It has been really fun to explore the different kinds of technology that can be used to spice up an online course. Using video, audio, avatars, etc. seems like a great way to make the course a bit more interactive and personal for the students. Of course, technology always takes longer to learn and use than you think it will. And while some of it works seemlessly, there always seems to be some aspect that goes awry. (Having a Mac always makes those things a bit more prominent as well because there are often modifications to the instructions.) For example, Audacity would simply not interface with the avatar program tonight. Despite following the instructions several different times, there was still something getting in the way of uploading the file. After an hour, I finally used a workaround with doing the "text to voice."
The other aspect that I would find challenging with the technology is just managing all the different accounts, passwords, etc. While I have a password manager, it is still difficult to keep track of all these things if you don't use them regularly. And perhaps that is the key - using them regularly enough that it isn't a big chore to incorporate them into the course. As with everything, the challenge is always time - time to learn the technology in the first place, time to play with it so you are comfortable, and them spending the time troubleshooting those issues that inevitably come up.
Hi Jeanette,
ReplyDeleteI share many of your feelings towards our online learning this week. At first, I was very excited about the various new tools. Although, when I think I'm executing a command the correct way...the program always has it way of letting me know that was incorrect. LOL! I have to stay positive and in good spirits to ensure the task is completed. Lastly, I agree that time is a huge factor. I troubleshooted many of problems and was able to solve some of the issues on various programs. This was very encouraging.
Jeannette, I'm sorry for your trouble. I'm wondering about your comment about Audacity interfacing with Voki. Were you trying to upload an audio file (mp3 or wav) to Voki? I don't think that a Mac would make any difference here. I'm glad you were able to work around it though.
ReplyDeleteI think you hit on a key - that if you want to remember how to use these tools, you will need to do it once in a while. You may find one or two that do just what you want it to do, and then become proficient in those first.
Jeannette, I'm sorry for your trouble. I'm wondering about your comment about Audacity interfacing with Voki. Were you trying to upload an audio file (mp3 or wav) to Voki? I don't think that a Mac would make any difference here. I'm glad you were able to work around it though.
ReplyDeleteI think you hit on a key - that if you want to remember how to use these tools, you will need to do it once in a while. You may find one or two that do just what you want it to do, and then become proficient in those first.
I was trying to upload an audio file to Voki - tried both an mp3 and a wav. I don't think having a Mac would affect this either . . . but I lack more specific knowledge to pinpoint the issue. It would be something to work with and IT expert on if I were going to be using it regularly.
ReplyDeleteI like your suggestion about finding the most useful tools and focusing on them at first.
Jeanette,
ReplyDeleteI felt the same joys and pains as you.
Having a Mac, I too had some issues.
Through trial and error, I have a better understanding.
Jeanette,
ReplyDeleteI felt the same joys and pains as you.
Having a Mac, I too had some issues.
Through trial and error, I have a better understanding.
I was glad to join Rick's help session on campus. A little bit of F2F instruction was the best thing for me.
ReplyDelete