Web Conference Reflections

Web Conference Reflection – June 9, 2012

 This week’s web conference was focused around week one assignments.  Dr. Abernathy clarified ambiguities surrounding the assignments due this week.  A major issue discussed in the meeting concerns submitting assignments on YouTube.  Some students were apprehensive about sharing their personal life with the world, and did not welcome the idea of posting their work on the web.   Dr. Abernathy however attempted to alleviate our fears by stressing that YouTube can be a safe place to share our work.  She reinforces that we all are creators, we have knowledge that some people do not have, and that everybody can be a contributors to the web.  I am still concerned though, since I am really uncomfortable posting private information such as a personal digital story over the Internet.

I really like the cooperative nature of students during web conferences.  Students are willing to share their knowledge and expertise with each other and eagerly clarify issues during the chat.  They provide tips and other useful information regarding the course assignments, posting items to YouTube, and embedding assignments on Wikis and Blogs.  Overall a very good meeting, my questions were answered and I left with a lot more information than I anticipated to gain.

 

Web Conference Reflection – June 30, 2012

 This week’s web conference was very informative and effectively clarified misunderstandings about the video project.  For the most part Dr. Abernathy answered students’ questions about the project and provided a brief overview of upcoming requirements in week five. Even though we have the weekly guidelines for our assignments, the directions are sometimes long and multifaceted thus leaving us with many ambiguities; this week’s conferences has definitely cleared up some of those issues that sometimes cloud our understanding.  I definitely left the conference with a clear vision of what I needed to submit during week four.  It was also good to get a heads up on upcoming expectations for week five, as well as on particulars of the course not mentioned in the courseware. One such particular is the Action Research reflection that will now be included at the end of every course; I am glad I am aware of this change!

I really enjoyed the web conference.  Dr. Abernathy gave us time to ask questions and ensured that all our concerns were addressed before ending the session.  Web conferences are really effective for enhancing online instruction, as for most students it the only face time we get with our instructors or fellow students.  I find it to be extremely informative and, except for technological glitches, a very effective tool for bringing students in an online learning environment together.  It also builds cooperation as time and time again students address each other’s concerns during periods when we experience technical difficulties.

Web Conference Reflection – July 2, 2012

 I really learned a lot by listening to this week’s web conference.  Students expressed concerns over work submission for Week Five, particularly section 5.9, and Dr. Abernathy took the time to answer all questions and clarify misunderstandings or any errors that might have been made.  I left the meeting feeling well informed not only about the assignment at hand, but also about issues concerning my internship and action research project.  Honestly, for the first time I have a clear vision about what I should be doing during my internship and action research project, and where I am heading. She further points out that during our seventh course, 5367, students will have the opportunity to regroup and refocus; this is refreshing news since I feel a little bewildered at this point.

This course has been packed with information especially week five seemed overwhelming with all the various components of the assignments.  Attending the web conference was worthwhile as students got the opportunity to ask questions and receive immediate feedback rather than waiting for a response via email.  Even though Dr. Abernathy did not have all the answers to some questions, she followed up with updated postings in Epic.  I must confess that I am not a regular attendee to web conferences, however after this informative meeting I realize that reliance solely on the weekly overviews is not enough to get the full breadth of what is expected of us.  Web conferences are useful for voicing our concerns, asking questions and meeting students we sometimes work with.  In future I will definitely make attending web conferences a priority!