The world is so empty if one thinks only of mountains, rivers & cities; but to know someone who thinks & feels with us, & who, though distant, is close to us in spirit, this makes the earth for us an inhabited garden
- Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
How to Teach Online
This module was intensive and challenging but extremely rewarding. The level of peer-to-peer learning was hugely significant and a real demonstration of the true potential of social constructivism in learning. It provided a unique opportunity for insight into online learning from the perspective of both a participant and a teacher/e-moderator. From my readings over the course of the four weeks, and my observations of the best practice modelled by the module tutors, I have collected my top tips for online teaching in an Articulate Storyline presentation. Just click on the image below to view.
TECHNOLOGY DISCOVERY
I was introduced to the following technologies during the course of this module which were used to accommodate synchronous and asynchronous communications and manage group work:
The Slack App was very perfect for asynchronous communication over the course of the group discussion design project. The app was available to download to my phone which meant that I could keep up with the regular posts, particularly when close to task deadlines.
My debate team used Skype for synchronous communication. It was an appropriate technology for this purpose as the majority of the team were familiar with it and already had it installed. It has limitations such as a video function which cannot be activated when more than three participants are logged on and no facility for recording the sessions.
Smartsheet is an online project management tool which we used on the group discussion design project. It utilises a spreadsheet format to organise and assign tasks while keeping track of status.
Blackboard Collaborate is a virtual meeting software and was used for weekly webinars and Q & A sessions run by the module tutors. It offers video, audio and text chat facilities while facilitating slide presentations. it is possible to record sessions and save chat text for later refection.
Adobe Connect was used to accommodate synchronous group communication over the course of the group discussion design project. It has video, audio and chat facilities for multiple participants and meetings could be recorded for future reference.