Thursday, August 4, 2011

The Online Face-to-Face Classroom

UPDATE: The encoder is behaving better now. I have recorded a higher-resolution version and re-uploaded it here.

This is my final project for ENGL5060:


This is a supporting video - a simulated online writing class (or writing lab) as proof of concept. For best results, view this video in HD, full screen.

3 comments:

  1. Dear Dan,

    Thank you for sharing your final project. What an Interesting topic...one that is important for growth in academic field and systems of education.
    The video contains most of the important elements to get message across. I got the message, and I think it is a good quick review of current technology and systems available to educators.

    I agree that the best way of teaching is face to face, and I liked your class examples. One technological problem not mentioned, that occurs with this Google system based on the capture of video movement is that the person who nods their head the most appears as if they are speaking...well, one guy could theoretically hijack the entire discussion :-)

    And I really like your encouragement for teachers to use any system that incorporates face to face interaction.

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  2. This is so neat! During the entire thing, I was thinking about how to utilize this in my students' group projects. One of their main complaints about working in groups is that meetings are so hard to schedule. This issue is familiar in the professional world, too, but I think it particularly impacts students because they don't have dedicated time (within an eight-hour workday) to meet.

    Debbie makes a great point that the technology isn't perfect yet. But one of the things I like about Google is that they are typically willing to adapt/improve, at least while the application is new or being utilized.

    Thanks for posting!

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  3. Debbie - you're right about that. When my brother got up to answer a text, the screen went dutifully to him because he was moving most. It's useful to remember, though, that I remained at the top of the screen for the other viewers because I was actually talking. The focus of attention varies per viewer. (Just like in a real conversation!)

    Chalice - I hope students will end up using this in group work! That would be excellent. I wonder if we can overcome their resistance to videoconferencing.

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