This first week was overwhelming to say the least. Lots of reading, looking at blog entries, following links in the group Diigo, trying to keep up with discussion posts and respond or contribute thoughts in as many places as possible. I must admit that I am having a difficult time keeping up and wish I knew a system to organize all of these posts in a way that seems logical in my brain. It just seems like a lot of toggling back and forth to make sure I keep up.
I'm really intrigued by all of these new tools and can see real possibilities for application in my work as an instructional designer, in providing professional development activities for my faculty, in applications for the online classes I teach, and in marketing / promotion of activities or events associated with my work. I am also beginning to think ahead and become inspired about future projects for the class. I just need to focus on fewer tools and find those that fit the situation I am considering.
Sunday, June 30, 2013
My Toes Are in the Water
Well, I have spent a lot of time this week learning to navigate the new world of Web 2.0. I just thought I knew a little about this environment, and realize I really know much less. I am finding all this information interesting, but having a challenge to keep from being overwhelmed with so many options from which to choose.
I am a digital immigrant, so my communications comfort zone is more one-on-one, face-to-face or via a phone conversation. Even though I have used email, chat, discussion boards and other forms of online communication, I have not ventured into the use of very many Web 2.0 tools. While dipping my toes in the water this week, I am still a little anxious about going further and staying directed at the same time. I'm looking forward to getting past the breaking waves and into the calmer waters of understanding.
I am a digital immigrant, so my communications comfort zone is more one-on-one, face-to-face or via a phone conversation. Even though I have used email, chat, discussion boards and other forms of online communication, I have not ventured into the use of very many Web 2.0 tools. While dipping my toes in the water this week, I am still a little anxious about going further and staying directed at the same time. I'm looking forward to getting past the breaking waves and into the calmer waters of understanding.
Friday, June 28, 2013
Week 1 Prompt
Week 1 Prompt: What have been your prior experiences with social media and Web 2.0 technologies? Do you consider yourself a leader or follower in this realm, or something else altogether? Why? Also, discuss what you hope to get out of this class.
This is a new venture for me with the exception of communication with friends and family on Facebook and building a professional network using LinkedIn. I have also used Wikis and Google Docs as a part of previous class assignments in collaborative projects. As a result of these limited experiences, I would have to consider myself a follower in this new realm of communication at this point. However, I anticipate morphing into something else as I immerse myself in the smorgasbord of Web 2.0 technologies over the next six weeks. My concern is being able to choose a few with which to develop my comfort level and to maintain focus on those tools without going down the many rabbit holes of selection.
As a teacher and instructional designer, I would like to improve my ability to use social media and Web 2.0 technologies to help engage students in learning activities and help motivate them to build their knowledge base. I see great possibilities emerging for ways to improve the delivery of education and want to be able to take advantage of new tools for better facilitation of learning. As a small business owner, I would like to understand the use of these tools to market professional services, collaborate on projects with associates, interact with a broader network of professionals, as well as share emerging knowledge about tools and best practices in distance learning.
This is a new venture for me with the exception of communication with friends and family on Facebook and building a professional network using LinkedIn. I have also used Wikis and Google Docs as a part of previous class assignments in collaborative projects. As a result of these limited experiences, I would have to consider myself a follower in this new realm of communication at this point. However, I anticipate morphing into something else as I immerse myself in the smorgasbord of Web 2.0 technologies over the next six weeks. My concern is being able to choose a few with which to develop my comfort level and to maintain focus on those tools without going down the many rabbit holes of selection.
As a teacher and instructional designer, I would like to improve my ability to use social media and Web 2.0 technologies to help engage students in learning activities and help motivate them to build their knowledge base. I see great possibilities emerging for ways to improve the delivery of education and want to be able to take advantage of new tools for better facilitation of learning. As a small business owner, I would like to understand the use of these tools to market professional services, collaborate on projects with associates, interact with a broader network of professionals, as well as share emerging knowledge about tools and best practices in distance learning.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)