For me, this assignment was definitely a learning experience! Prior to this course, I had NO experience with blogs or blogging and ZERO experience planning, editing, or producing a multimedia project. This course, especially this particular assignment, challenged me in ways I had never encountered before; however, after I got over the initial anxiety and confusion, I found these challenges to be very exciting and fun. It was nice to learn in ways other than the traditional (and now boring) read and write methods.
For this assignment, I interviewed Mr. Arthur Smith, Program Director and Full Time faculty member for the Business and Leadership Programs at Southwestern College Professional Studies. I choose to interview Arthur because he was the first instructor I encountered within my undergraduate program who utilized technology in the classroom, and I found this integration to be very beneficial to my learning experience. Although I was initially intimidated by Arthur's use of technology, his course (Research Methods) ended up being my favorite and not because I enjoyed the course topic!
The technology Arthur and I discuss during the interview is BlackBoard Collaborate. Arthur describes Collaborate as web conferencing software which is tailored to education. As the interview showcases, Arthur uses Collaborate to connect, interact, and engage his online learners. While detailing Collaborate, Arthur explains the benefits and challenges of this technology, how he integrates and introduces Collaborate to learners, and his evaluation of how Collaborate supports the needs of adult distance learners.
To learn more about what BlackBoard Collaborate technology is and how it can be used successfully within adult education curriculum, please take a moment to view my interview with Mr. Arthur Smith.
References
Smith, A. (2013, October 3). Integrating
Collaborative Technology in the Classroom. (S. Floyd, Interviewer)
Hello Shandi,
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed your video. You did a great job interviewing Professor Smith, I liked the points you animated. We talked about using Camtasia it must have worked well for you. It was good to work with you this term.
Lynn
Hi Lynn,
DeleteThank you for your kind comments! Yes, I really enjoyed working with Camtasia software for this assignment. Considering I just scratched the surface of what Camtasia can do, I look forward to using this software in the future. I too enjoyed learning with you throughout this course. Maybe we will have another opportunity to learn together within another course. Thanks again for viewing and commenting on my video.
Several of the universities to which I am applying for Assistant Professor positions utilize Blackboard as their LMS; I found your interview helpful since the only LMS experience I have is KSOL. Now I feel a bit more prepared to tackle this particular technology if I am hired at a university that uses it.
ReplyDeleteHi Wendy,
DeleteI'm glad you found my interview helpful! BlackBoard Collaborate does have a lot of neat features that can be used to engage and connect learners. Southwestern College used BlackBoard Learn for most of my enrollment there; however, near the end of my program, they switched to BlackBoard Collaborate which I very much enjoyed. I loved the ability to see and hear my instructor and classmates. I also appreciated the file sharing and presentation features.
During my interview with Arthur, we recorded a demonstration section; however, I was not able to incorporate this into my interview due to lack of time and editing skill on my part. I still have this demonstration video if you are interested, or you can check out our fellow classmate's interview (Amanda Fairbanks, I think?). I believe she was the other student whose interview focused on BlackBoard Collaborate technology. Her demonstration section is very informative. Thanks again for your kind comments!
Hi Shandi:
ReplyDeleteThis is such a nice multimedia interview with Professor Arthur Smith. I was familiar with Blackboard because my interviewee uses it as well for her course instruction. What I like about Professor Smith is that he really seems to use this Learning Management System to deeply engage with learners via instructor-student interaction and 1:1 conferences.
I really liked the integration processes Professor Smith uses with his students: discussion, real-time interaction and giving a positive spin on the overall learning process. You did a really great job with this interview. You seem relaxed and your questions were direct and interesting. Moreover, Professor Smith came across as a very informative and supportive instructor of adult learners.
~Aja
Hi Aja,
DeleteThank you for your kind comments regarding my project! BlackBoard Collaborate does offer excellent features and tools for connecting learners, promoting interaction, and supporting engagement. Arthur does utilize Collaborate's components extensively and I believe (from personal experience) that his use of this technology does enhance the learning experience of his students. As you mention, placing a positive spin on technology is important during the integration process; acceptance of technology does not come easy for some and instructors need to place significant effort towards showcasing the learning benefits of technology use in the classroom. As Arthur mentioned, most learners are apprehensive about technology use the first time it is introduced, but after they use the technology and experience the benefits for themselves, they are usually hooked. Like I mention in my voicethread, technology in the classroom is like plastic surgery, it is a wonderful enhancement to the learning experience, but it can be scary laying down and going under the technological knife! Thanks again for reviewing my video and sharing your comments with me!
Shandi,
ReplyDeleteGreat presentation! Your video editing skills were really impressive and added a lot to the video. One aspect I especially enjoyed was the fact that you had key speaking points from you and your interviewee pop up on the screen. This allowed me to focus on the listening and have a visual aid as well! Your setting was good, but I think the video of your presentation was a little small. The volume was very good as well, something that is difficult without the use of a proper microphone setup.
Your questions were very well focused, allowing the interviewee to dig into the aspects of this project that were required, and a little further. It was interesting to hear how Mr. Smith used the collaborative software in the class. I think a good question was at minute 6, where you asked about his success story. This open ended question seemed to allow for a moment of truth with the technology he uses.
Great job!
Shandi,
ReplyDeleteI loved your video and am envious of your skills!! I agree with Jacob that the combination of visual cues and the audio made it far easier to pay attention and emphasize your learning points. I, too am familiar with Blackboard from prior classes, but really enjoyed the questions you asked and how in-depth the Professor went into discussing how she utilizes this technology to engage her learners.
Great presentation.