If you build it...they want you to change it...

Well my posts are going to be somewhat out of order. No sooner did I start on the blog post from yesterday that I then had to make my way over for day two. I have spent this morning amongst the midst of those responsible for providing faculty development for those who utilize technologies in delivering online/blended courses. I don't believe any effort made to provide support and development to faculty can be wrong. However, as most of you know, with the changing scope of faculty member's responsibilities (increased research, service to the University, etc.) and a change in their roles (increase in adjunct faculty and lecturer positions), it is becoming more and more difficult to meet their needs within the framework in which you can operate. So, my choice to come to the Summit as opposed to the World conference was in hope to find out how to best utilize Blackboard Collaborate, especially Instant Messaging and Web Conferencing. I have always been a proponent of Web Confercening and was often times asked if I was receiving a kick-pack from Pronto as much as I sang their accolades. This morning I visited two distinct presentations: one with a fully fleshed faculty development program for support of online facilitators and one presentation in which they just made the move into utilizing web conferencing tools. The latter presentation felt vaguely familiar, as they had just become acquainted with Pronto and then made the jump into Collaborate. However, what I appluad about this particular university was that they jumped in FEET FIRST! They have only been on Collaborate (utilizing the web conferencing) since 2011 and in less than a year, have had over 10,000 participants (students and faculty) and 600 recorded sessions. To say I nearly fell out of my chair is an understatement. The first presentation showcased how they used the Web Conferencing to record podcasts for faculty to access on different pedagogical topics as well as specific items as they relate to teaching online. To date, they have well over 60 sessions available - and viewable by the public on their website. I was impressed with the initaitive they took in utilizing the technology available and showcasing best practices in actually using it! Shortly I will be heading to "Introducing Blackboard Collaborate 12 with Mobility and More!" I'm anxious to hear about the updates and mobility features of BbCollaborate as this was a key request from faculty.I am also excited to hear about changes / updates they've made as there were several issues we encountered in using Blackboard Collaborate. Until later, RED ps: the iPad and Blogger apparently do NOT play well together. Please excuse any typos and issues in formatting!

Blackboard Bound

Yippeee for me! I am headed to the Blackboard Connections conference (Blackboard Collaborate products) - not t0 be confused with the Blackboard World Conference. Both are being hosted in one of my top five cities: NEW ORLEANS! Eager to interact and learn how other universities are rolling out and making best use of Blackboard Collaborate! Stay tuned!

Going to Sloan-C!

My proposal, How to Train Faculty in 50 Minutes or Less, was recently accepted for presentation at the Sloan-C International Symposium on Emerging Technology Applications for Online Learning to be held in Carefree, Arizona, May 7-9, 2008.

Welcome

This site is a collection of instructional technology ideas, paradigms, and practical best practices that I have encountered during my tenure as an instructional technologist/online instructor. My primary research is student motivation and engagement in the online environment and faculty training / professional development.


I thank you for stopping by and look forward to hearing your ideas regarding instructional technology and e-learning.

Kind regards,
Michelle