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Hello Everyone in Cohort 309,
 
I'm sorry if my mode of communication has left some of you feeling out of the loop, and unsure of what's expected of you.
 
Here is the plan for tonight, just so everyone is on the same page and up to speed:
 
Tonight's class is online. You may attend from the comfort of your couch or your computer lab or any place with a WI-FI hotspot. There will be audio, so please take into consideration those around you. I'm thinking headphones are the way to go, but if you're alone with no one about, you may use regular speakers or your computer's built-in speakers. Please test whatever you use by visiting a site with audio (any youtube video should work) so there will be minimal technical glitches.
 
Ideally, I would like you to have a microphone for the purpose of presenting your mini-lesson. If for some reason your microphone does not function, or there is some kind of technical problem, then you may use your powerpoint as the basis for a screencast, or possibly a future online session. The last thing I want is someone to feel cheated out of an opportunity to show what they know. I'm also asking you to prepare for the worst. Between unexpected tech problems and unfamiliar technology, there is the real possibility that one or more of you will be passive watchers this evening- and I don't think that is a waste of time.
 
Your powerpoint mini-lesson should be a PowerPoint 2007 (with suffix .pptx) or a PowerPoint 2003 (.ppt) and contain no spaces in the name, nor be too long. I've had problems uploading powerpoint files with very long file names. If you choose to use a whiteboard only for your lesson, that is OK. Treat the whiteboard as a standard whiteboard with the ability to use many colors. Drawing lots of things on the whiteboard can be difficult unless you have a graphics tablet or a tablet-PC. Remember, I'm looking for something less than 10 minutes to accomodate all 13 people.
 
Also, This event is not graded, you are not getting scored on how well or awful your presentation is. This is an experience in order to enlighten you with the possibilities of how distance learning as evolved and will continue to evolve. It is to get you thinking about what elements could be delivered online and what shouldn't be learned online. (I'm told hands-on labs shouldn't be online, and at this point, I agree). Also keep in mind this is how many of your students will consume training and probably one or two college classes in the future. I know for a fact that many, many lawyers maintain their professional developement credits via online learning.
Love it or hate, this is a form of teaching and learning which a growing demographic is using.
 
Again, here is the place: http://livelesson.connectionsacademy.com/borne
the time will be 5:00pm. I will open the room a bit before 5pm.
 
A word document (attached) will show you the basics to getting logged on and started.
 
If you are unable to log on, and/or you miss this session, all is not lost. I will be recording this session for later viewing.
I will be at 612-770-4404 and I will attempt to take your phone call.
 
If we finish early, I'm inviting everyone to "Pardon My French" cafe for post-class discussion. Address will be made available.
 
See you tonight!
-Andrew

 

Attachment: How to log on / getting started