.
Regretfully, I have not yet finished my calculations…it is taking so long the batteries in my calculator have twice expired…this may extend into a summer time project.
Truth is though…even a cursory review of the printouts provides conclusive evidence that students have been accessing…in impressive numbers…the Contact North Rec 130 course outside of their regularly scheduled class times…now, to tackle yet another even more important nagging question…when will the Maple Leafs win their next Stanley Cup?
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Twelfth Class - Wed Apr 8
Today is a perfect day for e-learning...winter has returned to North Bay with a vengeance…it is snowing and so cold outside that even the snowmen are wearing scarves…today is a perfect day to stay at home and attend class online…
In fact, attendance today was interesting…there were 27 students in class, 35 students online, and a number of students who were participating in off-campus activities who will view the recorded class at a later time.
The Rolling Stones were the warm-up act for today's class…well, at least for a bit…while we were waiting for the main act to start…this old dog was distracted…somehow, a mischievous student hijacked the computer…next thing you know we were watching a ballet performance…but you know...Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, and ballerinas…not much difference…just my humble opinion...
This semester, we are extremely fortunate to have a lovely young lady from India in our recreation program…she does not seem impressed with snow; however, she is most kind and agreed to share a video about her country with us…how appropriate to be watching a video on India as the snow falls outside…it was simple to download and play this video using Contact North technology…and her video provided an educational treat for her classmates.
During today's class, it became apparent to this old dog that the novelty of delivering and participating in our e-learning class has waned somewhat…students and professor are becoming so accustomed to using Contact North technology that everything is becoming automatic…
Next class is scheduled for Wed April 15...hard to believe this will be our last Rec 130 class...time does fly when you are having fun.
In fact, attendance today was interesting…there were 27 students in class, 35 students online, and a number of students who were participating in off-campus activities who will view the recorded class at a later time.
The Rolling Stones were the warm-up act for today's class…well, at least for a bit…while we were waiting for the main act to start…this old dog was distracted…somehow, a mischievous student hijacked the computer…next thing you know we were watching a ballet performance…but you know...Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, and ballerinas…not much difference…just my humble opinion...
This semester, we are extremely fortunate to have a lovely young lady from India in our recreation program…she does not seem impressed with snow; however, she is most kind and agreed to share a video about her country with us…how appropriate to be watching a video on India as the snow falls outside…it was simple to download and play this video using Contact North technology…and her video provided an educational treat for her classmates.
During today's class, it became apparent to this old dog that the novelty of delivering and participating in our e-learning class has waned somewhat…students and professor are becoming so accustomed to using Contact North technology that everything is becoming automatic…
Next class is scheduled for Wed April 15...hard to believe this will be our last Rec 130 class...time does fly when you are having fun.
Contact North A Marketing Tool?
Discovered an unexpected advantage of using Contact North technology to help deliver courses…please let me explain…
On Saturday, April 4 Canadore College hosted another very successful Annual Open House. Throughout the day, a continual stream of curious visitors wandered the halls…stopping at various program information kiosks to chat with college students, administrators, faculty, and staff…
As part of the day’s activities, recreation program faculty organized a tour of our new School and provided a one-hour information and question/answer session…while extolling the merits of our various programs…we casually mentioned our e-learning pilot project…since we were meeting in our electronic classroom, we decided to offer an impromptu demonstration of how e-learning works…
We logged on to Contact North‘s web site and quickly downloaded and played portions of a recorded Rec 130 class…we explained how delivering a course using Contact North offers students choices on how and when to attend classes…our brief demonstration was very well received…our guests were impressed…prospective students; especially, seemed warm to the idea of using this technology…parents and friends of program applicants also seemed wowed…
At day’s end it dawned on us…by using this type of technology for some of our courses, we may gain a competitive edge over other educational institutions that offer recreation programs…not a bad thing; especially, if you happen to be a relatively small college located in northern Ontario…and furthermore...using e-learning technology is consistent with our School's ambitious goal to ultimately offer relevant, timely, and accessible education to students; regardless, of their earth address...think big or go home…right?
On Saturday, April 4 Canadore College hosted another very successful Annual Open House. Throughout the day, a continual stream of curious visitors wandered the halls…stopping at various program information kiosks to chat with college students, administrators, faculty, and staff…
As part of the day’s activities, recreation program faculty organized a tour of our new School and provided a one-hour information and question/answer session…while extolling the merits of our various programs…we casually mentioned our e-learning pilot project…since we were meeting in our electronic classroom, we decided to offer an impromptu demonstration of how e-learning works…
We logged on to Contact North‘s web site and quickly downloaded and played portions of a recorded Rec 130 class…we explained how delivering a course using Contact North offers students choices on how and when to attend classes…our brief demonstration was very well received…our guests were impressed…prospective students; especially, seemed warm to the idea of using this technology…parents and friends of program applicants also seemed wowed…
At day’s end it dawned on us…by using this type of technology for some of our courses, we may gain a competitive edge over other educational institutions that offer recreation programs…not a bad thing; especially, if you happen to be a relatively small college located in northern Ontario…and furthermore...using e-learning technology is consistent with our School's ambitious goal to ultimately offer relevant, timely, and accessible education to students; regardless, of their earth address...think big or go home…right?
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Eleventh Class - Fri April 3
Seeing Is Believing
Friday morning and the clock on the wall strikes 8:30am…time for our end of the week two-hour Rec 130 class…today’s musical guest is Mr. Bob Segar…Give me That Good Old Rock and Roll…
Once Bob exited the stage we viewed an excellent You Tube video titled Did You Know?…this video caused quite a stir and considerable discussion about technology and how rapidly our world is changing…in fact, the video sidetracked me somewhat from my lesson plan...but this seemed like one of those teaching moments...and students were eager to discuss issues relating to the video…we found ourselves sharing information…
We talked about e-readers…a great concept that may eventually do away with books, newspapers, and magazines…people will simply download reading materials on to a small laptop-like computer for their electronic reading enjoyment. I first learned about this technology from Dr. Stephen Murgatroyd...truth is, I actually eyed his e-reader with great envy. My birthday is fast approaching and I am hoping my new screen saver displaying an e-reader will be noticed by my wife and that she will take the bait and make her not so subtle husband the proud owner of an e-reader.
We also talked about fibre optic technology that has made it possible to develop roll up TV screens…a concept difficult to imagine…sounds like science fiction commented one of my many genius students...indeed, it is difficult to imagine…thankfully; Contact North came to our rescue…
A really neat thing about using Contact North technology is that when you get sidetracked and discussions head in unexpected directions…you can simply locate websites and instantly share information to enhance discussions…we visited sites that showed pictures of e-readers and roll up TV screens…with e-learning there are few limitations…seeing is believing or at least it may help us understand... or at best it may provoke our imaginations to consider what could be...
As a teacher, I acknowledge the potential to over use videos or to be easily distracted by the seductive lure of neat things on the world wide web…however; if thoughtfully chosen...material that is relevant and timely can be a powerful tool in the learning/teaching process.
Next class is Wed April 8.
Friday morning and the clock on the wall strikes 8:30am…time for our end of the week two-hour Rec 130 class…today’s musical guest is Mr. Bob Segar…Give me That Good Old Rock and Roll…
Once Bob exited the stage we viewed an excellent You Tube video titled Did You Know?…this video caused quite a stir and considerable discussion about technology and how rapidly our world is changing…in fact, the video sidetracked me somewhat from my lesson plan...but this seemed like one of those teaching moments...and students were eager to discuss issues relating to the video…we found ourselves sharing information…
We talked about e-readers…a great concept that may eventually do away with books, newspapers, and magazines…people will simply download reading materials on to a small laptop-like computer for their electronic reading enjoyment. I first learned about this technology from Dr. Stephen Murgatroyd...truth is, I actually eyed his e-reader with great envy. My birthday is fast approaching and I am hoping my new screen saver displaying an e-reader will be noticed by my wife and that she will take the bait and make her not so subtle husband the proud owner of an e-reader.
We also talked about fibre optic technology that has made it possible to develop roll up TV screens…a concept difficult to imagine…sounds like science fiction commented one of my many genius students...indeed, it is difficult to imagine…thankfully; Contact North came to our rescue…
A really neat thing about using Contact North technology is that when you get sidetracked and discussions head in unexpected directions…you can simply locate websites and instantly share information to enhance discussions…we visited sites that showed pictures of e-readers and roll up TV screens…with e-learning there are few limitations…seeing is believing or at least it may help us understand... or at best it may provoke our imaginations to consider what could be...
As a teacher, I acknowledge the potential to over use videos or to be easily distracted by the seductive lure of neat things on the world wide web…however; if thoughtfully chosen...material that is relevant and timely can be a powerful tool in the learning/teaching process.
Next class is Wed April 8.
Tenth Class - Wed April 1
Online Students Find Their Voices
Today we have achieved a milestone…this is our tenth class using e-learning technology…to celebrate this momentous occasion representatives from both Canadore College and Contact North were on hand to present every student with a new state of the art laptop computer…did I mention today is April 1…Happy April Fools Day!
Nothing like a little AC DC music (Thunderstruck) to welcome students to class. It has become a tradition to have some tunes playing as students arrive for class…response appears to be positive…and today AC DC was a big hit.
To date this old dog has relied on text chat to communicate with online students…well it is past time to share the microphone…today began a new era…the online students found their voices. As the class unfolded, students chirped in with their comments and questions… and a few even discovered that once they had possession of the microphone they could also control the white board…and from their the world was theirs…
Today we have achieved a milestone…this is our tenth class using e-learning technology…to celebrate this momentous occasion representatives from both Canadore College and Contact North were on hand to present every student with a new state of the art laptop computer…did I mention today is April 1…Happy April Fools Day!
Nothing like a little AC DC music (Thunderstruck) to welcome students to class. It has become a tradition to have some tunes playing as students arrive for class…response appears to be positive…and today AC DC was a big hit.
To date this old dog has relied on text chat to communicate with online students…well it is past time to share the microphone…today began a new era…the online students found their voices. As the class unfolded, students chirped in with their comments and questions… and a few even discovered that once they had possession of the microphone they could also control the white board…and from their the world was theirs…
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Students Speak Out
Students' Comments
As part of our e-learning pilot project this semester, Rec 130 students have been invited to post their comments about their experiences.
Click on COMMENTS Link to read their views.
As part of our e-learning pilot project this semester, Rec 130 students have been invited to post their comments about their experiences.
Click on COMMENTS Link to read their views.
Monday, March 23, 2009
Ninth Class - Fri Mar 20
Smile You Are On Candid Camera
You had to be there…as the commercial says…it was priceless. Allow me to explain...
Today’s class was a bit unusual. Most of my students were away on program related field trips and the few remaining students…except one brave soul named Mike…choose to attend today’s Rec 130 class online.
This was a first for me…teaching a class without a room full of students physically present. The session was recorded so away students could later use Centra’s PLAYBACK function to attend the class at a future time...with Contact North's technology it is no longer necessary to cancel classes to accommodate conflicting program schedules.
Just as I was hitting full stride in my riveting lecture, Gabe a college maintenance worker, quietly wandered into the back of our classroom to perform a minor task…Gabe looked more than a bit confused as he noticed me talking into a microphone while referring to a PowerPoint presentation on a large screen…Gabe looked at me…then he looked at Mike, the one lonely student in the room…then he looked back at me…then back at Mike…Gabe was unaware my class was simultaneously being delivered to a number of online students…one can only imagine the obvious questions going through Gabe’s mind…why is he using a microphone to speak to only one student?...why didn’t he just cancel the class?...how much are we paying this guy anyway?
During the break, Mike politely informed me that he would not be returning for the second half of today’s class, instead he would go online like everyone else for the remaining part of today's class.
Left alone, I resumed my class now in a completely empty room and talking to apparently no one...but all the while trusting my online students were paying rapt attention to every word…thankfully; Gabe did not drop by again…it may have been too much for him…in fact, I just learned that Gabe is considering taking early retirement…coincidence?
You had to be there…as the commercial says…it was priceless. Allow me to explain...
Today’s class was a bit unusual. Most of my students were away on program related field trips and the few remaining students…except one brave soul named Mike…choose to attend today’s Rec 130 class online.
This was a first for me…teaching a class without a room full of students physically present. The session was recorded so away students could later use Centra’s PLAYBACK function to attend the class at a future time...with Contact North's technology it is no longer necessary to cancel classes to accommodate conflicting program schedules.
Just as I was hitting full stride in my riveting lecture, Gabe a college maintenance worker, quietly wandered into the back of our classroom to perform a minor task…Gabe looked more than a bit confused as he noticed me talking into a microphone while referring to a PowerPoint presentation on a large screen…Gabe looked at me…then he looked at Mike, the one lonely student in the room…then he looked back at me…then back at Mike…Gabe was unaware my class was simultaneously being delivered to a number of online students…one can only imagine the obvious questions going through Gabe’s mind…why is he using a microphone to speak to only one student?...why didn’t he just cancel the class?...how much are we paying this guy anyway?
During the break, Mike politely informed me that he would not be returning for the second half of today’s class, instead he would go online like everyone else for the remaining part of today's class.
Left alone, I resumed my class now in a completely empty room and talking to apparently no one...but all the while trusting my online students were paying rapt attention to every word…thankfully; Gabe did not drop by again…it may have been too much for him…in fact, I just learned that Gabe is considering taking early retirement…coincidence?
Saturday, March 14, 2009
First Help Desk Call - Vintage Video
No dispute...the unsung heroes of Contact North are the IT people who day in and day out work their magic responding quickly and effectively to any problems students and professors encounter with e-learning.
Posted on the side bar of this blog is a You Tube video titled: First Help Desk Call. This extremely well preserved video footage documents the world's first recorded Help Desk Call...enjoy.
The video is being shared as a special tribute to all the hard working professional IT folks...especially our good friends at Contact North...we salute you.
Posted on the side bar of this blog is a You Tube video titled: First Help Desk Call. This extremely well preserved video footage documents the world's first recorded Help Desk Call...enjoy.
The video is being shared as a special tribute to all the hard working professional IT folks...especially our good friends at Contact North...we salute you.
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Can Be in Two Places at The Same Time
Next Fri, March 20 a number of students will be participating in a program field trip to our nation’s capital...hopefully; they will find time to drop by Mr. Harper’s office to give advice on fixing Canada’s faltering economy.
But I digress…rather than cancel next Friday’s two-hour Rec 130 class…as is the normal practice when program groups attend off-campus activities…next Friday’s class will proceed as scheduled…with a smaller but no less dedicated number of in-class and e-class students.
Those students who will be away on the Ottawa field trip can simply PLAYBACK the class at a later convenient time.
The following Fri, March 27, I will be accompanying a different group of program students on a field trip…again to Ottawa…however; thanks to Contact North…there is no need to cancel my Fri Rec 130 class…
My plan is to record the Rec 130 class in advance…in the privacy of my office with no audience...my students can PLAYBACK the recorded session during their regular scheduled Fri class time...or later if they so choose…meanwhile; those students who will be with me on the field trip can also PLAYBACK the recorded class at their leisure...this will be our first Rec 130 class that will require everyone to use the PLAYBACK option...should be interesting.
A couple of students privy to my plan made the astute observation that…I guess you can be in two places at the same time…the marvels of e-learning technology...hey, everybody look...isn't that our professor over there..and over here?...scary eh?...a recreation professor with super powers...what next...the Toronto Maple Leafs win the Stanley Cup?
But I digress…rather than cancel next Friday’s two-hour Rec 130 class…as is the normal practice when program groups attend off-campus activities…next Friday’s class will proceed as scheduled…with a smaller but no less dedicated number of in-class and e-class students.
Those students who will be away on the Ottawa field trip can simply PLAYBACK the class at a later convenient time.
The following Fri, March 27, I will be accompanying a different group of program students on a field trip…again to Ottawa…however; thanks to Contact North…there is no need to cancel my Fri Rec 130 class…
My plan is to record the Rec 130 class in advance…in the privacy of my office with no audience...my students can PLAYBACK the recorded session during their regular scheduled Fri class time...or later if they so choose…meanwhile; those students who will be with me on the field trip can also PLAYBACK the recorded class at their leisure...this will be our first Rec 130 class that will require everyone to use the PLAYBACK option...should be interesting.
A couple of students privy to my plan made the astute observation that…I guess you can be in two places at the same time…the marvels of e-learning technology...hey, everybody look...isn't that our professor over there..and over here?...scary eh?...a recreation professor with super powers...what next...the Toronto Maple Leafs win the Stanley Cup?
Eighth Class - Wed Mar 11
Not every day a Vice President visits your class…so today we rolled out the red carpet for Debra Betty, Contact North’s Vice-President, Program Development.
Also, joining us for today’s session was David Himmelman, Dean of Canadore College’s School of Recreation, and Professor Bill Ramore.
Our three guests wanted to observe first-hand how things were unfolding with the Rec 130 e-learning course pilot project...students were given no advance notice that we would have company in today's class...nothing special was planned...just a typical class.
As students assembled for class, things got rocking with a two-minute Beatles music video downloaded from You Tube. Once the Fab Four’s opening act was over...it was time for the main event...a lecture on sport safety and risk management...hint: never ever, ever, ever...try to compete with the Beatles.
After patiently sitting through 45 minutes of a riveting and life transforming class, David and Debra were finally successful in wrenching the microphone from my hands and seized the opportunity to have a town hall conversation with the 78 in-class students and the 26 e-class students.
On the up side…students expressed enthusiastic support for the new course delivery model using Contact North technology…and were especially pleased with having the option to choose how and when to take each class.
On the down side…a number of students shared experiences relating to difficulties with audio and problems viewing You Tube videos. Debra promised to follow-up on these concerns with her Contact North technical experts.
Debra graciously offered these excellent suggestions:
• improve classroom lighting for better screen viewing
• encourage e-students to communicate using microphones rather than text chat
• utilize in-class students to assist with computer operations
• increase professor’s salary (ok...maybe, Debra didn’t use those exact words…but it certainly is another excellent idea)
Debra and David thanked the class for their participation in this unique pilot project and wished everyone success in their studies...they promised to keep in touch. Recreation students responded with thunderous applause...bid our guests adieu and rolled up the red carpet.
No Rec 130 class this Fri Mar 13...students write Mid Term (cancelled last week due to inclement weather)...next class is scheduled for Wed Mar 19.
Been a long days night...
Also, joining us for today’s session was David Himmelman, Dean of Canadore College’s School of Recreation, and Professor Bill Ramore.
Our three guests wanted to observe first-hand how things were unfolding with the Rec 130 e-learning course pilot project...students were given no advance notice that we would have company in today's class...nothing special was planned...just a typical class.
As students assembled for class, things got rocking with a two-minute Beatles music video downloaded from You Tube. Once the Fab Four’s opening act was over...it was time for the main event...a lecture on sport safety and risk management...hint: never ever, ever, ever...try to compete with the Beatles.
After patiently sitting through 45 minutes of a riveting and life transforming class, David and Debra were finally successful in wrenching the microphone from my hands and seized the opportunity to have a town hall conversation with the 78 in-class students and the 26 e-class students.
On the up side…students expressed enthusiastic support for the new course delivery model using Contact North technology…and were especially pleased with having the option to choose how and when to take each class.
On the down side…a number of students shared experiences relating to difficulties with audio and problems viewing You Tube videos. Debra promised to follow-up on these concerns with her Contact North technical experts.
Debra graciously offered these excellent suggestions:
• improve classroom lighting for better screen viewing
• encourage e-students to communicate using microphones rather than text chat
• utilize in-class students to assist with computer operations
• increase professor’s salary (ok...maybe, Debra didn’t use those exact words…but it certainly is another excellent idea)
Debra and David thanked the class for their participation in this unique pilot project and wished everyone success in their studies...they promised to keep in touch. Recreation students responded with thunderous applause...bid our guests adieu and rolled up the red carpet.
No Rec 130 class this Fri Mar 13...students write Mid Term (cancelled last week due to inclement weather)...next class is scheduled for Wed Mar 19.
Been a long days night...
Did You Know?
A friend sent me a most interesting You Tube video titled: Did You Know?
The video has been added to the side bar...obviously, any follower of this blog has the IQ of a genius...so no doubt the video should be more appropriately titled: Of course I Know.
Go ahead Einstein...check out the video...see the types of things the less gifted may not know.
Enjoy...
The video has been added to the side bar...obviously, any follower of this blog has the IQ of a genius...so no doubt the video should be more appropriately titled: Of course I Know.
Go ahead Einstein...check out the video...see the types of things the less gifted may not know.
Enjoy...
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Seventh Class - Wed Feb 25
Last class before the Rec 130 mid term test…so why not liven things up a little with Mr. Benny Goodman and the sounds of the Big Band era?
As my students collected for the start of yet another Rec 130 class, they were greeted with a Benny Goodman music video(downloaded from You Tube). While I am 100% confident Benny is not on any of my students’ I Pods…there was a whole lot of toe tapping going on before class.
Interesting quirk…later when I attempted to playback the recorded class...the Goodman music video kept playing over and over and over and over and over (like the song that never ends)…inexplicably, I simply could not exit, nor fast forward, nor skip over the Benny video…not sure what caused the problem...another question for the Contact North folks…meanwhile; any ideas how to get those Goodman tunes out of my mind?...too much Goodman can be a bad thing.
Today’s class was largely about helmet safety, helmet standards, and helmet design features…again I found the e-learning platform (Centra) remarkably helpful in accessing web sites and instructional videos. The ability to efficiently access, download, and share web-based content is a feature of e-learning that in my humble opinion greatly enhances learning and assists teaching.
Mid Term test is Fri Feb 27…following week is March Break…no classes.
Next Rec 130 class is Wed Mar 11...plenty of time to forget Benny and all that jazz.
As my students collected for the start of yet another Rec 130 class, they were greeted with a Benny Goodman music video(downloaded from You Tube). While I am 100% confident Benny is not on any of my students’ I Pods…there was a whole lot of toe tapping going on before class.
Interesting quirk…later when I attempted to playback the recorded class...the Goodman music video kept playing over and over and over and over and over (like the song that never ends)…inexplicably, I simply could not exit, nor fast forward, nor skip over the Benny video…not sure what caused the problem...another question for the Contact North folks…meanwhile; any ideas how to get those Goodman tunes out of my mind?...too much Goodman can be a bad thing.
Today’s class was largely about helmet safety, helmet standards, and helmet design features…again I found the e-learning platform (Centra) remarkably helpful in accessing web sites and instructional videos. The ability to efficiently access, download, and share web-based content is a feature of e-learning that in my humble opinion greatly enhances learning and assists teaching.
Mid Term test is Fri Feb 27…following week is March Break…no classes.
Next Rec 130 class is Wed Mar 11...plenty of time to forget Benny and all that jazz.
Lights, Camera, Action
School of Recreation and Leisure Video
Be sure to check out the short video about Canadore College’s School of Recreation and Leisure…posted on the side bar of this blog.
The video was written, directed, and produced; by students in Canadore College’s Television Broadcast Program…congratulations on a job well done…Hollywood awaits you.
Be sure to check out the short video about Canadore College’s School of Recreation and Leisure…posted on the side bar of this blog.
The video was written, directed, and produced; by students in Canadore College’s Television Broadcast Program…congratulations on a job well done…Hollywood awaits you.
Sixth Class - Wed Feb 18
No news is good news…right? Well, not much to report on today’s class. Guess, the old dog is finally getting more comfortable with this e-learning thing.
Contact North has solved the mystery of our missing e-students…some sort of technical glitch…it must be said that the quick response and enthusiastic support received from the good folks at Contact North is simply outstanding…students and faculty are most appreciative…small wonder Contact North is the gold standard in e-learning.
Since the Rec 130 Mid Term test is scheduled for Fri, Feb 27…most of today’s class consisted of a review and a question and answer period.
After class, I decided to save and review the chat text generated by e-students. While not exactly highly scientific, I categorized the content of the six pages of text chat as either course relevant or not course relevant. Approximately 72% of the text chat messages were deemed course relevant…not certain what to make of this statistic…interested to hear your thoughts…please feel free to share your opinions…simply click on the below COMMENTS link...come on you know you want to.
Next class is Wed Feb 25.
Contact North has solved the mystery of our missing e-students…some sort of technical glitch…it must be said that the quick response and enthusiastic support received from the good folks at Contact North is simply outstanding…students and faculty are most appreciative…small wonder Contact North is the gold standard in e-learning.
Since the Rec 130 Mid Term test is scheduled for Fri, Feb 27…most of today’s class consisted of a review and a question and answer period.
After class, I decided to save and review the chat text generated by e-students. While not exactly highly scientific, I categorized the content of the six pages of text chat as either course relevant or not course relevant. Approximately 72% of the text chat messages were deemed course relevant…not certain what to make of this statistic…interested to hear your thoughts…please feel free to share your opinions…simply click on the below COMMENTS link...come on you know you want to.
Next class is Wed Feb 25.
Three Cheers for the Home Team
Membership has its privileges…who would have thought this experiment in e-learning would be the stimulus for an exclusive club…curious?...read on…
As faithful readers of my blog know, Canadore College’s School of Recreation and Leisure has partnered this semester with Contact North…world leaders in e-learning… to deliver a 3 hour/week course (Rec 130: Legislation and Risk Management) to 113 students.
Breaking with tradition, students decide how they will attend each class…”in person” or “online”...students also decide when they will attend… in “real time” or “future time.”
For each Rec 130 class, students are offered a menu of three attendance options:
1) Attend live class in person (in-class)
2) Attend live class online (e-class)
3) Attend in the future by playback of recorded class (r-class)
Now back to that exclusive club…since our first class approximately 22 students have consistently attended classes “online.” As strange as it may seem, a special bond is developing amongst these learners...in fact, they have even taken to referring to themselves as the “home team” (very apropos, since most of these students take the course from the comfort of their homes).
When these home team students logon for their class, they greet each other with a friendly “hi how you are doing?...not exactly a secret code…but on the other hand…many of these same students previously did not know or acknowledge each other prior to this experiment…what next...team jackets?
It is also apparent from their text messaging and their comments made during our class discussions that the “home team” is developing close friendships with one another...and are willingly to lend support and to openly share course related and non course related information…as Martha Stewart might say…that’s not a bad thing.
As faithful readers of my blog know, Canadore College’s School of Recreation and Leisure has partnered this semester with Contact North…world leaders in e-learning… to deliver a 3 hour/week course (Rec 130: Legislation and Risk Management) to 113 students.
Breaking with tradition, students decide how they will attend each class…”in person” or “online”...students also decide when they will attend… in “real time” or “future time.”
For each Rec 130 class, students are offered a menu of three attendance options:
1) Attend live class in person (in-class)
2) Attend live class online (e-class)
3) Attend in the future by playback of recorded class (r-class)
Now back to that exclusive club…since our first class approximately 22 students have consistently attended classes “online.” As strange as it may seem, a special bond is developing amongst these learners...in fact, they have even taken to referring to themselves as the “home team” (very apropos, since most of these students take the course from the comfort of their homes).
When these home team students logon for their class, they greet each other with a friendly “hi how you are doing?...not exactly a secret code…but on the other hand…many of these same students previously did not know or acknowledge each other prior to this experiment…what next...team jackets?
It is also apparent from their text messaging and their comments made during our class discussions that the “home team” is developing close friendships with one another...and are willingly to lend support and to openly share course related and non course related information…as Martha Stewart might say…that’s not a bad thing.
Saturday, February 21, 2009
New Scientist Report - Pod Cast vs Live
Stumbled across an interesting article in the respected New Scientist Report written by Ewen Callaway, Feb 18, 2009.
The report makes a convincing argument that iTunes university (e-learning) is better than in class learning. I have recently been introduced to iTunes university...thank you Ben...and it is well worth checking out...in fact iTunes university will be a topic for a future blog; meanwhile, I have taken the liberty of posting the article below for your enjoyment.
New Scientist Report - Feb 18, 2009
Students have been handed another excuse to skip class from an unusual quarter. New psychological research suggests that university students who download a podcast lecture achieve substantially higher exam results than those who attend the lecture in person.
Podcasted lectures offer students the chance to replay difficult parts of a lecture and therefore take better notes, says Dani McKinney, a psychologist at the State University of New York in Fredonia, who led the study.
"It isn't so much that you have a podcast, it's what you do with it," she says.
Launched less than two years ago, Apple's iTunes university offers college lectures on everything from Proust to particle physics to students and the public. Some universities make their lectures available to all, while others restrict access to enrolled students. Some professors even limit downloads to encourage class attendance, McKinney says.
To find out how much students really can learn from podcast lectures alone - mimicking a missed class - McKinney's team presented 64 students with a single lecture on visual perception, from an introductory psychology course.
Half of the students attended the class in person and received a printout of the slides from the lecture. The other 32 downloaded a podcast that included audio from the same lecture synchronised with video of the slides. These students also received a printed handout of the material.
The researchers told the students they would be tested on the material in a week, and they also asked students to hold onto their class notes.
Clear results
Students who downloaded the podcast averaged a C (71 out of 100) on the test - substantially better than those who attended the lecture, who on average mustered only a D (62).
But that difference vanished among students who watched the podcast but did not take notes.Students who listened to the podcast one or more times and took notes had an average score of 77, McKinney says.
Motivation might have been an issue, as the experiment did not count for class credit, though the highest scorer in each group earned a $15 iTunes gift certificate.
McKinney want to now test how podcasts affect learning across an entire semester, rather than from just a single lecture. Students might find them more useful early on in a class, when the material is still new, she says.
Though her team's paper is subtitled "Can podcasts replace Professors," McKinney thinks these technologies can buttress traditional lectures, particularly for a generation that has grown up with the Internet.
"I do think it's a tool. I think that these kids are programmed differently than kids 20 years ago," she says.
Darren Griffin, a geneticist and education researcher at the University of Kent in Canterbury, UK, says podcast lectures are good for lecturers too. They free him up to spend precious class time interacting with his students, rather than just talking at them.
To further coax them into the classroom, he gives his students brief quizzes before each class. "I get 98% attendance that way," he says.
The report makes a convincing argument that iTunes university (e-learning) is better than in class learning. I have recently been introduced to iTunes university...thank you Ben...and it is well worth checking out...in fact iTunes university will be a topic for a future blog; meanwhile, I have taken the liberty of posting the article below for your enjoyment.
New Scientist Report - Feb 18, 2009
Students have been handed another excuse to skip class from an unusual quarter. New psychological research suggests that university students who download a podcast lecture achieve substantially higher exam results than those who attend the lecture in person.
Podcasted lectures offer students the chance to replay difficult parts of a lecture and therefore take better notes, says Dani McKinney, a psychologist at the State University of New York in Fredonia, who led the study.
"It isn't so much that you have a podcast, it's what you do with it," she says.
Launched less than two years ago, Apple's iTunes university offers college lectures on everything from Proust to particle physics to students and the public. Some universities make their lectures available to all, while others restrict access to enrolled students. Some professors even limit downloads to encourage class attendance, McKinney says.
To find out how much students really can learn from podcast lectures alone - mimicking a missed class - McKinney's team presented 64 students with a single lecture on visual perception, from an introductory psychology course.
Half of the students attended the class in person and received a printout of the slides from the lecture. The other 32 downloaded a podcast that included audio from the same lecture synchronised with video of the slides. These students also received a printed handout of the material.
The researchers told the students they would be tested on the material in a week, and they also asked students to hold onto their class notes.
Clear results
Students who downloaded the podcast averaged a C (71 out of 100) on the test - substantially better than those who attended the lecture, who on average mustered only a D (62).
But that difference vanished among students who watched the podcast but did not take notes.Students who listened to the podcast one or more times and took notes had an average score of 77, McKinney says.
Motivation might have been an issue, as the experiment did not count for class credit, though the highest scorer in each group earned a $15 iTunes gift certificate.
McKinney want to now test how podcasts affect learning across an entire semester, rather than from just a single lecture. Students might find them more useful early on in a class, when the material is still new, she says.
Though her team's paper is subtitled "Can podcasts replace Professors," McKinney thinks these technologies can buttress traditional lectures, particularly for a generation that has grown up with the Internet.
"I do think it's a tool. I think that these kids are programmed differently than kids 20 years ago," she says.
Darren Griffin, a geneticist and education researcher at the University of Kent in Canterbury, UK, says podcast lectures are good for lecturers too. They free him up to spend precious class time interacting with his students, rather than just talking at them.
To further coax them into the classroom, he gives his students brief quizzes before each class. "I get 98% attendance that way," he says.
Sunday, February 8, 2009
Fifth Class: Fri, Feb 6
News Flash…Rec 130 Students Still AWOL
It is a beautiful sunny winter day in North Bay…as students gather for the start of their Friday 8:30am class there is a definite optimism in the air that perhaps spring is around the corner.
With some apprehension, I login to Contact North to begin today’s class. My "in-class" students and I anxiously watch as “e-class” students login…our worst fears are soon confirmed...the original 26 are nowhere to be seen.
A quick recap...for newcomers to this Blog...when this experiment in e-learning first started there were 26 brave souls who registered to take our Rec 130 course by Distance Education through Contact North’s “e-class.” Meanwhile, another 87 students elected to take the course “in-class.” After a few weeks, it was decided to register all 113 students with Contact North and to offer everyone the choice to attend sessions either “in-class” or by “e-class.” Problem is…that at our last class the original 26 students were not able to access the Rec 130 course…sadly, today these students are again missing in action…the good folks at Contact North have been notified and are working to fix the glitch.
On the positive side…for today’s class, a few more students have migrated to the “e-class” option. I view this as a positive...only in the sense that these students have consciously made a decision to try something new and are not afraid to boldly embrace new technology.
Creating a Community of Learners
At the start of today’s class, I inquired if there were any questions about an upcoming research assignment…an “in-class” student wondered about possible research sources…almost instantly an “e-class” student sent us a web site link she had found and highly recommended…this type of quick response and willingness to share is what Dr. Stephen Murgatroyd, no doubt, means when he speaks about harnessing the power of e-learning to create a community of learners.
Also, included in today’s class was a wonderful PowerPoint presentation, complete with music, which had been previously emailed to me by a student. E-technology makes it extremely easy to engage students and to encourage their active participation and contributions to the teaching/learning process.
As part of our discussions today concerning waiver forms, I had downloaded sample forms from the Internet for “in-class” and “e-class” students to critique. Again, the ease of gathering and sharing this information made our class more relevant, timely,and interesting.
A final observation on today’s class...with interest I continue to monitor text chat messages that flow back and forth on our screen throughout class...while most chat could obviously be deemed “social” or to be more polite “non-class related”… nonetheless; I am becoming very impressed with how effortlessly students are able to multi-task…they have the ability to exchange quick text chat with their classmates while still being attentive to what is happening in class…it is most intriguing…is it possible this casual banter may actually have the unintended consequence of helping to create that community of learners…where students are comfortable and willing to share information and help each other succeed?
Prior to signing off today, it was mentioned there will be no Rec 130 classes next week…students are involved in off-campus program related activities.
Our Rec 130 adventures resume Wed Feb 18.
It is a beautiful sunny winter day in North Bay…as students gather for the start of their Friday 8:30am class there is a definite optimism in the air that perhaps spring is around the corner.
With some apprehension, I login to Contact North to begin today’s class. My "in-class" students and I anxiously watch as “e-class” students login…our worst fears are soon confirmed...the original 26 are nowhere to be seen.
A quick recap...for newcomers to this Blog...when this experiment in e-learning first started there were 26 brave souls who registered to take our Rec 130 course by Distance Education through Contact North’s “e-class.” Meanwhile, another 87 students elected to take the course “in-class.” After a few weeks, it was decided to register all 113 students with Contact North and to offer everyone the choice to attend sessions either “in-class” or by “e-class.” Problem is…that at our last class the original 26 students were not able to access the Rec 130 course…sadly, today these students are again missing in action…the good folks at Contact North have been notified and are working to fix the glitch.
On the positive side…for today’s class, a few more students have migrated to the “e-class” option. I view this as a positive...only in the sense that these students have consciously made a decision to try something new and are not afraid to boldly embrace new technology.
Creating a Community of Learners
At the start of today’s class, I inquired if there were any questions about an upcoming research assignment…an “in-class” student wondered about possible research sources…almost instantly an “e-class” student sent us a web site link she had found and highly recommended…this type of quick response and willingness to share is what Dr. Stephen Murgatroyd, no doubt, means when he speaks about harnessing the power of e-learning to create a community of learners.
Also, included in today’s class was a wonderful PowerPoint presentation, complete with music, which had been previously emailed to me by a student. E-technology makes it extremely easy to engage students and to encourage their active participation and contributions to the teaching/learning process.
As part of our discussions today concerning waiver forms, I had downloaded sample forms from the Internet for “in-class” and “e-class” students to critique. Again, the ease of gathering and sharing this information made our class more relevant, timely,and interesting.
A final observation on today’s class...with interest I continue to monitor text chat messages that flow back and forth on our screen throughout class...while most chat could obviously be deemed “social” or to be more polite “non-class related”… nonetheless; I am becoming very impressed with how effortlessly students are able to multi-task…they have the ability to exchange quick text chat with their classmates while still being attentive to what is happening in class…it is most intriguing…is it possible this casual banter may actually have the unintended consequence of helping to create that community of learners…where students are comfortable and willing to share information and help each other succeed?
Prior to signing off today, it was mentioned there will be no Rec 130 classes next week…students are involved in off-campus program related activities.
Our Rec 130 adventures resume Wed Feb 18.
Saturday, February 7, 2009
Fourth Class: Wed, Feb 4
Mike …My Students need a Mic
Immediately following my last class, I visited Mike Buck, Canadore College Education Resource Technician, to get his thoughts on how best to deal with audio issues being experienced in my e-learning Rec 130 course.
To date, I have been using a wired microphone with 50 feet of cord that is a tad cumbersome as I wander around the classroom...occasionally, sharing the microphone with “in-class” students who wish to ask questions or contribute comments.
After some head scratching, Mike ruled out the option that the entire classroom be “microphoned”…too costly. As a consolation prize, he offered to set me up with a cordless microphone for my next class...an offer that was met with quick acceptance and appreciation…no more wrestling with a 50 foot cord…free at last.
Fifteen minutes before today's class started, Mike expertly installed and tested the cordless microphone…as he left our classroom, he assured me that using this cordless microphone was so simple even an idiot would have no problems… some of my students immediately started to take bets.
At precisely 11:30am, I connected with our Contact North website and welcomed our “e-class” students to today’s session…at precisely 11:31am, I began to receive a tsunami of chat messages:… “we cant hear you”… “your mic isn’t working”…I fiddled with the mic to make sure it was connected…text messages continued to flood in…reluctantly, I discarded the cordless mic and plugged in my old friend the 50 foot wired microphone…we had audio…a few lucky "in-class" students collected their winnings…they know to bet on a sure thing.
Later, Mike explained the source of my trouble…apparently, I had accidentally hit the mute button on the cordless mic...he said "don't worry, it happens to everyone and besides I won enough money to buy you a coffee."
The Mystery of the Disappearing Students
Followers of this Blog will remember that originally 26 students registered to take the Rec 130 course by “e-class” while the remaining 87 students opted to take the course “in-class.” You may also recall that after only our second class it was decided to register all students with Contact North; thereby, offering everyone the choice to take the course either “in-class” or by “e-class”.
The good news is…thanks to the folks at Contact North my entire Rec 130 class is now registered for “e-classes” and it was encouraging today to see a number of new students attending by "e-class." The bad news is...the original 26 were no-shows for today's class and since the Wall, Canadore's Student Pub, doesn't open until noon...where could they possibly have been?
I have since learned these 26 students, were able to successfully login to Contact North...however, they were unable to access today's class…the gremlins strike again...a helpful "in-class" student wondered if perhaps I had accidentally hit a button causing them all to vanish into cyberspace...never to return.
Not to worry…a missing persons report has been filed with Contact North and they are actively pursuing the case...hopefully the mystery will be solved in time for our next class and we will all be happily reunited...stay tuned.
Pleased to report...rest of my class was uneventful...although, there was some more audio static when I informed students about an upcoming assignment...they do like to grumble at times.
Immediately following my last class, I visited Mike Buck, Canadore College Education Resource Technician, to get his thoughts on how best to deal with audio issues being experienced in my e-learning Rec 130 course.
To date, I have been using a wired microphone with 50 feet of cord that is a tad cumbersome as I wander around the classroom...occasionally, sharing the microphone with “in-class” students who wish to ask questions or contribute comments.
After some head scratching, Mike ruled out the option that the entire classroom be “microphoned”…too costly. As a consolation prize, he offered to set me up with a cordless microphone for my next class...an offer that was met with quick acceptance and appreciation…no more wrestling with a 50 foot cord…free at last.
Fifteen minutes before today's class started, Mike expertly installed and tested the cordless microphone…as he left our classroom, he assured me that using this cordless microphone was so simple even an idiot would have no problems… some of my students immediately started to take bets.
At precisely 11:30am, I connected with our Contact North website and welcomed our “e-class” students to today’s session…at precisely 11:31am, I began to receive a tsunami of chat messages:… “we cant hear you”… “your mic isn’t working”…I fiddled with the mic to make sure it was connected…text messages continued to flood in…reluctantly, I discarded the cordless mic and plugged in my old friend the 50 foot wired microphone…we had audio…a few lucky "in-class" students collected their winnings…they know to bet on a sure thing.
Later, Mike explained the source of my trouble…apparently, I had accidentally hit the mute button on the cordless mic...he said "don't worry, it happens to everyone and besides I won enough money to buy you a coffee."
The Mystery of the Disappearing Students
Followers of this Blog will remember that originally 26 students registered to take the Rec 130 course by “e-class” while the remaining 87 students opted to take the course “in-class.” You may also recall that after only our second class it was decided to register all students with Contact North; thereby, offering everyone the choice to take the course either “in-class” or by “e-class”.
The good news is…thanks to the folks at Contact North my entire Rec 130 class is now registered for “e-classes” and it was encouraging today to see a number of new students attending by "e-class." The bad news is...the original 26 were no-shows for today's class and since the Wall, Canadore's Student Pub, doesn't open until noon...where could they possibly have been?
I have since learned these 26 students, were able to successfully login to Contact North...however, they were unable to access today's class…the gremlins strike again...a helpful "in-class" student wondered if perhaps I had accidentally hit a button causing them all to vanish into cyberspace...never to return.
Not to worry…a missing persons report has been filed with Contact North and they are actively pursuing the case...hopefully the mystery will be solved in time for our next class and we will all be happily reunited...stay tuned.
Pleased to report...rest of my class was uneventful...although, there was some more audio static when I informed students about an upcoming assignment...they do like to grumble at times.
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Recorded Classes Posted to TLM
Apparently, this old dog is getting the hang of e-learning technology.
Much to my surprise…and no doubt to the absolute disbelief of readers of this Blog…I was able to successfully download my two recorded Rec 130 classes to Canadore College’s The Learning Manager (TLM) program.
It was unbelievably simple…first, I copied the LINK to my Contact North recorded classes…then, I pasted it to Canadore College’s LINK to my Rec 130 TLM course. Not sure how or why this works…but it does….I suspect my tech friends at Contact North will want to hire me on as a tech consultant.
As a consequence of this wonderful accomplishment, students will now be able to PLAYBACK recorded classes directly from Canadore College’s TLM site rather than having to login to Contact North. Since Canadore’s TLM program contains all course material…it offers students “one stop” shopping.
Much to my surprise…and no doubt to the absolute disbelief of readers of this Blog…I was able to successfully download my two recorded Rec 130 classes to Canadore College’s The Learning Manager (TLM) program.
It was unbelievably simple…first, I copied the LINK to my Contact North recorded classes…then, I pasted it to Canadore College’s LINK to my Rec 130 TLM course. Not sure how or why this works…but it does….I suspect my tech friends at Contact North will want to hire me on as a tech consultant.
As a consequence of this wonderful accomplishment, students will now be able to PLAYBACK recorded classes directly from Canadore College’s TLM site rather than having to login to Contact North. Since Canadore’s TLM program contains all course material…it offers students “one stop” shopping.
Third Class: Fri, Jan 30
Today’s Specials - Wolfgang Mozart and the Man In Black
8:30 am is a very unfortunate time for a Friday morning class on Legislation and Risk Management…and the fact that it is a bitterly cold and blustery winter day does little to lift spirits.
Perhaps, Mozart could help?
As my Rec 130 “in-class” students trudge in to their warm classroom they are treated to the pleasing strands of Mozart’s famous Piano Concerto No 21. On the screen was a picture of Mozart which I had earlier downloaded from You Tube and imported to the AGENDA for today’s class.
Similarly, after they login to Contact North to access today’s session my “e-class” students are likewise welcomed by the sounds of Mozart…they are quickly forgiven for thinking they are in the wrong class.
What is going on here?
One significant advantage of using Contact North’s e-learning technology is the ability to locate and download almost instantly an endless selection of educational resources to assist learning…or to simply jazz up the beginning of a class on a dreary winter day...well perhaps Mozart wasn’t the best choice…so in fairness, I also downloaded and played a few musical gems from everyone’s favourite country and western recording artist: Mr. Johnny Cash.
It occurred to me that e-technology makes it relatively simple to engage students in brief discussions and conversations about a range of topics…some course related and some not.
Surely, as college educators part of our responsibility is to turn students on to all learning; regardless, if the learning is directly related to our specific course outcomes.
I am convinced that seemingly extraneous learning does not distract from the delivery or the reception of our course content. In fact, I would vehemently argue the reverse is true...college students benefit greatly if classes are exciting and relevant and if students learn to view their courses as only a small part of a total life-long learning process. Further evidence of the relevance of extending learning opportunities can perhaps be best summarized by these common quotes: Learning is a Journey...Life is all about process not content.
To be clear, this is not to advocate that core course content be sacrificed so that students may be exposed to other non-course related material. What I am suggesting; however, is that e-learning technology makes it possible for educators to enliven classes and to engage students without compromising course integrity.
The power of e-learning to stimulate discussion and future learning was evident at the start of my third class. After Mozart was silenced we spent a few brief minutes talking about Mozart and his musical genius.
I was surprised to learn that not one college student knew the definition of the term concerto. As we continued our discussions, an “e-class” student found and posted the definition for all to view. After further discussion it was discovered that some students had never even heard of Mozart…seizing the opportunity I extended a challenge to everyone to check out this guy and his music on the Internet…to learn something about him…to do it just for the sake of learning…no marks…no hand in assignment…not everyone will accept my challenge…but I expect some will.
Now, for a most amazing discovery…one of our "in-class" students informed us that he can actually play Mozart's Concerto No 21…who would have guessed?
Next class…perhaps a brief clip of Prime Minister Stephen Harper’s budget speech delivered last Tuesday...students will most certainly have something to say and to learn about his budget and how it might impact our faltering economy.
In total about 5 minutes (out of this 2 hour-long class) was spent on the Mozart experiment…not a significant amount of class time to stimulate some general learning and to break the routine of always concentrating on course related content.
During our break Johnny Cash entertained...
New Students Join Rec 130 Class
It was a pleasure having two of my colleagues, Bill Ramore and Brian Bennison join us in today’s class. They are very keen and curious to learn how e-learning technology can benefit students in our School of Recreation and Leisure. Hopefully, other Canadore College professors will likewise drop by to check out what is happening and to consider the power and promise of e-learning for their courses.
Smooth Sailing: Wind Is At Our Back
By now, my students and I are becoming increasingly familiar with Contact North’s technology and for the most part today's class went relatively smoothly.
A not so good observation...attendance for “in-class” and “e-class” students was down noticeably today. My concern is that some students will simply take the option to view recorded classes rather than attend “in-classes” or “e-classes.” However, inclement weather may have been a contributing factor for today's dwindling attendance or perhaps somehow word leaked out that I was going to play Mozart's Piano Concerto. I will continue to monitor attendace trends to identify potential issues relating to attendance and participation in both "in-class" and "e-class" sessions.
A suggestion worthy of serious consideration…a very smart Recreation Therapy student wondered out loud if the Rec 130 course could be scheduled at a more convenient time than on Wednesdays from 11:30 am to 12:30 pm. She made the solid argument that if Rec130 was offered at the beginning or ending of a day; more students would have the choice to take this course by "e-class"...an idea to definitely think about.
Next class is Wed Feb 4.
8:30 am is a very unfortunate time for a Friday morning class on Legislation and Risk Management…and the fact that it is a bitterly cold and blustery winter day does little to lift spirits.
Perhaps, Mozart could help?
As my Rec 130 “in-class” students trudge in to their warm classroom they are treated to the pleasing strands of Mozart’s famous Piano Concerto No 21. On the screen was a picture of Mozart which I had earlier downloaded from You Tube and imported to the AGENDA for today’s class.
Similarly, after they login to Contact North to access today’s session my “e-class” students are likewise welcomed by the sounds of Mozart…they are quickly forgiven for thinking they are in the wrong class.
What is going on here?
One significant advantage of using Contact North’s e-learning technology is the ability to locate and download almost instantly an endless selection of educational resources to assist learning…or to simply jazz up the beginning of a class on a dreary winter day...well perhaps Mozart wasn’t the best choice…so in fairness, I also downloaded and played a few musical gems from everyone’s favourite country and western recording artist: Mr. Johnny Cash.
It occurred to me that e-technology makes it relatively simple to engage students in brief discussions and conversations about a range of topics…some course related and some not.
Surely, as college educators part of our responsibility is to turn students on to all learning; regardless, if the learning is directly related to our specific course outcomes.
I am convinced that seemingly extraneous learning does not distract from the delivery or the reception of our course content. In fact, I would vehemently argue the reverse is true...college students benefit greatly if classes are exciting and relevant and if students learn to view their courses as only a small part of a total life-long learning process. Further evidence of the relevance of extending learning opportunities can perhaps be best summarized by these common quotes: Learning is a Journey...Life is all about process not content.
To be clear, this is not to advocate that core course content be sacrificed so that students may be exposed to other non-course related material. What I am suggesting; however, is that e-learning technology makes it possible for educators to enliven classes and to engage students without compromising course integrity.
The power of e-learning to stimulate discussion and future learning was evident at the start of my third class. After Mozart was silenced we spent a few brief minutes talking about Mozart and his musical genius.
I was surprised to learn that not one college student knew the definition of the term concerto. As we continued our discussions, an “e-class” student found and posted the definition for all to view. After further discussion it was discovered that some students had never even heard of Mozart…seizing the opportunity I extended a challenge to everyone to check out this guy and his music on the Internet…to learn something about him…to do it just for the sake of learning…no marks…no hand in assignment…not everyone will accept my challenge…but I expect some will.
Now, for a most amazing discovery…one of our "in-class" students informed us that he can actually play Mozart's Concerto No 21…who would have guessed?
Next class…perhaps a brief clip of Prime Minister Stephen Harper’s budget speech delivered last Tuesday...students will most certainly have something to say and to learn about his budget and how it might impact our faltering economy.
In total about 5 minutes (out of this 2 hour-long class) was spent on the Mozart experiment…not a significant amount of class time to stimulate some general learning and to break the routine of always concentrating on course related content.
During our break Johnny Cash entertained...
New Students Join Rec 130 Class
It was a pleasure having two of my colleagues, Bill Ramore and Brian Bennison join us in today’s class. They are very keen and curious to learn how e-learning technology can benefit students in our School of Recreation and Leisure. Hopefully, other Canadore College professors will likewise drop by to check out what is happening and to consider the power and promise of e-learning for their courses.
Smooth Sailing: Wind Is At Our Back
By now, my students and I are becoming increasingly familiar with Contact North’s technology and for the most part today's class went relatively smoothly.
A not so good observation...attendance for “in-class” and “e-class” students was down noticeably today. My concern is that some students will simply take the option to view recorded classes rather than attend “in-classes” or “e-classes.” However, inclement weather may have been a contributing factor for today's dwindling attendance or perhaps somehow word leaked out that I was going to play Mozart's Piano Concerto. I will continue to monitor attendace trends to identify potential issues relating to attendance and participation in both "in-class" and "e-class" sessions.
A suggestion worthy of serious consideration…a very smart Recreation Therapy student wondered out loud if the Rec 130 course could be scheduled at a more convenient time than on Wednesdays from 11:30 am to 12:30 pm. She made the solid argument that if Rec130 was offered at the beginning or ending of a day; more students would have the choice to take this course by "e-class"...an idea to definitely think about.
Next class is Wed Feb 4.
Red Flag Alert
Is too much freedom necessarily a good thing?
Students in Canadore College’s School of Recreation and Leisure have been given the latitude to take the Rec 130 course by one of three options or by a combination thereof. Students may choose to attend sessions “in-class,” or may choose to attend sessions by “e-class,” or may choose to view recorded classes “r-class.”
Although, we have just begun this experiment I am aware of several students favoring the approach to take much of our Rec 130 course by “r-class”. A danger of this tactic is for students to put off viewing recorded classes or stockpiling classes until there are far too many to properly digest...learning is a process and true learning requires absorption time and a degree of reflection. Those who embrace “r-class” learning will also not have the advantage of interacting with others in real time.
Regretably, certain controls (attendance/participation marks, etc) eventually may have to be introduced to encourage students to attend either "in-class" or "e-class" sessions...thus, discouraging an over reliance on "r-class" learning.
Attention to student behaviour will be needed in order to respond to the question... Given too many choices, will students ultimately abuse the intent of the "r-class" option?...an option that at best should be viewed as merely an inferior alternative to both "in-class" and e-class" learning.
For now, the plan is to remain vigilant and to follow, as best I can, the students' footprints to see how many migrate to each option.
At the end of the day, the goal is to ensure student learning is not negatively impacted by offering too much freedom.
Students in Canadore College’s School of Recreation and Leisure have been given the latitude to take the Rec 130 course by one of three options or by a combination thereof. Students may choose to attend sessions “in-class,” or may choose to attend sessions by “e-class,” or may choose to view recorded classes “r-class.”
Although, we have just begun this experiment I am aware of several students favoring the approach to take much of our Rec 130 course by “r-class”. A danger of this tactic is for students to put off viewing recorded classes or stockpiling classes until there are far too many to properly digest...learning is a process and true learning requires absorption time and a degree of reflection. Those who embrace “r-class” learning will also not have the advantage of interacting with others in real time.
Regretably, certain controls (attendance/participation marks, etc) eventually may have to be introduced to encourage students to attend either "in-class" or "e-class" sessions...thus, discouraging an over reliance on "r-class" learning.
Attention to student behaviour will be needed in order to respond to the question... Given too many choices, will students ultimately abuse the intent of the "r-class" option?...an option that at best should be viewed as merely an inferior alternative to both "in-class" and e-class" learning.
For now, the plan is to remain vigilant and to follow, as best I can, the students' footprints to see how many migrate to each option.
At the end of the day, the goal is to ensure student learning is not negatively impacted by offering too much freedom.
Warning: Big Brother Is Watching
Two random thoughts about recording classes…first, the adage what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas does not apply to our recorded Rec 130 classes.
A quick check with the tech crew at Contact North confirmed my worst fears...recorded sessions once PUBLISHED cannot be edited or altered...yikes better be careful.
Students and teacher must be mindful that Big Brother is watching. For sure, I admit to some initial discomfort about being recorded. Granted, only registered students have access to the PLAYBACK feature; nonetheless, the potential exists for recorded classes to be viewed by who knows who and used for who knows what purpose.
In the final analysis, I accept the fact that recording my classes should not be intimidating...simply because whatever happens during a class should always be appropriate and professional...transparency is good. Moreover, the many benefits offered to students by recording classes, in my humble opinion, far outweigh any disadvantages.
Having come to that conclusion I have already learned that bloopers will be made and captured. For instance, at the start of our second session an “e-class” student taunted “in-class” students by sending a text message reminding everyone how horrible the weather was today and how fortunate “e-class” students were to still be snuggled in their warm beds taking this class… I perhaps too quickly and absently responded by texting...wish I was there with you...this comment will surely make the Rec 130 year-end Top Ten Blooper List.
Second random thought about the virtues of recording classes...students who miss a class for whatever reason can simply PLAYBACK the missed class at another time.
Also, students may find it helpful to use the PLAYBACK feature to review certain parts of a class using the fast-forward option.
Lastly, students may choose to replay classes to prepare for a test or an exam.
Indeed, during the life of this pilot project, I look forward to learning how and why Rec 130 students utilize the PLAYTRACK feature.
Likewise, it would be interesting to track the frequency that recorded sessions are accessed and viewed by students...another question or challenge for the Contact North tech crew?
Hopefully, from time to time, Rec 130 student followers of this Blog will post some feedback under comments. Their feedback would be most helpful and would provide valuable insight into how and why recorded sessions are used.
A quick check with the tech crew at Contact North confirmed my worst fears...recorded sessions once PUBLISHED cannot be edited or altered...yikes better be careful.
Students and teacher must be mindful that Big Brother is watching. For sure, I admit to some initial discomfort about being recorded. Granted, only registered students have access to the PLAYBACK feature; nonetheless, the potential exists for recorded classes to be viewed by who knows who and used for who knows what purpose.
In the final analysis, I accept the fact that recording my classes should not be intimidating...simply because whatever happens during a class should always be appropriate and professional...transparency is good. Moreover, the many benefits offered to students by recording classes, in my humble opinion, far outweigh any disadvantages.
Having come to that conclusion I have already learned that bloopers will be made and captured. For instance, at the start of our second session an “e-class” student taunted “in-class” students by sending a text message reminding everyone how horrible the weather was today and how fortunate “e-class” students were to still be snuggled in their warm beds taking this class… I perhaps too quickly and absently responded by texting...wish I was there with you...this comment will surely make the Rec 130 year-end Top Ten Blooper List.
Second random thought about the virtues of recording classes...students who miss a class for whatever reason can simply PLAYBACK the missed class at another time.
Also, students may find it helpful to use the PLAYBACK feature to review certain parts of a class using the fast-forward option.
Lastly, students may choose to replay classes to prepare for a test or an exam.
Indeed, during the life of this pilot project, I look forward to learning how and why Rec 130 students utilize the PLAYTRACK feature.
Likewise, it would be interesting to track the frequency that recorded sessions are accessed and viewed by students...another question or challenge for the Contact North tech crew?
Hopefully, from time to time, Rec 130 student followers of this Blog will post some feedback under comments. Their feedback would be most helpful and would provide valuable insight into how and why recorded sessions are used.
Do I really sound like that?
Before I logged off Contact North to conclude our second Rec 130 class, I made certain to click on the PUBLISH button to ensure this session was recorded and would be available for students to view at their leisure.
Later that same evening from the comfort of home, I decided to do some multi-tasking. While watching my beloved Toronto Maple Leafs win yet another game, I logged on to Contact North to check out the PLAYBACK feature and view a bit of today’s Rec 130 class.
Weird…is the best word to describe my immediate reaction. I have been teaching college for over 25 years and have never been a student in my own class. It was an out of body experience to listen to myself from the vantage point of a student.
I did not anticipate the unintended consequence of me using this technology as a tool to critique my own teaching. I became transfixed, almost like Scrooge in that Christmas story where the ghost takes the grumpy humbug old miser on a not so pleasant trip down memory lane of Christmases past.
As today’s class replayed on the computer monitor in front of me, I could not help notice far too many areas for me to improve my teaching. Strange as it may be, this was the first time since my early days of teaching that someone (in this case me) was watching me with a critical eye and was willing to offer honest and helpful evaluation.
While this old dog has no doubt learned some things over his long teaching career; nonetheless, it was most informative for me to watch me at work. I learned some valuable lessons. Former and present students I am sure would take delight in seeing their old professor held captive as a student in his own class…truly a fitting punishment they would claim.
As I attended my own class it was surreal. I was dismayed and disappointed to observe some poor teaching techniques that I have casually slid into over the years. I was surprised at the lack of student interaction and engagement...something to work on...teaching is always a work in progress...watching the "video recording" may help me fine tune my game.
Contact North would be wise to market the PLAYBACK feature as a teaching training tool.
Later that same evening from the comfort of home, I decided to do some multi-tasking. While watching my beloved Toronto Maple Leafs win yet another game, I logged on to Contact North to check out the PLAYBACK feature and view a bit of today’s Rec 130 class.
Weird…is the best word to describe my immediate reaction. I have been teaching college for over 25 years and have never been a student in my own class. It was an out of body experience to listen to myself from the vantage point of a student.
I did not anticipate the unintended consequence of me using this technology as a tool to critique my own teaching. I became transfixed, almost like Scrooge in that Christmas story where the ghost takes the grumpy humbug old miser on a not so pleasant trip down memory lane of Christmases past.
As today’s class replayed on the computer monitor in front of me, I could not help notice far too many areas for me to improve my teaching. Strange as it may be, this was the first time since my early days of teaching that someone (in this case me) was watching me with a critical eye and was willing to offer honest and helpful evaluation.
While this old dog has no doubt learned some things over his long teaching career; nonetheless, it was most informative for me to watch me at work. I learned some valuable lessons. Former and present students I am sure would take delight in seeing their old professor held captive as a student in his own class…truly a fitting punishment they would claim.
As I attended my own class it was surreal. I was dismayed and disappointed to observe some poor teaching techniques that I have casually slid into over the years. I was surprised at the lack of student interaction and engagement...something to work on...teaching is always a work in progress...watching the "video recording" may help me fine tune my game.
Contact North would be wise to market the PLAYBACK feature as a teaching training tool.
Second Class: Wed, Jan 28
Session Scheduling - Ongoing vs. Event
Immediately, after I login to Contact North and click on My Schedule to start our second e-learning class I am confused.
As I view the screen, I see two Rec 130 courses each with dates that don’t correspond to our actual Rec 130 course scheduled times …Wed 11:30 am to 12:30 pm and Fri 8:30 am to 10:30 am…what’s up?
It took a few seconds for me to realize which course contained today’s class content. Later, I learned that my students were also confused but these Einsteins were not deterred in the least. In short order, the “e-class” crew were able to join us online and signed in with their usually cheery greetings.
After class, a quick inquiry to Contact North solved the mystery. Apparently, I must have slept through the part of my training course when our instructor, Celinie Russell, explained the differences between ONGOING and EVENT scheduled sessions.
A very patient Contact North chap by the name of Denis informed me that if I planned on recording all my classes that I would need to request EVENT schedule sessions not ONGOING.
If classes are scheduled as ONGOING...they can be recorded; unfortunately, when the next class is taped it tapes over the previously recorded class; consequently, EVENT scheduling is the only way to go if you want students to be able to access and playback previous classes.
Denis, also mentioned that recording all my classes (about 30 hours in total) as EVENTS would consume at lot of memory. Not sure how much of an issue this will become if our pilot project is successful and our School of Recreation and Leisure decides to offer e-classes for other program courses.
Sidebar note to my good pal Debra Betty of Contact North...I know you are currently extremely busy with serious budget meetings just wondering though...any funds available to build a generating station for Contact North to accommodate more memory?
Small Steps - Be Brave try Something New
During our training sessions on how to use e-learning Centra technology, it was suggested we start slowly and gradually build upon our comfort level. Sounded like wise advice...so I made a pact with myself to experiment with at least one different feature for each new class.
For my second class, I thought why not import a video to show my students? If you have been following my Blog and my many stumbles to date you are probably already predicting gloom and doom...well you are wrong my friend...the videos were imported from You Tube and broadcast with no problem. I didn’t receive a thunderous applause but I did breathe a sigh of relief...importing videos is a cinch using Centra…even for an old dog.
Test...One...Two...Three
It is only our second class using e-learning and I am still considering how best to work out audio issues. Currently, I have been teaching classes tethered to a wired microphone with about a 50 foot cord...some enterprising “in class” students have started a lottery on how long before their clumsy professor trips over the cord.
Initially, I considered wearing a lapel mic; however, for some unknown reason I was not able to make it work...hard to believe eh? In retrospect, my ineptitude may have been a blessing in disguise.
Since we are operating out of a fairly large classroom, at times it is difficult for “e class" students to hear questions or discussions from “in class” students. We have fallen into the practice of passing the mic to the “in class” speaker...avoids repeating questions or discussions.
Wondering if at some point it may be feasible to somehow mic the classroom?
Immediately, after I login to Contact North and click on My Schedule to start our second e-learning class I am confused.
As I view the screen, I see two Rec 130 courses each with dates that don’t correspond to our actual Rec 130 course scheduled times …Wed 11:30 am to 12:30 pm and Fri 8:30 am to 10:30 am…what’s up?
It took a few seconds for me to realize which course contained today’s class content. Later, I learned that my students were also confused but these Einsteins were not deterred in the least. In short order, the “e-class” crew were able to join us online and signed in with their usually cheery greetings.
After class, a quick inquiry to Contact North solved the mystery. Apparently, I must have slept through the part of my training course when our instructor, Celinie Russell, explained the differences between ONGOING and EVENT scheduled sessions.
A very patient Contact North chap by the name of Denis informed me that if I planned on recording all my classes that I would need to request EVENT schedule sessions not ONGOING.
If classes are scheduled as ONGOING...they can be recorded; unfortunately, when the next class is taped it tapes over the previously recorded class; consequently, EVENT scheduling is the only way to go if you want students to be able to access and playback previous classes.
Denis, also mentioned that recording all my classes (about 30 hours in total) as EVENTS would consume at lot of memory. Not sure how much of an issue this will become if our pilot project is successful and our School of Recreation and Leisure decides to offer e-classes for other program courses.
Sidebar note to my good pal Debra Betty of Contact North...I know you are currently extremely busy with serious budget meetings just wondering though...any funds available to build a generating station for Contact North to accommodate more memory?
Small Steps - Be Brave try Something New
During our training sessions on how to use e-learning Centra technology, it was suggested we start slowly and gradually build upon our comfort level. Sounded like wise advice...so I made a pact with myself to experiment with at least one different feature for each new class.
For my second class, I thought why not import a video to show my students? If you have been following my Blog and my many stumbles to date you are probably already predicting gloom and doom...well you are wrong my friend...the videos were imported from You Tube and broadcast with no problem. I didn’t receive a thunderous applause but I did breathe a sigh of relief...importing videos is a cinch using Centra…even for an old dog.
Test...One...Two...Three
It is only our second class using e-learning and I am still considering how best to work out audio issues. Currently, I have been teaching classes tethered to a wired microphone with about a 50 foot cord...some enterprising “in class” students have started a lottery on how long before their clumsy professor trips over the cord.
Initially, I considered wearing a lapel mic; however, for some unknown reason I was not able to make it work...hard to believe eh? In retrospect, my ineptitude may have been a blessing in disguise.
Since we are operating out of a fairly large classroom, at times it is difficult for “e class" students to hear questions or discussions from “in class” students. We have fallen into the practice of passing the mic to the “in class” speaker...avoids repeating questions or discussions.
Wondering if at some point it may be feasible to somehow mic the classroom?
Old Dog Learns New Tricks
A quick update…the issue of using Explorer or Fire fox to access Contact North’s web site has been resolved. It seems the connectivity problem experienced by one student during our first class was due to a glitch with Microsoft Explorer's program at that particular time. I have been assured by the good folks at Contact North that their system works equally well with either Explorer or Fire fox.
Second update…steps are now being taken to register all of my Rec 130 students for “e-class” sessions. Commencing, Wed, Feb 3, students will have the option to take Rec 130 classes either “in-class” or by “e-class”…their choice. Special thanks to Thalia Smits, Canadore’s Contact North go to lady, for her assistance registering our students.
Third update…I finally figured out how to record class sessions; apparently, you have to turn on the record button…who would have thought?
Slowly but surely, this old dog is starting to learn a few new tricks.
Second update…steps are now being taken to register all of my Rec 130 students for “e-class” sessions. Commencing, Wed, Feb 3, students will have the option to take Rec 130 classes either “in-class” or by “e-class”…their choice. Special thanks to Thalia Smits, Canadore’s Contact North go to lady, for her assistance registering our students.
Third update…I finally figured out how to record class sessions; apparently, you have to turn on the record button…who would have thought?
Slowly but surely, this old dog is starting to learn a few new tricks.
Frosty The Snowman is No Friend of Mine
Thank you Nancy Hamilton, Recreation Therapy student, for sending me the picture of Frosty the Snowman...displayed in the sidebar of my Blog.
Nancy, tell us how you really feel about North Bay's winter...don't hold back.
Certainly, this has been an exceptionally cold winter, in fact on my way to work this morning I saw a dog frozen to a fire hydrant.
Nancy, tell us how you really feel about North Bay's winter...don't hold back.
Certainly, this has been an exceptionally cold winter, in fact on my way to work this morning I saw a dog frozen to a fire hydrant.
Blog's Popularity Doubles
Wow, since my last posting the number of followers to this Blog has doubled from 2 to 4...hope this website can handle the increased traffic.
Great to have Debra and Helen join Emily and Stephen as followers of this Blog…look forward to any comments or suggestions you may offer.
I have invited all my students to periodically check out this Blog and provide feedback from their perspective.
Great to have Debra and Helen join Emily and Stephen as followers of this Blog…look forward to any comments or suggestions you may offer.
I have invited all my students to periodically check out this Blog and provide feedback from their perspective.
Thursday, January 22, 2009
First Class: Wed Jan 21
Student Orientation Session - Fri Jan 16, 2009
Who Is Teaching Who?
Apologies to faithful followers of this blog for my extended absence…life has been crazy busy.
On Fri Jan 16, I conducted a half-hour orientation session for the 26 students who volunteered to take my Rec 130 course online ("e-class'") through Contact North.
As I unsteadily demonstrated the features and capabilities of Centra, it became obvious the students were far more comfortable with technology than their professor. When I hesitated in the slightest to locate a tool or to perform a task, my students were way ahead of me and took way too much satisfaction offering me suggestions and helpful advice. An observer might wonder who was teaching who…a bit of a humbling experience.
The willingness of these students to embrace this technology reminded me of a comment made by Dr. Stephen Murgatroyd during our training session “today’s students are not only using technology but they are experts and educators need to catch up.”
After the orientation session, I was very encouraged and most thankful for the positive attitude and enthusiasm of my student volunteers…if this pilot project is successful it will be in no small part due to these students…Canadore College Recreation students rock!
The training is over for the teacher and the students…let the games begin…first class starts Wed January 21.
First Class: Wed Jan 21, 2009
Off To a Rocky Start
It’s only 11:10am on Wed Jan 21, and already a stream of students start to assemble for their 11:30am Rec 130 class. In total there are 87 students who will be taking this course the traditional way ("in class") while another 26 students will be simultaneously attending the class online ("e-class") through Contact North.
The “in class” students are aware this is a pilot project and they seem very curious about how this is all going to play out. As the computer is turned on and the Contact North site is projected on to the large screen the excitement builds.
Attempting to appear confident, I proceed to perform an audio test on my wireless microphone… nothing happens…I immediately have two thoughts: Why didn’t I test this mic earlier, as Mike Buck , Canadore College’s computer guru, had suggested two weeks ago? Second thought...what is Mike Buck’s phone extension? In no time, Mike responded to my first crisis and replaced my wireless microphone with a standard wired microphone. I pretend to ignore the polite hushed chatter of the “in class” students who now have reason to be skeptical of this whole e-class experiment.
Class Is Now In Session
All eyes were on the screen as the clock ticked down to the start of the class. The “in class” students were a bit amused as they watched “e-class” students start to sign in. Some “e-class” students couldn’t resist the temptation to immediately send a barrage of text chat to their “in class” friends. Most messages extolled the virtues of taking the course from the comfort of their homes. One student even shared with us that he was still in bed and working from his laptop.
At 11:30am I clicked on the BEGIN button and our experiment was officially underway. I welcomed the “e-class” participants and asked them to indicate by clicking on the YES checkmark if they could hear me …this is when my second crisis of the day occurred. Several students did not reply…as I considered what to do next…my brilliant students quickly solved their own problems and starting sending text chat messages saying: “I can hear you and I can see the slides on the screen.”
Later I discovered several reasons for the initial start-up hiccups. For example, one student explained she was using Explorer and it kept getting her disconnected so she later switched to Firefox and the problem was resolved (something to ask my Contact North tech friends about). This crisis also made me a big fan of Centra’s text chat feature.
After a delay of less than a minute, I opened my Power Point presentation and our lesson began. During our hour long class there was lively discussions and some well thought out questions from “e-class” and “in class” students. “E-class” students seemed totally engaged and continually posted questions and comments.
To ensure students maintained a certain degree of focus on my presentation I would minimize the text chat so it was not a distraction. On those occasions when I displayed the text chat and responded to “e-class” students I noticed the “in class” students became more attentive.
One unexpected but very impressive consequence occurred during the class. An “in class” student requested I provide her with a textbook definition of a term we had been discussing. I was unable to offer a “textbook” definition and as I was explaining generally what the term meant an “e-class” student had already found the definition on the Internet and had kindly posted it for us to read…to the great amusement of my "in class" students...since my back was to the screen it took me a moment to realize why everyone was enjoying a chuckle...who is teaching who here?.
All in all, not a complete disaster for our first class using e-learning technology …but certainly this old professor has much to learn; fortunately, he is blessed with patient and helpful students.
Reflections on Day One
After our class ended, I was reflecting upon my experiences to date with e-learning when a student approached to apologize for missing class and wondered if he had missed anything really important...My instant response was…"no problem, the class was recorded you can watch it from your computer at your leisure"…later that evening I discovered my last blunder of the day…I had forgotten the instructions on how to record my class…and sadly my first e-class is now only a memory.
To date, I am struck by the genuine enthusiasm and willingness of my college students to embrace e-learning. I am beginning to realize e-learning has the power to engage students more actively in the learning process. For example, three of my Rec 130 e-class students have decided to meet every Monday evening for the remainder of the semester to have dinner while watching recorded sessions of Rec 130 classes (I definitely have to learn how to record my classes). The class playback option will also assist students who miss classes or who would like to review certain topic areas.
Why Not Everyone?
Interestingly, after our initial class, four “in class” students requested they be switched to the “e-class” group…this got me wondering…is it possible for all 113 students to have the option to take this course either “in class” or by “e-class”?
Further, why not allow all students the opportunity to take this course by attending a mix of "in class" and "e-class" sessions if they so choose? I contacted David Himmelman, our Program Dean, and he supported expanding our pilot project to include these options for our students.
Tomorrow, my good friend Debra Betty’s phone will ring at Contact North and we will explore the possibilities.
Who Is Teaching Who?
Apologies to faithful followers of this blog for my extended absence…life has been crazy busy.
On Fri Jan 16, I conducted a half-hour orientation session for the 26 students who volunteered to take my Rec 130 course online ("e-class'") through Contact North.
As I unsteadily demonstrated the features and capabilities of Centra, it became obvious the students were far more comfortable with technology than their professor. When I hesitated in the slightest to locate a tool or to perform a task, my students were way ahead of me and took way too much satisfaction offering me suggestions and helpful advice. An observer might wonder who was teaching who…a bit of a humbling experience.
The willingness of these students to embrace this technology reminded me of a comment made by Dr. Stephen Murgatroyd during our training session “today’s students are not only using technology but they are experts and educators need to catch up.”
After the orientation session, I was very encouraged and most thankful for the positive attitude and enthusiasm of my student volunteers…if this pilot project is successful it will be in no small part due to these students…Canadore College Recreation students rock!
The training is over for the teacher and the students…let the games begin…first class starts Wed January 21.
First Class: Wed Jan 21, 2009
Off To a Rocky Start
It’s only 11:10am on Wed Jan 21, and already a stream of students start to assemble for their 11:30am Rec 130 class. In total there are 87 students who will be taking this course the traditional way ("in class") while another 26 students will be simultaneously attending the class online ("e-class") through Contact North.
The “in class” students are aware this is a pilot project and they seem very curious about how this is all going to play out. As the computer is turned on and the Contact North site is projected on to the large screen the excitement builds.
Attempting to appear confident, I proceed to perform an audio test on my wireless microphone… nothing happens…I immediately have two thoughts: Why didn’t I test this mic earlier, as Mike Buck , Canadore College’s computer guru, had suggested two weeks ago? Second thought...what is Mike Buck’s phone extension? In no time, Mike responded to my first crisis and replaced my wireless microphone with a standard wired microphone. I pretend to ignore the polite hushed chatter of the “in class” students who now have reason to be skeptical of this whole e-class experiment.
Class Is Now In Session
All eyes were on the screen as the clock ticked down to the start of the class. The “in class” students were a bit amused as they watched “e-class” students start to sign in. Some “e-class” students couldn’t resist the temptation to immediately send a barrage of text chat to their “in class” friends. Most messages extolled the virtues of taking the course from the comfort of their homes. One student even shared with us that he was still in bed and working from his laptop.
At 11:30am I clicked on the BEGIN button and our experiment was officially underway. I welcomed the “e-class” participants and asked them to indicate by clicking on the YES checkmark if they could hear me …this is when my second crisis of the day occurred. Several students did not reply…as I considered what to do next…my brilliant students quickly solved their own problems and starting sending text chat messages saying: “I can hear you and I can see the slides on the screen.”
Later I discovered several reasons for the initial start-up hiccups. For example, one student explained she was using Explorer and it kept getting her disconnected so she later switched to Firefox and the problem was resolved (something to ask my Contact North tech friends about). This crisis also made me a big fan of Centra’s text chat feature.
After a delay of less than a minute, I opened my Power Point presentation and our lesson began. During our hour long class there was lively discussions and some well thought out questions from “e-class” and “in class” students. “E-class” students seemed totally engaged and continually posted questions and comments.
To ensure students maintained a certain degree of focus on my presentation I would minimize the text chat so it was not a distraction. On those occasions when I displayed the text chat and responded to “e-class” students I noticed the “in class” students became more attentive.
One unexpected but very impressive consequence occurred during the class. An “in class” student requested I provide her with a textbook definition of a term we had been discussing. I was unable to offer a “textbook” definition and as I was explaining generally what the term meant an “e-class” student had already found the definition on the Internet and had kindly posted it for us to read…to the great amusement of my "in class" students...since my back was to the screen it took me a moment to realize why everyone was enjoying a chuckle...who is teaching who here?.
All in all, not a complete disaster for our first class using e-learning technology …but certainly this old professor has much to learn; fortunately, he is blessed with patient and helpful students.
Reflections on Day One
After our class ended, I was reflecting upon my experiences to date with e-learning when a student approached to apologize for missing class and wondered if he had missed anything really important...My instant response was…"no problem, the class was recorded you can watch it from your computer at your leisure"…later that evening I discovered my last blunder of the day…I had forgotten the instructions on how to record my class…and sadly my first e-class is now only a memory.
To date, I am struck by the genuine enthusiasm and willingness of my college students to embrace e-learning. I am beginning to realize e-learning has the power to engage students more actively in the learning process. For example, three of my Rec 130 e-class students have decided to meet every Monday evening for the remainder of the semester to have dinner while watching recorded sessions of Rec 130 classes (I definitely have to learn how to record my classes). The class playback option will also assist students who miss classes or who would like to review certain topic areas.
Why Not Everyone?
Interestingly, after our initial class, four “in class” students requested they be switched to the “e-class” group…this got me wondering…is it possible for all 113 students to have the option to take this course either “in class” or by “e-class”?
Further, why not allow all students the opportunity to take this course by attending a mix of "in class" and "e-class" sessions if they so choose? I contacted David Himmelman, our Program Dean, and he supported expanding our pilot project to include these options for our students.
Tomorrow, my good friend Debra Betty’s phone will ring at Contact North and we will explore the possibilities.
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