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.
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