Thursday, 24 January 2013

Webinar Summary: Bringing Humanness into Online Learning with Video - Jennifer Tzanakos

The history of online education is built on text-centric learning, but instructors who rely only on text-based discussion boards have difficulty building communities and creating a feeling of humanness. The online program at BYU-Hawaii has pioneered the use of asynchronous video as a mechanism for student assignments, discussions and teacher feedback. A majority of students in the program have consistently reported that they feel connected to and learn from other students, and feel a close connection to their teacher. Many students also say that their connections in courses using asynchronous video as a central communication method were superior to those formed in face-to-face classes. (from the webinar)
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As someone who has not had considerable experience with online learning, this webinar gave me insight into the potential for creating meaningful learning via asynchronous video. Using Canvas as the learning platform, students and their instructor first created video introductions to develop relationships with one another. Conversations began as students created video responses to posted videos. Many assignments were handled in a similar manner, with students producing video presentations and then having the opportunity to respond to each other’s work. In the end, students said they felt a stronger connection with their online instructor and peers than they had in previous traditional classrooms. For the student who is perhaps too shy to raise his hand in class, video can provide a safe space for giving voice to his ideas.

In terms of presentation, the webinar could have been much more dynamic through the use of stronger visuals and opportunities for viewer participation.

Software mentioned in the presentation which might be of interest:

Canvas
Kaltura
Crocodoc
Screencast-o-matic

The webinar can be viewed here: http://help.instructure.com/entries/21409919-webinar-bringing-humanness-into-online-learning-with-video

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