Communicating with Technology

Time: Asynchronous v. Synchronous

Asynchronous does not happen in real time
Synchronous happens in real time

Asynchronous
Chats/Instant Messaging
Podcasts Videoconferencing
Internet Radio

Synchronous
Discussion Boards


Using Instant Messaging (one to one communication):
Patricia: Hey, I saw that you were online and wanted to ask you a question.
Natasha: Go ahead, I'm all ears
Patricia: So what are we supposed to do for technology again?
Natasha: We have to do a learning artifact on Ch. 7 letting Jeff see what we learned from the chapter
Patricia: Well, I am having a hard time trying to come up with something to do, can you help me
Natasha: No, J/K! lol sure I can help you
Patricia: So I heard that discussion boards are good for the classroom, but they don't provide feedback instantly like using chat or instant messaging (IM)
Natasha: I know, I think that discussion boards are a way for people who aren't in the same location to work on projects, presentation, ask questions, seek advice, or just collaborate on different things
Patricia:Yeah, that will work! Going global in the classroom...that's awesome. The classroom has changed so much since we've been in elementary school...
Natasha: It gets students to think about what they are going to say, before they begin to write. It's different when you have to write to others.
Patricia: So true...Students become so collaborative that they think about others ideas and they are able to see others views and opinions...not just their own.
Natasha: But students need some type of guideline to help them go through and use this tool in the classroom
Patricia: of course......
Natasha:You know, I was volunteering in an elementary school and I noticed that a whole class was getting involved into a project....then I noticed that there was a camera in the room. The teacher pointed towards the screen and I seen another class on the television screen.
Patricia: WOW! I can't believe that....what ever happened to writing a pen pal letter to someone over seas....oh, how times have changed.
Natasha: YEAH! It was actually called virtual conferencing....it's just like one classroom working on a collaborative project together....they get to learn about different cultures, ideas, perceptions, etc
Patricia: But what about the prices...it must be expensive to do video conferencing in the school setting...
Natasha: Yes, it is. But students are benefiting from the result of it though. Teachers and students need to know what to do, such as what questions to ask, behavior issues, etc.
Patricia: So what happens after it done and students return back to normal class....??????
Natasha: Well, the teacher needs to have activities and projects to help the students follow up to the video conference. I think that students need that wrap up to help them understand and make connections to what is expected of them.
Patricia: Okay! That's cool to know.
Natasha: Well, what about podcasting?
Patricia: Well, something that I know a little bit about. Aside from downloading them to my Zune....I think that podcasts are very useful....
Natasha: really, what exactly is a podcast?
Patricia: Yeah, it's like a mini video or clip with audio/video or just audio or just video.... Students can create their own, but best of all it serves as a way to allow them to be creative and a great way to assess their learning
Natasha: okay, how does it work in the classroom setting?
Patricia: Well, students have to choose a topic and determine its purpose for why they are creating a podcast about it, and then prepare to broadcast it for an audience, which could be their classmates.
Natasha: Oh, so it allows students to have good decision-making skills and deepens their knowledge about the topic that they did and by watching others' podcasts they learn that skill.
Patricia: Exactly, just like that. So students nowadays have it so easy, they get to have input on how they get to learn....be creative...having other opportunities to display and create their work. I just say rock on technology!
Natasha: Yeah, I just wonder about 5-10 years from now. What would our students be doing then
Patricia: Scary isn't it.....well, at least we have a heads-up of the now...I guess I'll see you in class Tuesday...
Natasha: Yeah....good luck on the assignment!
Patricia: Thanks