Friday, February 8, 2013

IMPLEMENTING THE SEVEN PRINCIPLES - Chickering and Ehrmann

 

IMPLEMENTING THE SEVEN PRINCIPLES - Chickering and Ehrmann

Excellent article and site dedicated to teaching using technology.  I often find that like the old saying goes “You can lead a horse to water but you can’t make him drink”.  As technicians and support professionals, we teach people how to operate the technology but we need to do better at teaching them how to really use it.

UVI Radio Station WUVI 1090AM from www.uvi.edu

http://www.uvi.edu/sites/uvi/Pages/Spotlight_News_Show.aspx?newsId=476&s=PS

UVI’s Radio Station WUVI Broadcasts to UVI and Beyond

Wednesday, January 30, 2013

UVI President Dr. David Hall, center-left, gathered with supporters, UVI Communication students and others instrumental in the founding and operation of the student radio station WUVI 1090 AM at the station’s grand opening on Jan. 24.The University of the Virgin Islands has its own radio station, WUVI 1090 AM “The Voice of the University.” WUVI is a student-run, managed and operated radio station that is part of UVI’s Communication Department. Broadcasting from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. seven days a week, WUVI transmits at 250 watts, reaching the United States and British Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico and as far south as Dominica. The station broadcasts original student-produced content, Caribbean music, talk shows, news, and information relevant to the UVI community, the Territory and the region.

WUVI Links:

  • WUVI’s schedule is available at this direct link. > Click here
  • See more photos from the opening at UVI Today... > Click here

Wednesday, February 6, 2013

Excellent article on teaching using videoconference technology

Twelve tips for teaching using videoconferencing

Medical Teacher is the property of Taylor & Francis Ltd. 

There is a lot of great advice in this article and anyone involved with distance learning technology should read this carefully.  Thanks to those who spent the time doing the research.  I know that we here at the University of the Virgin Islands have seen much of this over the years.  Just spend some time getting to know what you’re working with and you will be rewarded with success.

Cloud-delivered enterprise video collaboration: New Polycom RealPresence CloudAXIS Suite - YouTube

 

I see this as the future of videoconferencing.

The ability to reach people anywhere using what you find convenient to use is going to dramatically improve the ease of communication. Getting connected to the right people in the right place has always been a speed bump in the process. I’m excited to see all of the new developments that Polycom has put out there recently.

Friday, February 1, 2013

Helpful hints for successful videoconferencing


1.      Wear colors that do not contrast highly with the backround of the room.  Bright colors are usually not good for videoconferencing.

2.      Do not move around too much.  You can move a little bit but if you move fast or gesture wildly then you will not be seen clearly on the remote site.

3.      Speak clearly towards the room microphones but not too closely.  Speak at a volume that you would normally use when talking to a group of people of this size.

4.      Avoid tapping on the microphone or rustling papers near the microphone.

5.      Mute the microphones when having a private conversation.

6.      In a call with multiple sites connected, mute your microphones when you are not speaking.

7.      Make sure that you can see and hear the far site participants.  Adjust cameras and sound levels so that everyone can be seen and heard clearly.

8.      Involve the remote site as much or more than the local site to make them feel as much a part of the group as the room that you are in.  Do not allow participants in remote sites to become “disconnected” with the rest of your group.

9.      Use a variety of media and instructional methods during class to keep participants interest peaked.

10.  Make sure that all presentations and media are clear and use text, pictures or video that are large enough for everyone in the group to see.

11.  Introduce all participants when the event starts. 

12.  Introduce yourself when you start speaking.

13.  Use participants names to identify them and make them feel as important as anyone else in the local or remote sites.

14.  Ask questions and invite discussion to get everyone on all sites talking and communicating together.

15.  As moderator of the group, you must remain in control of the communication and be able to guide discussions and conversation in all locations.

16.  If possible, make sure that your class is held in a room that has the appropriate size and equipment for your class.
 
       17. Last but not least:  Don't be afraid to ask questions about technology!