Week 3 reflections on the new learning so far

I have taken up Sarah’s advice to consolidate, as the sheer volume of information that is out there (as demonstrated in the Did You Know 4.0) can be overwhelming and very tantalising, I certainly have the tendency to go down all sorts of interesting pathways, with the danger of ending up with nothing coherent or linked to my own goals. The classic self directed learning cul de sac!
So I have set smaller challenges
1) To be more strategic in my decisions of that aspects of the technology to use, rather than engage in wishful thinking. I need to be really clear about my who/what/why/when/where of using online technologies. Chromatics advice was useful here. I need to clarify my purpose, audience/participants/community. Nancy Whites advice on the communities/network distinction was also helpful. Much of my career has been within communities who identify with stronger ties, collaborative work and want to be part of a collective. Whereas network participants may be more comfortable with loose ties, with a commitment to the network but not necessarily individuals, this will inform my strategic planning. Like Chris, I was not entirely sure of her between spaces. But look forward to finding out more. Tantalisingly there were other short video’s by Nancy White but the download was too slow.

2) To develop the micro skills and keep them small and frequent to build up my skills. I realise that made a few promises on the last blog that have not been kept, so it is a matter of ‘be careful what you promise’. Thinking aloud in written form may not be the best. Accept the small successes, for example google reader turned out to be quite straightforward once I knew where to look and that it was possible. The opaque knowledge on the web is a fascinating thing, there is so much there, but unlocking its possibilities can be a challenge. Checking on blogs seems like a mixed blessing, I imagine to develop a relevant blog it would be a considerable time commitment. Sarah, I cant imagine how much time you must spend with your computer, or perhaps as you have shown us, you become more efficient with its use.

Unfortunately I wont be able to make it to Friday’s session, but I do hope that a recording will be available. Wishing you all another interesting and informative session on Friday.

Week 2 goals

Thank you Sarah and everyone else, my first experience of a Elluminate was really enjoyable and I am feeling very excited about the potential in all of this. 

To respond to Sarah’s questions for week 2.

I will begin with what am I doing now in terms of online facilitation? 

The answer is really simple, only this course.  For quite sometime my most sophisticated handout was set up with bullet points and boxes!! Powerpoint has added some variety but I am not a great fan of it as so much of my teaching is constructed on the spot with the students.  But I think that the tools on this course will fit more effectively for emerging processes, once I have the hang of them of course.   

What do I want to learn to facilitate?

I would like to be able to set up synchronous and asynchronous teaching materials, I want to use the technology to enhance the teaching that I offer and have more variety and flexibility.  Ideally I will feel comfortable developing web seminars, video, blogs and perhaps website (one day).  This will be a great tool for sharing the material with a wider audience and continuing the professional conversations with others before or after they have engaged in some face to face teaching.  At this point I don’t imagine that I will develop a full on line package – but who knows!  I could get adventurous!

What would I like to achieve, change, or do more of?

Well I may start with a bit more activity and setting up of this blog in the next week, so watch this space.  To make that happen I just have to get on with it, along with guidance from Sarah, and anyone else who would like to contribute.  I may scour some of the sites for ideas You will have to forgive me if I shamelessly copy ideas   If you are following this site, see if you can find any changes by this time next week.

Imaginative Teaching

My name is Therese La Porte, I am a professional development consultant.  My main areas of interest are facilitation skills, workplace learning, project management for education and training and research in adult teaching and learning.  I have a special interest in creative teaching and the professional development of adult educators and I really welcome any conversations about these topics.