Chat Transcript: Adventures in
Online Teaching (Session 85)
by Jim Kinsella, Brenda
Martin, Dave Szabo, Jean Smith, and Michael Barbour
Thu, Feb-27-2003 5:00 PM to 5:45 PM - Room 4
Panel Discussion of various online experiences of veteran and inexperienced online instructors.
burkso2 (Feb 27, 2003 5:58:19 PM)
Hi Jean!
JeanSmith (Feb 27, 2003 5:58:46 PM)
Burkso, who are you? :)
burkso2 (Feb 27, 2003 5:58:52 PM)
Burks Oakley II
burkso2 (Feb 27, 2003 5:59:00 PM)
hence, BO2, or BurksO2
JeanSmith (Feb 27, 2003 5:59:10 PM)
Cool!
burkso2 (Feb 27, 2003 5:59:13 PM)
It is my car license plate
dhutti (Feb 27, 2003 5:59:36 PM)
I will be unable to stay for this entire discussion, but am quite interested in
the archive. Hope the session goes great. I believe it will have info that will
be useful
ChatMaster (Feb 27, 2003 6:00:46 PM)
Sorry for all our pop-ups! All this typing today, and I slipped on my return
key. A Chat Master is allowed to do that once in a while, right? :)
JeanSmith (Feb 27, 2003 6:01:01 PM)
Sure. :)
jkinse (Feb 27, 2003 6:02:36 PM)
Hello Jean
JeanSmith (Feb 27, 2003 6:02:47 PM)
Jim! Hi!
jkinse (Feb 27, 2003 6:02:52 PM)
Hi Mike
mkbarbour (Feb 27, 2003 6:02:56 PM)
Hello everyone...
jkinse (Feb 27, 2003 6:03:04 PM)
Jean you know Mike Barbour dont you
jkinse (Feb 27, 2003 6:03:17 PM)
he team teaches the ap euro with me
JeanSmith (Feb 27, 2003 6:03:25 PM)
oh yeah!
mkbarbour (Feb 27, 2003 6:03:33 PM)
Jim, I don't know Jean... I don't think so, anyway...
jkinse (Feb 27, 2003 6:03:41 PM)
and is in the cold of Newfoundland
jkinse (Feb 27, 2003 6:03:45 PM)
Mike meet Jean
JeanSmith (Feb 27, 2003 6:03:51 PM)
Hi Mike. :)
jkinse (Feb 27, 2003 6:03:53 PM)
she teaches at UHigh with me
mkbarbour (Feb 27, 2003 6:03:56 PM)
-32 degrees C with the wind chill right now...
burkso2 (Feb 27, 2003 6:04:00 PM)
Newfoundland? Really??
burkso2 (Feb 27, 2003 6:04:04 PM)
ouch!!
mkbarbour (Feb 27, 2003 6:04:06 PM)
Okay... Nice to meet you...
JeanSmith (Feb 27, 2003 6:04:07 PM)
brr
mikerw (Feb 27, 2003 6:04:16 PM)
good hockey weather :>
jkinse (Feb 27, 2003 6:04:22 PM)
and teaches psych for IVHS
mkbarbour (Feb 27, 2003 6:04:44 PM)
Not so sure about the hockey weather... I suppose it helps if the wind is to your
back... ;)
jkinse (Feb 27, 2003 6:04:50 PM)
hello everyone else
JeanSmith (Feb 27, 2003 6:04:54 PM)
Yes... I'm the teacher who messes with everyone's mind.
jkinse (Feb 27, 2003 6:05:09 PM)
aaaaaaaa and you do that so well Jean
JeanSmith (Feb 27, 2003 6:05:19 PM)
:) thanks, Jim
jkinse (Feb 27, 2003 6:05:29 PM)
lets wait a minute or two and see if Brenda and Dave will join us
JeanSmith (Feb 27, 2003 6:05:38 PM)
ok
Brenda (Feb 27, 2003 6:05:48 PM)
Hi there
jkinse (Feb 27, 2003 6:06:01 PM)
HI Brenda
JeanSmith (Feb 27, 2003 6:06:04 PM)
Hi Brenda
Brenda (Feb 27, 2003 6:06:09 PM)
Hi Jim & Jean
mkbarbour (Feb 27, 2003 6:06:25 PM)
Hello Brenda...
jkinse (Feb 27, 2003 6:06:27 PM)
our format is simple pot belly stove story telling
Brenda (Feb 27, 2003 6:06:32 PM)
Hi Mike
jkinse (Feb 27, 2003 6:06:46 PM)
lets talk about our online teaching experiences
burkso2 (Feb 27, 2003 6:07:00 PM)
I teach Communications 333 at UI-Springfield
jkinse (Feb 27, 2003 6:07:05 PM)
and all of you....hmmmmmmm...lurkers :)
Brenda (Feb 27, 2003 6:07:23 PM)
I have the Study Skills class with 17 students this semester - keeps me really
busy!
jkinse (Feb 27, 2003 6:07:26 PM)
please chime in with comments and questions whenever you like
burkso2 (Feb 27, 2003 6:07:40 PM)
Brenda - what level students?
Brenda (Feb 27, 2003 6:07:54 PM)
For the most part, my Seniors are doing wonderfully, but I'm having a bit of
trouble with the two Freshman students
mkbarbour (Feb 27, 2003 6:08:22 PM)
Quick point of order, what are freshmen (we don't have them up here)? First year
of high school? Grade 10?
Brenda (Feb 27, 2003 6:08:31 PM)
First year of high school
jkinse (Feb 27, 2003 6:08:34 PM)
lol
mkbarbour (Feb 27, 2003 6:08:34 PM)
Thanks...
jkinse (Feb 27, 2003 6:08:45 PM)
too much snow...clogs the brain
Brenda (Feb 27, 2003 6:08:47 PM)
Mike - Canada?
mkbarbour (Feb 27, 2003 6:08:55 PM)
Yah... Newfoundland to be exact...
burkso2 (Feb 27, 2003 6:09:04 PM)
Brenda - Is your course in eCollege?
jkinse (Feb 27, 2003 6:09:09 PM)
yes brenda you joined us after I introduced mike
JeanSmith (Feb 27, 2003 6:09:10 PM)
I'm teaching both psychology (12 students) and AP psychology (4 students this
semester) at the high school level.
Brenda (Feb 27, 2003 6:09:13 PM)
Yes
jkinse (Feb 27, 2003 6:09:16 PM)
he team teaches the ap euro with me
LesLewchuk (Feb 27, 2003 6:09:26 PM)
just to round out the continent--I'm from Vancouver, Canada
jkinse (Feb 27, 2003 6:09:27 PM)
he and I go back to before IVHS
mkbarbour (Feb 27, 2003 6:09:29 PM)
Jim tends to get a kick out of harassing me about our wonderful weather.... ;)
Brenda (Feb 27, 2003 6:09:33 PM)
Jim - I thought this might be the Mike I've heard you speak of
acrawley (Feb 27, 2003 6:09:37 PM)
I teach a Faculty Training course for ION
burkso2 (Feb 27, 2003 6:09:53 PM)
and you do it VERY well, Anita!
jkinse (Feb 27, 2003 6:09:54 PM)
great acrawley
Brenda (Feb 27, 2003 6:09:54 PM)
Sorry, but can you tell me what ION is?
burkso2 (Feb 27, 2003 6:10:02 PM)
Illinois Online Network
burkso2 (Feb 27, 2003 6:10:08 PM)
http://www.ion.illinois.edu
Brenda (Feb 27, 2003 6:10:12 PM)
Thanks!
jkinse (Feb 27, 2003 6:10:15 PM)
hey
jkinse (Feb 27, 2003 6:10:23 PM)
we charge for advertising
burkso2 (Feb 27, 2003 6:10:23 PM)
Faculty development initiative for college faculty in Illinois and beyond
acrawley (Feb 27, 2003 6:10:24 PM)
Thanks Burks. I'll stop multitasking now
jkinse (Feb 27, 2003 6:10:27 PM)
lol
burkso2 (Feb 27, 2003 6:10:29 PM)
I can afford it!
burkso2 (Feb 27, 2003 6:10:32 PM)
;-)
Brenda (Feb 27, 2003 6:10:43 PM)
Good idea for the college faculty I'd think
burkso2 (Feb 27, 2003 6:10:54 PM)
Yes, it is an award-winning program
Brenda (Feb 27, 2003 6:11:21 PM)
OK - I have a question here -
jkinse (Feb 27, 2003 6:11:22 PM)
Mike will you tell the story about how we handled the cultural situation with
our classes a couple semesters ago....you know the one about the seals
acrawley (Feb 27, 2003 6:11:25 PM)
I encourage everyone to check out the ION website for faculty development
resources as well as the courses
Brenda (Feb 27, 2003 6:11:46 PM)
I'm really struggling with my two Freshman (first year of high school) (LOL)
burkso2 (Feb 27, 2003 6:11:59 PM)
Brenda - Why is this?
jkinse (Feb 27, 2003 6:12:03 PM)
Brenda tell us about the freshman prob
Brenda (Feb 27, 2003 6:12:31 PM)
The support they're getting - for example, one of them has been in an
alternative setting since 3rd grade (he told me)
Brenda (Feb 27, 2003 6:12:52 PM)
His frustration level is VERY hindering to him and I think to the one who tries
to help him
Brenda (Feb 27, 2003 6:13:10 PM)
He definitely has trouble navigating through the class platform
Brenda (Feb 27, 2003 6:13:31 PM)
So, I'm almost to the point of copy/pasting and working with him through e-mail
- what do you all think about this approach?
JeanSmith (Feb 27, 2003 6:13:32 PM)
The tutorial didn't help much?
Brenda (Feb 27, 2003 6:13:47 PM)
Not all all - I seriously doubt if he could even locate it properly!
burkso2 (Feb 27, 2003 6:13:54 PM)
Is it basic computer skills?
jkinse (Feb 27, 2003 6:13:57 PM)
I think we need to get the school involved
burkso2 (Feb 27, 2003 6:14:17 PM)
Sounds like something a lot more than just the computer...
Brenda (Feb 27, 2003 6:14:35 PM)
No - it's not the computer skills, and I have tried hard through phone and
e-mail, but I think the person in the library there really doesn't know how to
respond to this kid, his frustration level, etc
Brenda (Feb 27, 2003 6:14:38 PM)
Does that make sense?
burkso2 (Feb 27, 2003 6:14:44 PM)
yes
JeanSmith (Feb 27, 2003 6:14:48 PM)
y
JeanSmith (Feb 27, 2003 6:14:50 PM)
yes
JeanSmith (Feb 27, 2003 6:15:24 PM)
I think Jim's right that the school needs to be more involved.
Brenda (Feb 27, 2003 6:15:45 PM)
Jim - do you think that would work as far as working via e-mail more with him -
I truly do want this boy to have success. This might be the one saving factor to
help him get through school
jkinse (Feb 27, 2003 6:15:49 PM)
Brenda let me know later about the school and ill contact them
LindaConniff (Feb 27, 2003 6:15:50 PM)
Are counselors aware of this problem?
mkbarbour (Feb 27, 2003 6:16:00 PM)
I have been e-teaching for five years now and I find that in an asynchronous
environment, you need to have a student that is fairly independent and that is
self-motivated... Without these characteristics, I have found that students
really have to struggle just to get through....
burkso2 (Feb 27, 2003 6:16:06 PM)
I attended a session last night where the h.s. teacher had a whole group of
students in a classroom with computers - where they logged in - and she could go
around and help each of them.
jkinse (Feb 27, 2003 6:16:28 PM)
yes but that's the ideal environment
Brenda (Feb 27, 2003 6:16:32 PM)
That situation (the one you speak of last night) is how I help our online
Chemistry students in my school
jkinse (Feb 27, 2003 6:16:41 PM)
I wish we could have that with all the students
Brenda (Feb 27, 2003 6:16:46 PM)
And I've never had a Chemistry class in my entire life
burkso2 (Feb 27, 2003 6:17:00 PM)
Yes, they had scheduled the online courses as regular classes at the high school
jkinse (Feb 27, 2003 6:17:01 PM)
yes but you are really getting good at
jkinse (Feb 27, 2003 6:17:08 PM)
what was it you were cutting up
burkso2 (Feb 27, 2003 6:17:11 PM)
I have a BS degree in Chemical Engineering!! ;-)
jkinse (Feb 27, 2003 6:17:18 PM)
some vegie or something
acrawley (Feb 27, 2003 6:17:26 PM)
Is there another student that you could buddy him up with?
burkso2 (Feb 27, 2003 6:17:34 PM)
Anita - Good idea!
jkinse (Feb 27, 2003 6:17:47 PM)
they problem with buddying
Brenda (Feb 27, 2003 6:17:50 PM)
I'm not really sure - I could check the data base and see if someone else is
taking online courses at the same time
jkinse (Feb 27, 2003 6:17:58 PM)
is that the kids come from many different schools
jkinse (Feb 27, 2003 6:18:07 PM)
and sometimes when we have multiple kids
acrawley (Feb 27, 2003 6:18:11 PM)
But they are connected online right?
jkinse (Feb 27, 2003 6:18:12 PM)
at the same local school
jkinse (Feb 27, 2003 6:18:19 PM)
yes
jkinse (Feb 27, 2003 6:18:25 PM)
and that works for some
burkso2 (Feb 27, 2003 6:18:28 PM)
How about a peer tutor (online)?
JeanSmith (Feb 27, 2003 6:18:32 PM)
Maybe some sort of peer tutoring might work.
burkso2 (Feb 27, 2003 6:18:37 PM)
;-)
JeanSmith (Feb 27, 2003 6:18:43 PM)
(hey.... what's that about great minds???)
mkbarbour (Feb 27, 2003 6:18:47 PM)
Have you used the vclass system yet?
burkso2 (Feb 27, 2003 6:18:47 PM)
right!
jkinse (Feb 27, 2003 6:19:04 PM)
not yet mike
jkinse (Feb 27, 2003 6:19:11 PM)
we are just getting it now
jkinse (Feb 27, 2003 6:19:32 PM)
mike is talking about the training you went through for elluminate
JeanSmith (Feb 27, 2003 6:19:33 PM)
What's the vclass system?
mkbarbour (Feb 27, 2003 6:19:38 PM)
In our own virtual high school, we have found it a useful tool in helping a
student one on one in a real-time environment...
Brenda (Feb 27, 2003 6:19:48 PM)
Oh.... that's next week's training
jkinse (Feb 27, 2003 6:19:54 PM)
ok
jkinse (Feb 27, 2003 6:20:17 PM)
there are so many training sessions going on I forget who has completed and who
has not
jkinse (Feb 27, 2003 6:20:23 PM)
Mike tell them about it
burkso2 (Feb 27, 2003 6:20:46 PM)
For info about vclass, see: http://cooper.blinn.edu/vclass35/index
JeanSmith (Feb 27, 2003 6:21:00 PM)
Thanks!
Brenda (Feb 27, 2003 6:21:17 PM)
Thanks - I'll check this out
mkbarbour (Feb 27, 2003 6:21:50 PM)
Well, in our VHS we have two ways of using vclass. The first is for our
synchronous classes, which depending on the subject area are 20% to 80% of the
student's schedule (20% for social studies, 50% for math and science, 80% for
French)...
mkbarbour (Feb 27, 2003 6:22:12 PM)
The second way we use it is to provide individual tutoring sessions with a
student that just can't get it...
mkbarbour (Feb 27, 2003 6:22:31 PM)
We have found that the thing that the asynchronous environment lacks is the
ability for quick questioning...
burkso2 (Feb 27, 2003 6:22:45 PM)
Can I ask WHY you have a VHS? What are the primary problems that you are
solving?
Brenda (Feb 27, 2003 6:23:37 PM)
I would never have believed how easily high school kids can get frustrated -
they need instant answers like the smaller kids do
mkbarbour (Feb 27, 2003 6:23:48 PM)
I can ask a student in my class who is having trouble understanding why the
French in Canada were against conscription in WWI... I can ask them you know
about the Boer War? From the initial answer, I know where to begin my
discussion... However, in an asynchronous environment that may take five or six
e-mail spread out over a few hours...
jkinse (Feb 27, 2003 6:23:52 PM)
Well our original mission is to serve students who do not have access to some
classes
jkinse (Feb 27, 2003 6:24:05 PM)
because of location
burkso2 (Feb 27, 2003 6:24:24 PM)
anything else?
jkinse (Feb 27, 2003 6:24:33 PM)
yes just a sec
jkinse (Feb 27, 2003 6:24:38 PM)
I dont want to misquote
burkso2 (Feb 27, 2003 6:24:39 PM)
Do some students learn BETTER online than F2F?
mkbarbour (Feb 27, 2003 6:24:49 PM)
We have a VHS (in Newfoundland) because we have almost 500 schools in this
province, but only 60,000 students. Approximately half of our schools have less
than 250 students and about a quarter of them are all grade schools...
Brenda (Feb 27, 2003 6:24:50 PM)
Absolutely! My son is a prime example of this
burkso2 (Feb 27, 2003 6:25:01 PM)
Brenda - Thanks!
Brenda (Feb 27, 2003 6:25:20 PM)
He does so much better in some areas online as opposed to face-to-face
mkbarbour (Feb 27, 2003 6:25:29 PM)
We have trouble attracting qualified teachers in mathematics and science and
French to rural and isolated locations and a VHS can allow those schools to
offer our regular secondary school curriculum...
JeanSmith (Feb 27, 2003 6:25:34 PM)
I think some students do better. Those students who would be shy in the F2F
classroom are forced to "speak up" in a virtual environment, which enhances
their learning.
Brenda (Feb 27, 2003 6:25:39 PM)
I think he feels as if he is more responsible for and has more control over his
own learning environment
jkinse (Feb 27, 2003 6:25:47 PM)
The mission of the Illinois Virtual High School is to use new and emerging
technologies that expand the boundaries of space and time to provide Illinois
students and their teachers with increased equity and access to the highest
quality educational opportunities. The IVHS intends to deliver high-quality
courses aligned with the Illinois Learning Standards.
burkso2 (Feb 27, 2003 6:25:47 PM)
Excellent answers!
burkso2 (Feb 27, 2003 6:26:33 PM)
So not just AP courses?
jkinse (Feb 27, 2003 6:26:45 PM)
absolutely not
mkbarbour (Feb 27, 2003 6:26:48 PM)
As for your son, I find that learners who are independent and self-motivated do
better in an online environment than face to face, simply because they can do
the course on their schedule...
Brenda (Feb 27, 2003 6:27:01 PM)
Equity is such an important issue to me personally because of where I teach
mkbarbour (Feb 27, 2003 6:27:04 PM)
Our's as well... Actually, our's doesn't offer any AP, just the regular
curriculum...
jkinse (Feb 27, 2003 6:27:14 PM)
actually I taught IVHS courses at an alternative school with excellent results
Brenda (Feb 27, 2003 6:27:20 PM)
We're so small and so rural that our kids are so lacking when they go out into
the "real" world
burkso2 (Feb 27, 2003 6:27:33 PM)
Brenda - Remind me, where do you teach?
JeanSmith (Feb 27, 2003 6:27:52 PM)
IVHS is a great opportunity for students in rural areas.
Brenda (Feb 27, 2003 6:28:08 PM)
I speak from experience here - I graduated many moons ago from this school, and
I was a little fish in a great big sea (one of my favorite sayings to my high
school kids!)
Brenda (Feb 27, 2003 6:28:09 PM)
I teach in extreme, extreme, extreme southern IL
burkso2 (Feb 27, 2003 6:28:25 PM)
Near Shawnee Community College in Ulin?
Brenda (Feb 27, 2003 6:28:29 PM)
Yes
burkso2 (Feb 27, 2003 6:28:34 PM)
Pretty country!
jkinse (Feb 27, 2003 6:28:40 PM)
Brenda teaches so far south you have to look north to see the equator
Brenda (Feb 27, 2003 6:28:47 PM)
Jim - you are so right!
JeanSmith (Feb 27, 2003 6:28:48 PM)
lol
mkbarbour (Feb 27, 2003 6:28:57 PM)
What does that say about where I teach from?
burkso2 (Feb 27, 2003 6:28:59 PM)
The dagger in the heart of Dixie, I believe it was called.
Brenda (Feb 27, 2003 6:29:13 PM)
Yes
jkinse (Feb 27, 2003 6:29:15 PM)
ahhhhhh another history nut
jkinse (Feb 27, 2003 6:29:35 PM)
hey Mike tell them about the seals now
jkinse (Feb 27, 2003 6:29:52 PM)
try not to get booted this time
Brenda (Feb 27, 2003 6:30:24 PM)
Let me share another example here - My son wants to major in History and English
in college, and he's taken every single history course that our school offers.
He really wants to take your AP European History course next year, and I'm going
to go to bat for him to see that he gets to
jkinse (Feb 27, 2003 6:30:25 PM)
Mike and I found that there was a cultural difference between his students and
the students in Illinois so thus follows
jkinse (Feb 27, 2003 6:30:42 PM)
uh oh
burkso2 (Feb 27, 2003 6:30:51 PM)
Note that UI-Springfield offers online BA degrees in History and English!
jkinse (Feb 27, 2003 6:31:00 PM)
we better sharpen up the course Mike
mkbarbour (Feb 27, 2003 6:31:01 PM)
Okay... Jim and I usually have our IVHS kids, his U High kids and my
Newfoundland kids all in one discussion forum. As a way to try and get them
learning a little about each other, we get the students from one country to find
out absurd things about the other country... For example, I sent Jim's students
out looking for information on the Saskatchewan seal hunt...
Brenda (Feb 27, 2003 6:31:03 PM)
No way!
Brenda (Feb 27, 2003 6:31:12 PM)
Thanks so much for this information.
burkso2 (Feb 27, 2003 6:31:21 PM)
Saskatchewan is the prairie!!
burkso2 (Feb 27, 2003 6:31:28 PM)
Even I know that...
jkinse (Feb 27, 2003 6:31:42 PM)
it took the kids a while to figure that out
jkinse (Feb 27, 2003 6:31:49 PM)
and we had a lot of fun with it
mkbarbour (Feb 27, 2003 6:31:51 PM)
And seals live in the salt water... But most of our US students didn't and it
forced them to begin to talk to and e-mail the kids from Canada...
burkso2 (Feb 27, 2003 6:32:08 PM)
Good cross-cultural experience!
mkbarbour (Feb 27, 2003 6:32:34 PM)
That initially forced communication got them started and as our discussion forum
continued, it helped to foster a sense of online community...
burkso2 (Feb 27, 2003 6:32:36 PM)
Who pays for this course? How is it supported?
jkinse (Feb 27, 2003 6:32:50 PM)
well at IVHS
jkinse (Feb 27, 2003 6:33:05 PM)
it depends on the local school who pays for the course
jkinse (Feb 27, 2003 6:33:14 PM)
a student enrolls
burkso2 (Feb 27, 2003 6:33:17 PM)
who pays the instructor(s)
burkso2 (Feb 27, 2003 6:33:19 PM)
?
jkinse (Feb 27, 2003 6:33:23 PM)
LOL
mkbarbour (Feb 27, 2003 6:33:30 PM)
We get paid?
jkinse (Feb 27, 2003 6:33:35 PM)
you mean we get paid?
jkinse (Feb 27, 2003 6:33:41 PM)
comon Jean, Brenda
burkso2 (Feb 27, 2003 6:33:42 PM)
sorry I asked....
mkbarbour (Feb 27, 2003 6:33:44 PM)
Bet you...
jkinse (Feb 27, 2003 6:33:44 PM)
say the same
JeanSmith (Feb 27, 2003 6:33:45 PM)
did somebody say paid?
Brenda (Feb 27, 2003 6:33:51 PM)
Paid?
Brenda (Feb 27, 2003 6:34:01 PM)
We do this because we love online learning.
jkinse (Feb 27, 2003 6:34:02 PM)
ROFLOL
JeanSmith (Feb 27, 2003 6:34:07 PM)
oh man
jkinse (Feb 27, 2003 6:34:24 PM)
actually we get paid from the State
mkbarbour (Feb 27, 2003 6:34:24 PM)
Damn... We couldn't have planned that reaction better... :)
burkso2 (Feb 27, 2003 6:34:36 PM)
I actually am a full-time administrator and I teach an online class every
semester for the fun of it. Seriously, I do.
mkbarbour (Feb 27, 2003 6:34:51 PM)
Hey, I do the same thing at my own school...
JeanSmith (Feb 27, 2003 6:35:00 PM)
Shh... don't tell IVHS about these two!
mkbarbour (Feb 27, 2003 6:35:02 PM)
Four online ones actually...
Brenda (Feb 27, 2003 6:35:04 PM)
I got my Master's Degree from the University of Phoenix online program, and I
fell in love with online classes
burkso2 (Feb 27, 2003 6:35:19 PM)
Brenda - Wasn't that expensive?
Brenda (Feb 27, 2003 6:35:32 PM)
Extremely! But worth every penny to me in many ways
jkinse (Feb 27, 2003 6:35:52 PM)
tell me what higher level education isn't expensive
jkinse (Feb 27, 2003 6:36:03 PM)
I got my MA from Loyola in Chicago
mkbarbour (Feb 27, 2003 6:36:06 PM)
Canadian higher education...
jkinse (Feb 27, 2003 6:36:10 PM)
when I finished paying
burkso2 (Feb 27, 2003 6:36:16 PM)
UI-Springfield - $125 (US) per credit hour.
jkinse (Feb 27, 2003 6:36:20 PM)
they put a new room in the Vatican
Brenda (Feb 27, 2003 6:36:38 PM)
They're adding on to the Vatican with what it cost me :-)
jkinse (Feb 27, 2003 6:37:09 PM)
Jean
JeanSmith (Feb 27, 2003 6:37:13 PM)
yes?
jkinse (Feb 27, 2003 6:37:33 PM)
what would you say was a good experience with an online student
JeanSmith (Feb 27, 2003 6:38:52 PM)
I have a student this semester in psychology, he's a sophomore, and I quickly
got the sense that he was a little lonely and didn't have many friends... but he
has been so wonderful to the other students in the class, I think he has finally
found other people who appreciate him, and that's a great thing.
jkinse (Feb 27, 2003 6:39:07 PM)
cool
jkinse (Feb 27, 2003 6:39:14 PM)
is he from a rural school?
JeanSmith (Feb 27, 2003 6:39:22 PM)
Coal City
Brenda (Feb 27, 2003 6:39:22 PM)
A bond does develop doesn't it?
JeanSmith (Feb 27, 2003 6:39:45 PM)
Definitely, a bond develops.
Brenda (Feb 27, 2003 6:40:05 PM)
I think it does do something very positive for their self-esteem
jkinse (Feb 27, 2003 6:40:20 PM)
how about you brenda
jkinse (Feb 27, 2003 6:40:32 PM)
what is your best student story
Brenda (Feb 27, 2003 6:40:43 PM)
There have been so many - Let me see
Brenda (Feb 27, 2003 6:41:19 PM)
I think that I've enjoyed working with the students and watching them grow and
develop throughout the class - Study Skills does force them to focus inwardly
on themselves
Brenda (Feb 27, 2003 6:42:04 PM)
It's neat to hear back from them regarding how they tried certain
tips/techniques
Brenda (Feb 27, 2003 6:42:16 PM)
and that they actually worked when used in their classes
JeanSmith (Feb 27, 2003 6:42:36 PM)
It's very satisfying to know that a student uses what he/she has learned beyond
the classroom.
jkinse (Feb 27, 2003 6:43:14 PM)
would you believe that I'm actually working with a student right now
jkinse (Feb 27, 2003 6:43:20 PM)
she called me on the phone
drighten (Feb 27, 2003 6:43:30 PM)
That's pretty funny. =)
Brenda (Feb 27, 2003 6:43:50 PM)
I think that it is so neat too, to be able to offer them another "tool"
(technology) for their educational growth - they'll be able to carry this
knowledge on to college in a short while
drighten (Feb 27, 2003 6:44:11 PM)
The upcoming digital tools are pretty amazing
drighten (Feb 27, 2003 6:44:32 PM)
Wish I had them when I was in school
JeanSmith (Feb 27, 2003 6:44:45 PM)
"Availability" is one of the challenges of teaching online. I struggle with my
intention to be frequently available, but not ALWAYS available for my students.
Brenda (Feb 27, 2003 6:44:47 PM)
I wish I'd had them earlier on in my career
mkbarbour (Feb 27, 2003 6:45:04 PM)
Connectivity is one of the biggest issue we face...
Brenda (Feb 27, 2003 6:45:25 PM)
We're basically homebodies, so I can peek in to class several times during the
evening - and this has been a big help
Brenda (Feb 27, 2003 6:46:04 PM)
Mike - sometime have Jim share with you about how it took us MANY weeks to get
connected at my school for the online Chem kids - we had people all over the
state trouble-shooting for us. :-)
jkinse (Feb 27, 2003 6:46:29 PM)
ok guys im back
Sarahu (Feb 27, 2003 6:46:30 PM)
How do many of you handle testing issues? Do you test online or in a f2f?
mkbarbour (Feb 27, 2003 6:46:31 PM)
We have had the same issues for coastal Labrador i our own VHS...
burkso2 (Feb 27, 2003 6:46:40 PM)
Sorry, but I lost my dial-up connection here at home and had to reconnect.
drighten (Feb 27, 2003 6:46:41 PM)
I've noticed that problem with the National Science Digital Library that the
problem most teachers have is bandwidth so they can best use it...
Brenda (Feb 27, 2003 6:47:18 PM)
With my mentored Chemistry students, I'm there to monitor what goes on daily so
there's no problem with testing
jkinse (Feb 27, 2003 6:47:19 PM)
well I'm not actually sure about how Brenda is doing it with study skills
JeanSmith (Feb 27, 2003 6:47:43 PM)
I test online in my AP class. The test is timed, (I can tell the computer
program to "kick out" the kids when the time has elapsed), students can take the
test only once, and the tests don't count for a huge portion of the total grade.
Brenda (Feb 27, 2003 6:48:02 PM)
There are no actual "tests" in the Study Skills course, but just like in a
face-to-face situation, you figure out pretty quickly an individual's style -
and if something deviated a great deal, I'm sure I'd pick up on it
jkinse (Feb 27, 2003 6:48:04 PM)
but most of the AP Euro kids are tested by their contributions to the
discussions along with timed essays
drighten (Feb 27, 2003 6:48:22 PM)
http://www.nsdl.org NSDL Just testing
burkso2 (Feb 27, 2003 6:48:31 PM)
Unfortunately, I have to leave now. I really enjoyed this discussion. Thanks.
Bye.
jkinse (Feb 27, 2003 6:48:39 PM)
thanks for joining us
mkbarbour (Feb 27, 2003 6:48:53 PM)
See you later...
jkinse (Feb 27, 2003 6:49:25 PM)
i think that pretty much does it for us
Sarahu (Feb 27, 2003 6:49:26 PM)
Jean, with your timing of tests, do students have connectivity issues that can
cause problems with this?
JeanSmith (Feb 27, 2003 6:50:03 PM)
It hasn't been a problem for my students. What seems to be more of an issue for
them is simply making the time in their schedules, what with soccer games, band
practice, etc.
Brenda (Feb 27, 2003 6:50:04 PM)
Thanks for having us Jim - I really enjoyed this! :-)
mkbarbour (Feb 27, 2003 6:50:21 PM)
We're done already.... I haven't even missed my hockey game yet!
jkinse (Feb 27, 2003 6:50:22 PM)
you can stick around til they kick us out
Brenda (Feb 27, 2003 6:50:42 PM)
OK
jkinse (Feb 27, 2003 6:50:44 PM)
it will only be a couple minutes
Sarahu (Feb 27, 2003 6:50:49 PM)
ty
jkinse (Feb 27, 2003 6:50:51 PM)
actually sarahu
JeanSmith (Feb 27, 2003 6:50:55 PM)
This was fun, Jim! Thanks for getting us together.
jkinse (Feb 27, 2003 6:51:04 PM)
the tests can easily be reset
jkinse (Feb 27, 2003 6:51:11 PM)
if there is any type of problem at all
Sarahu (Feb 27, 2003 6:51:32 PM)
Yes, we have had those issues and have had to reset tests
mkbarbour (Feb 27, 2003 6:52:16 PM)
Once everyone gets their vClass training, we can have regular synchronous staff
meetings... ;)
Brenda (Feb 27, 2003 6:52:28 PM)
That will be awesome!
jkinse (Feb 27, 2003 6:52:35 PM)
that's what we are hoping mike
Sarahu (Feb 27, 2003 6:52:39 PM)
Problem there is that students have had an opportunity to see some or all of the
questions so therefore may do better on the reset
dhutti (Feb 27, 2003 6:52:40 PM)
I am sorry I missed most of the discussion, but I drove home. Looks like a lot
of chat
jkinse (Feb 27, 2003 6:53:06 PM)
deb
dhutti (Feb 27, 2003 6:53:10 PM)
yes
mkbarbour (Feb 27, 2003 6:53:14 PM)
When you schedule them, keep in mind that I an 2 and 1/2 hours behind you Jim...
jkinse (Feb 27, 2003 6:53:33 PM)
do you know where we can access the transcript of this and past chats?
dhutti (Feb 27, 2003 6:54:02 PM)
The transcripts should be up on the web site. I think some of them are up now.
There is a day lag. I will send out a broadcast email tomorrow with directions
to the archives
jkinse (Feb 27, 2003 6:54:14 PM)
please do
jkinse (Feb 27, 2003 6:54:24 PM)
will they be available for a while?
Sarahu (Feb 27, 2003 6:55:06 PM)
Thanks for the session, Jim. Appreciated the chat.
dhutti (Feb 27, 2003 6:55:13 PM)
For a year, Jim
jkinse (Feb 27, 2003 6:55:28 PM)
you are welcome!
jkinse (Feb 27, 2003 6:55:32 PM)
thanks deb
jkinse (Feb 27, 2003 6:55:40 PM)
thanks mike, Jean, Brenda
mkbarbour (Feb 27, 2003 6:55:42 PM)
Thanks for the time Jim...
dhutti (Feb 27, 2003 6:55:44 PM)
You are welcome and thanks
jkinse (Feb 27, 2003 6:55:46 PM)
this has been fun
jkinse (Feb 27, 2003 6:56:12 PM)
Brenda are you going to make dinner tonite or let him make it again?
Brenda (Feb 27, 2003 6:56:16 PM)
Thanks Jim, Mike, & Jean - I'll talk to you guys later. Mike - it was good to
get to "meet" you online.
mkbarbour (Feb 27, 2003 6:56:29 PM)
Likewise..
Brenda (Feb 27, 2003 6:56:31 PM)
Actually, Jim - he is dishing it up as we speak. :-) He's so good to me
Brenda (Feb 27, 2003 6:57:12 PM)
Bye all
dhutti (Feb 27, 2003 6:57:29 PM)
Can I join for dinner? I am looking at popcorn and juice otherwise
jkinse (Feb 27, 2003 6:58:40 PM)
i think its popcorn and juice
jkinse (Feb 27, 2003 6:58:58 PM)
and time for me to go
jkinse (Feb 27, 2003 6:59:15 PM)
i wish you would have been here for the whole presentation
jkinse (Feb 27, 2003 6:59:17 PM)
it was fun
dhutti (Feb 27, 2003 6:59:26 PM)
Later :-)
jkinse (Feb 27, 2003 6:59:31 PM)
bye
jkinse (Feb 27, 2003 6:59:33 PM)
:)
jkinse (Feb 27, 2003 6:59:42 PM)
say goodnight mike:)
jkinse (Feb 27, 2003 6:59:46 PM)
go play hockey
mkbarbour (Feb 27, 2003 7:00:01 PM)
Good night... We're on a one game winning streak...