Our second week of our Master's program brought some additional technical and logistical challenges.
The first was in the video conference for our study group. Although three of us were able to join the video conference without issue, we had a problem when Crystal joined. She was able to send audio, but the video image was just blank. After talking for several minutes we were able to figure out that she had opened Google Chat first, then had opened Tokbox, which is what we were using. The Google session was using the camera and preventing Tokbox from sending an image. After closing Google we were able to see Crystal's image and complete our discussion.
The logistical challenge was in scheduling my video conference with Louis. Due to a conflict our original time did not work. It took several emails, but we were eventually able to locate another time.
The them that jumped out at me in both these instances was that Online learning will require a lot of student responsibility and accountability. Because of the nature of online learning, there will be many challenges like those above. Students will need to think through how to solve these problems, often without direct access to the instructor. Not all students will be up for this challenge.
As instructors we will need to take extra steps to make sure we are available for the students to help them in these times. It is now obvious why Louis stressed that we should not struggle, but should should just call his cell when we get stuck. Online learning will require instructors to provide several ways for the students to contact them, and to repeat this information throughout the course.
One additional comment. I just completed my video conference with our instructor, Louis. We were successful in starting our call, but partway through his Wolfmail account became active. Because it is also linked to Google Chat, the video camera shifted to Google and I lost his image in Skype. Important tip: Be sure to exit out of Google chat and Wolfmail before starting a video conference!
ReplyDeleteJohn, after reading both your blog and your comment, I wonder why Google gets to override whatever other video chat you are trying to do? Did you have Google open before Skype?
ReplyDeleteAlso, I agree with you when you say that it will take a lot of responsibility on our part. I feel like I am always checking my email from school to make sure I did not miss anything. If I go a whole day without looking I get nervous. I enjoy Louis flexibility and allowing us to use his cell number when we get stuck. I hope the other professors are as flexible when we get stuck.
John - thanks for the tip! I will make sure that I am closed out of certain programs before starting others. I agree wholeheartedly with your comment about being responsible instructors. We can't just give our students some ideas, expect them to produce, and leave them hanging. We have to know how to troubleshoot! (Just like you did on our team video call) My question to you would be - what do you do if you can't solve the problem? Do you go to Atomic Learning? Data services team? I know that you aren't in a classroom, so I don't expect an answer. I just always try to think one step ahead in case I find myself in a pickle.
ReplyDeleteI applaud how your group worked together to troubleshoot and solve the video issue. This is certainly higher order thinking in application. Ultimately, shouldn't we be asking students to be responsible for their learning at all junctures as we guide them.
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