Tuesday, September 29, 2015
Hybrid Class - Virtual Connection
Throughout your day you use technology in a variety of ways. Monday night's class we used SKYPE to allow students who chose to do so, to connect to class virtually. In the comments section discuss how this format influenced the learning opportunity for students. What are the advantages and disadvantages?
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For me it was a weird experience because I had never done something like that before. It was strange hearing voices and not seeing the faces that went with them. It was also hard to hear people in class and interact with them. Sometimes I felt like I was missing out on part of the discussion that was in class. However, I did like that I was able to zoom in on documents that were shown to the people online because sometimes in the classroom it is difficult to see over people. Another advantage was being able to stay at home and eat dinner at a reasonable time! Over all this was a new learning experience for me. I do not know if I will participate in this way again, but it was a great experience.
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ReplyDeletePersonally I wasn't really a fan of this format because I have trouble hearing someone if I cant watch their lips move. The people who spoke on Skype through our speakers were sometimes difficult to understand. This format would be helpful for people who live away from campus because it would save them gas to drive here. If hearing isn't an issue for you, I suppose this set up would be just as good as a regular classroom because we were still able to cover all the material we needed. I also tried to connect in the classroom but I couldn't figure out how to do it. I came to class because I knew my hearing would benefit better from being there physically, but it's a good thing I did because I probably wouldn't have been able to join the group.
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed the fact that I could hang out at home eat dinner and lay in a hammock during class. Although I have a very hard time with the program. I had perfect wifi inside my house and on my hammock but yet it kept kicking me out of the program. The text would still work but whatever was being displayed and the voices were gone. I felt like I missed out on a lot of the material. It was really hard to hear the questions people asked in the classroom. I kept trying to ask for someone to say to peoples questions louder but I think my comment got lost in everyone elses comments. I think it is a huge advantage for people who cant go to school, if they are sick for a long period of time they could still learn everything. If my computer had worked the way it should have then I would have really enjoyed this experience, because I signed up for this class thinking it was mostly all going to be online so I had the idea going in that we would be using technology. It was a great new experience I just wish I didnt have the problems I did.
ReplyDeleteI physically attended class on Monday and thought that using Skype to connect with students outside of the class was definitely a unique experience, I had never done anything in a class even remotely similar to what we did Monday. I think there were both advantages and disadvantages to the way class was conducted. I think that being able to hear from students that were not in class physically was very cool and practical in that sense that students can be anywhere and still participate in class. I think that this concept can be broadened to reach out to more than just students at home, but people worldwide from which we would like to ask questions, get their opinion, etc. Some obvious disadvantages were the unreliability of using technology. We had trouble getting everyone to hear everyone, eliminating background noise, and keeping everyone on the same page when were unaware of what people were understanding back home. The chat bar on the side really helped to establish communication, without the chat bar I am not sure how much we would have been able to discuss. All in all, I really liked the concept of Skyping students outside of class but there were some issues; if we can resolve these issues, I think that it would be a really great resource.
ReplyDeleteWow! Excellent reflection and feedback. You have identified critical elements that impact student participation in the class and discussion. We will be doing at least two more classes like this. Continue to share your thoughts on Monday's class - what worked well, what did not. In addition, I am very interested in your ideas on what could be changed to make it a more effective learning experience. Keep thinking and sharing!
ReplyDeleteAt first I thought this was going to be a great experience and not that difficult. But when we used it I personally found it hard to follow along and understand what was being taught. Half of the time I could not see what was being shown on the screen and I myself am a visual learner. The advantage I think of this is that we get to be at home and in our own comfort and have the side notes of people chiming in. One thing that could be a disadvantage would be that it was just really hard to follow along and make a smooth class out of it. It just seemed either in class or typing, not really much of a blend of both at the same time. I think personally I would go into class next time because for me in was hard to follow along and don't think I understood much of what was being taught.
ReplyDeleteDanielle, this is very important and valuable feedback. The key is always hearing from students specifics about the learning experience and knowing how to improve on it. If materials cannot be seen on the screen I want to make sure I know this so I can change that by changing the color of the PowerPoint - if that is the part that wasn't visible. If it wasn't clear because it didn't come through then this is something I need to know in regards to how the technology is used.
ReplyDeleteThis is also one of the reasons why I sent the link early in the week and invited students to practice so that any technology kinks could be worked out prior to class.
All of this is very important, valid and valuable feedback in order to improve how technology is used instructionally. If it doesn't work well and is not a benefit to the learners, then it should not be used. If it is a matter of the instructor preparing or planning better, then it is key that I use feedback in order to do that.
Key is communication and that all are actively involved to make it the most beneficial learning experience that it can be.
I also attended class physically on Monday night. I thought it was cool, especially for ones who may commute and live far away. I personally didn't choose to use Skype because my computer is soo slow and I knew id run into problems. I think there are some advantages and disadvantages to using Skype than being physically in class. Some advantages are being able to stay home especially if you live far away or have young children. Another would be that you have to keep commenting in order to be participating so it will motivate you to pay attention. Some disadvantages were people had trouble connecting as well as internet issues. Another disadvantage is you can't give it all your attention if you're in your own environment versus a classroom. I would be distracted by the TV, family members/roommates, etc. Even though you may comment you may comment a few times and then proceed to do you own thing. I have never had a class do this and think it was really cool. Overall I think it worked out well and look forward to experiencing this again with you guys!
ReplyDeleteThe learning opportunity was influenced by the student being able to log in and hear the lecture/discussion. We were able to give feedback. The visuals on the screen enhanced the discussion and we could see what the students in the class were privy to. The disadvantage was, sometimes we could not hear the students present their ideas. If they were not on Skype, or not close to the computer, it was hard to understand them.
ReplyDeleteI attended via SKYPE and though I loved being able to be at home on a Monday night before 10pm there were times hearing could be an issue. There were technical issues similar to what Kristen had, I managed to over come most of it. For me this type of set up would be of huge benefit when the weather shifts and we start having bad roads. Now that I know what I am doing and have the program installed. Now back to the issue of hearing what is being said, There were times it was difficult and not having a face to focus on was a little disconcerting, though since I was using my phone to connect with the audio it wasn't as hard for my brain to overcome. I state this because as Grace stated it was hard for her to completely hear everything and understand all that was said without having a face to focus on. I also read in other comments not having a face to put with the sound was hard to follow. I can understand that. It is almost like when you are having some one connect remotely to your computer and all of a sudden you lose control of your mouse and it starts moving around via someone else's hand all the while you are talking to the other person. That is the best way I can relate to the overall feeling of the experience. I do think that if all my hybrid classes were SKYPE sessions I would have an easier time with them.
ReplyDeleteAs a commuter student and mother, I was excited for this hybrid night because I saw a huge advantage in being able to stay home and give the sitter a break. While my son got a little fussy, making me question whether I might ask the sitter to still come next time, I still enjoyed the class. One of my biggest flaws is in not speaking up in class, so having the text box option made me feel so much more comfortable expressing ideas. Additionally, I felt that the text boxes gave those of us connected via Skype a chance to each voice ideas and review others' contributions in a more thorough way than we might have time for when we are speaking. I did have issues hearing the students who were in the classroom until they were asked to come closer (I'm assuming) to Mrs. White's computer. Overall, I enjoyed the class, kinks and all, and look forward to continually learning in new ways.
ReplyDeleteI physically attended class Monday and thought it was cool that the other people could still be a part of class and our discussions even from their homes. I think hearing people or reading the text box was a little difficult at times, but I think overall, it went well!
ReplyDeleteI attended class on Monday. Some disadvantages that I noticed with the students who didn't show up, were: losing connection, unable to hear or participate in class discussions, external distractions, etc. I think some advantages for the Hybrid class are it gives those who are unable to attend class physically the chance to. I think as technology progresses, the ability to do a Hybrid class will improve.
ReplyDeleteI tried posting but I guess it did not work because I forgot to sign in. The only advantages I saw to this class period was being able to lay in your bed, or take care of something else rather than class itself. The disadvantages lied solely in the fact that there were so many technical difficulties. It made it so hard for me to get distracted and not want to pay attention. For me, I did not like the set up of class, but I do understand that it works better for some people. Maybe next time there won't be any technical issues.
ReplyDeleteUsing skype was a very different way for me to have a class. There were some problems using the hybrid class as well. Sometimes when the people using the internet kept losing connection or you couldn't hear them because they lost audio. Sometimes when the people in the classroom would speak the people online couldn't hear us. I prefer to physically be in a classroom to learn the best way.
ReplyDeleteGranted "meetings" are much different than "college classes." I participate almost weekly in virtual meetings where everyone is in a different location. Everyone must participate either via voice or the chat box. Considering all of the great feedback I do believe there are ways to have a successful virtual class session.
ReplyDeleteStudents are able to work out technology kinks so that they can do Netflix, various forms of social media, gaming and many other kinds of technology. I'm convinced with advance notice they could also figure out how to effectively do SKYPE and actively participate in a class session. Often times the key is motivation and how much one truly wants to have something work.
I'm looking forward to making some changes on my part in order to use the technology more effectively from a "teaching" perspective. I'll expect the students to do the same and make the necessary adjustments so that they're able to work out whatever difficulties they experienced as well.
I thought that using Skype for the Monday night hybrid class was, different and seemed to take up a lot of time with connection problems and getting everything figured out. I did find this to be a neat way to have the class, mixed it up a little. Future hybrid Skype class meetings I think would be nice once everyone really figures out how to use Skype. I felt like it was a more relaxed type of class but was difficult for everyone to know what was happening. Technology can be tricky.
ReplyDeleteI thought that using Skype for the Monday night hybrid class was, different and seemed to take up a lot of time with connection problems and getting everything figured out. I did find this to be a neat way to have the class, mixed it up a little. Future hybrid Skype class meetings I think would be nice once everyone really figures out how to use Skype. I felt like it was a more relaxed type of class but was difficult for everyone to know what was happening. Technology can be tricky.
ReplyDeleteI cannot say much about the hybrid class since I decided to be in the classroom. I never have good luck with technology, so I decided it was better to be safe than sorry. I can see how it could be very beneficial to some students who are not on campus, but I liked having the option to be in the classroom.
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