Virtual Classroom

Technological audiences are now being moved into the classroom. Today's lesson has been a perfect example.

Today’s online Wimba virtual classroom explored the definition of a "hybrid" or "blended" course, which is what we are engaged in as students and teachers of JOUR289I. Some teachers may believe that posting a Power Point or notes on elms makes them a hybrid class. However, they are still not meeting the standards of what a hybrid class truly is. Putting information online to supplement learning that was taught inside the classroom on the outside the classroom does not suddenly make the teacher eligible to say they are teaching a blended course.
A hybrid course can be defined as are a combination of online and classroom instruction. But also, a combination of presence, learning online, distance learning is what makes up a true hybrid course. One part of a hybrid course includes to face-to-face learning at a specific place and time. Limited interaction is also a part of creating a hybrid class. Finally, “supplement learning” or online learning is essential to create a blended class. The mix of online and offline learned are essential to a hybrid course.
All three examples are what we engage in for Technology 3.0. We have a designated class location where we meet twice a week at a specific time, assignments are posted online along with articles to read and respond to, and just recently we have had a virtual class to all interact together. The virtual classroom took technology to a new level where without everyone being together we could meet online to write to each other, speak to each other, and video chat with each other if some one was brave enough. The virtual classroom allowed people to raise their hands and response to polls similarly to the regular classroom. This hybrid class uses technology to enhance learning beyond interactivity. As we learned in the virtual classroom, synchronous and asynchronous forms of communication also lead to a hybrid course. In class, where there is synchronous communication, everyone is talking together. Someone might be asked to explain something but feel shy and under pressure. Writing a comment on elms of posting an assignment is considered asynchronous form of communication where not everyone is physically present.
This course definitely goes along with my “technological audiences” topic. While I mainly focus on entertainment or celebrities responding to and interacting with fans, this course is the teacher’s way to respond and interact with students. While blogs provide opportunities for online communication for stars and fans, blogs are also being used to allow us to give our feedback and suggestions for the JOUR289I course.