One thing that I found really neat and useful was the Blackboard Collaborate Room. Being able to be the instructor rather than the student, I found the program really easy to use. I liked that it was really simple to set up breakout rooms, load a power point, and being able to pull up a website for the rest of class to view.
After reading the assigned chapters in the TACCLE Handbook, I realized how much time and effort goes into creating a online course. This was one of the points that was made in the article by Michelle Everson from the previous week, but I definitely saw why when reading Chapters 18 - 26. I was a bit overwhelmed with the checklists that they suggest going through when creating learning objects, and the separate criteria for each type of learning object you create (text-based, pictures, graphics, cartoons, etc.). I am sure after creating a few online courses, it becomes almost second nature to include these features.
Also, when I participated in the online conference by Ian Jukes, it was really exciting to be able to listen live to renown expert on 21st century learning. I thought online conferences might be a great way for districts to conduct some professional development opportunities at a fraction of the cost of bringing in the speaker live. In addition, I could definitely see having students participate in an online conference that relates to what you are currently studying. This would be an excellent way of bringing relevance to the topic you are covering and I think students would appreciate this opportunity.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
I totally agree - I had a huge feeling of accomplishment when I used Blackboard as a moderator - I was having some issues as the student and was a little unsure if I could make the tools work how I wanted them to - but I did last night :)
ReplyDeleteI found the online conference that I saw also interesting...it wasn't exactly in a teaching setting (the dairy industry and social media), but it was so cool to have presenters from all across the country in different settings sharing their story - and not having to worry about time, flights, rental cars, GPS, and the cost for the district (I think this would be awesome for inservice days for us and for in the classroom)!