Jumping blogsites and showing up

I've made my first video!

This video is my response to the Facilitating Online 2010 course requirements. I learnt a lot about myself and the art of videoing during this experience. I also discovered that there are more differences than I thought between the two blogging platforms. I have found that blogger is far easier. The new template design features mean I can configure the layout to more suit my needs. I also like the follower button and couldn't figure out how to add it to the other platform.

Back to the video creation, I was surprised at how anxious I felt as I started the video filming and how self conscious I was during the video. The experience has been really worthwhile. Looking at the video, I can see how self conscious I was. That's great feedback for me and helps me to think more about my teaching style and how I come across and how I want to come across.

The list of activities Sarah Stewart our talented and social media savvy facilitator has asked us to engage in this week include: 

1. Watch the video by Clive Shepherd called "Welcome to the virtual classroom". This video explains the difference between asynchronous and synchronous communication, and explains why and how you'd use online communication.

Comment: I loved Clive's explanation of the development of communication modes and the differences between synchronous and asynchronous communication. A very clear and considered presentation. Gives some good ideas on how to present information in a video format.  The requirements for effective online conferencing and teaching were outlined succinctly. A very useful resource and one that can only enhance my thinking about online facilitation and teaching.

2. Join the 'Facilitating Online' Google email group.

Comment: I've joined the group and find the interaction very encouraging and friendly. Everyone is really positive and supportive. A wonderful way to get and provide feedback and information. 

3. Make a plan for what you want to learn and explore, and write it up (or present in another way eg mindmap, video recording) on your blog. Answer these questions. 

Comment:  So, my first foray into video recording and blogging is in this post. I'm not sure I really answered the questions following adequately in my video recording, so will ponder each question separately below. If anyone feels like giving feedback on the video, I'd be grateful to receive it.

Sarah asks:

• What do you want to learn to facilitate?  

Comment: I'm still thinking about this question. The mud is settling somewhat. I like Chris Woodhouse's focus on creativity in online facilitation. An interesting post on psychorg talked about a group who are researching creativity as a social process to solve problems; an idea which I suspect is very much in line what Chris was thinking about. 

• What are you doing now in terms of online facilitation? 

Comment: I'm privileged to teach midwifery in both face to face and online modes through the University of Newcastle.

• What would you like to achieve, change or do more of? 

Comment: I would like to make more dynamic and interesting online resources for students. I also like the idea of online meeting/education sessions, like those we have experienced with Elluminate. Many of the students are mothers, wives and employees, not to mention all the other 'hats' they wear while they study. Providing exciting, interesting and useful learning tools makes learning fun and something they want to engage with, even if it is late at night when everyone else is in bed and the house is quiet. 

and then... there is the whole political activism agenda that beckons me...

• What do you need to do or make happen to achieve your goal? 

Comment: For a start, the recipe is skills and tools, both of which this course is providing me with. Those items are the primary ingredients, but so much more is needed to make the mix just right. A healthy sackful of creative thinking and dare devil courage with a good measure of right action will make it all rise and take form.  This video offering is the beginning.