Lots of interesting ideas on this module...I must accept that I never paid too much attention to the ideas presented on the readings for this module. This concept of "social presence" was not part of my things while I have facilitated distance and online learning in my past practice. But, I am convinced now by reading and listening our facilitator (Dave) talk about the importance of social presence in the online environment. I am guessing one of the reasons why social presence was not a concern for me is because I have mostly taught courses to technical majors such IT and Applied Engineering students. These students are pretty motivated and they also do not have much trouble with technology. Thus, social presence or absence has not been a concern for me. But, social presence can only help improve my work with future tech students.
The other part of my story, is that I have naturally tried to provide a variety of means to convey content and facilitate learning. I have used text, audio, video and both synchronous and asynchronous meetings. These were just normal things for me to do while facilitating distance and online learning.
Having said all the above, I have been introduced to a new tool "VoiceThread" and I love it. This will be another great one to utilize in my future course development activities. I like the idea of a very mixed video format. Overall, I love the simplicity to work out videos with VT. Other more sophisticated software will allow me doing many things but it might be more complicated.
From this module readings I also gathered lots of good ideas, tips, principles and strategies to improve social presence. I believe the readings provide rich and practical nuggets to enhance the online learning environment. I have used some of these methods, but of course there is always room for improvement and testing of new methods.
The one thing to be reminded though , is the fact that one can be overwhelmed if trying to implement all of these ideas at one time. So, I try to remind myself of the need to start with a working model, something that will streamline the processes and again avoid "technology congestion" every time I plan the deliver of a new course.
Thanks Oscar!
ReplyDeleteYou got me thinking about the audience of top achievers. At certain levels of education instruction becomes easier because your audience is intrinsically more motivated. Like a well known rock band - they don't have to try very hard to "please" their crowd because they come expectant and hungry. A "new band" on the other hand has to "win" the approval and favor of their audience before achieving such adoring feedback.
Perhaps some disciplines lend themselves more readily to online learning. Would I dare ask: Do some disciplines attract personalities that lend themselves more readily to online learning? It would make sense that analytical brains naturally need less "personality" from their instructor than global/spatial thinkers. Interesting.
There are some classes which work well with technology and/or as an online option while other do not. The same would be true for people who all have different learning styles. In some situations that could apply to the social presence as well. Even our instructor stated that the science methods class uses more hands on in a face to face environment with limited use of other technologies.
ReplyDeleteOscar good point, it's easy to be consumed and buried with technology, both students and teachers. Knowing that in advance I think is key. Just because it's a neat tool, doesn't mean it fits what you are doing or should be used in your course. Good insight
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