EDLD 5363 Web Conferences

Web Conference Summary June 9

June 9, 2012 9am

Kay Abernathy led the web conference which focused on answering questions. There were a few audio problems, and only two people out of the 8 attendees were using their webcams, for various reasons.

Prof. Abernathy went over the assignments for week 1, and answered our questions. She explained in depth how to generate and use embedded code in order to publish our videos on youtube.

We discussed how web 2.0 has changed things so that we are now contributors instead of just passive receivers. The internet has changed so that it is no longer just a place to find information, but it is environment to allow each of us to contribute to everyone else’s knowledge!

Web Conference Summary June 11

June 11, 2012 7pm

I’m not sure what happened tonight. I logged in and tried to get on the conference call. It doesn’t seem that anyone else is here. I checked the course announcements and my email and didn’t see a cancellation notice. Oh well, sometimes things happen, especially when you’re dealing with technology! When glitches happen, you have to learn to roll with them. In class, when surprises happen, I try use the opportunity to let my students see that no one is perfect. We can use these opportunities to think of new approaches and alternatives. Sometimes the unexpected things can lead to the best lessons, even if they weren’t part of “the plan”! Other times surprises can lead to chaos and lesson-disaster in the classroom. In those cases, you have to laugh and acknowledge a greater life lesson!

Web Conference Summary June 30

June 30, 2012, 9am

Kay Abernathy hosted the conference which began with the usual audio and video issues. There were also communication problems with the chat so it seemed that, for most of the conference, Kay wasn’t able to see what we were typing. It’s frustrating that a major portion of these conferences always seems to be consumed with these types of issues.

In spite of all, the most important part of this conference was clarification on the assignments. This week (week 4) is mostly a work week, with the final project due next week. Still, there are 5 assignments due for this week, and is isn’t clear what needs to be turned in to get  credit. On the documents where there doesn’t seem to be anything to enter, we just need to make a note that we are working and submit it. She just wants to see progress.

There are some issues with everyone not receiving credit for the wk1 assignments, but she told us all to double-check. If we don’t have credit we should email her (kayabernathy@gmail.com) or call her (409-782-0100). She assured us that she is not a “gotcha” person. She wants us to be able to be successful, and will do whatever she needs to help us.  I really appreciate her attitude. It is very reassuring in this often unclear virtual environment!

For week 5, we will need to submit our progress on our action research plan and the internship hours we have completed! Videos will be due next week!