Brainstorm+1+-+Collaborative+Learning+in+Virtual+Space

In order to grow from our experiences together, I want to invite you to share ideas for improving our virtual learning experiences:

Eliezer: In informal education we always try to make sure that the organizational structure, the method of instruction, and the venue are always in sync. There is no point in hiking up a mountain just to listen to the guide give over a lesson. I tell my staff, if you have a group use it. I think the same could be said for the virtual instruction. When we come together for a synchronous class unit, there must be some compelling reason to do so. Coming together, implies a group. So, I would want to see more group interaction. We did some of that in our last Webx lesson. But, I think there could be more. Videos, texts, materials, that are processed individually could be handed out before class. Coming together in class is a social experience. The means of instruction should use that strength as well.

Ruth: For me, there has been a lot to absorb very quickly, and I would have liked to have more time to integrate what I've learned into my PLN. For example, choosing a blogging site was not something I took lightly, because I was interested in that medium anyway. It took quite some time to check out each blogging site, determine what the functionality of each oner was and selecting one. Once that one was chosen, I really had no time to delve into what its capabilities are. So I've posted on it, but want to learn so much more about blogging. I've loved learning about all these new things...I just wish there was more time to examine, analyze, assess,etc.

Connecting with our classmates would be a good opportunity to share our experiences. The SL experience for me was so different, but I wish that we had some 'chill time' as a class to get familiar with the more creative uses of that medium, rather than the very formal teaching style that was used.

Deborah: Your points are well taken. I had hoped that previous exploration would have given us more flexibility in navigation. I think that the next time I will set the neighborhood experience up as a scavenger hunt and send you off to work in teams. We could end at the synagogue or Beit Midrash and have each team report on their experience, possibly even relate it to a text.

Sandra: I feel a little bit like Ruth in the sense that it has been a lot to internalize. When I figure out how to do one thing, there are 3 more waiting to be done, and I cannot spend the amount of time I would have liked to spend learning about each medium. I love the idea of a scavenger hunt!

Debbie: RE: the SL experience, I just didn't have enough exploration time before the session to be comfortable navigating well, although I was working on other aspects of the class pretty constantly throughout the week to keep up. It took me time to even figure out Bubbl.us, as well as the Wiki, while incorporating reading and writing time into the week. Perhaps I just had too much of a learning curve in that week with each application that was presented.

Lisa: Sandra, I feel as you do! I have been able to function as a classroom teacher, using the technology I thought I knew so much about. I never knew I could take my students so far beyond where they are with me. I know I could use a few weeks on each of the tasks related to the Internet - to explore the sites and possibilities and overcome my fears. I know I can't ruin anything but it is taking me a long time to absorb each piece. So often I want to pick up the phone and call for help!