For me, the weekly video episode is an important part of my teaching. Each Thursday morning, I construct the agenda for the following week, review goals and assignments for the week, review the weekly readings, check discussions and blog comments and generally prepare as I would for a face-to-face class. It turns out that this preparation time is important for me. the structure of the weekly videos forces me to take a little time to reflect each week on where we are in the course, how things are going, and what I want to have happen the next week. When we finish a video, I always feel as though I have talked with you all and had the chance to address issues and focus.
Thus, the weekly videos are an important part of structuring our experiences together for me. I wonder if I am using an outdated model when I include these videos and if I could communicate the same information to you without the video. For now, however, the weekly videos are an important part of our course for ME.
I am interested in the usefulness of the videos for YOU. Please feel very free to be open and honest here. I am curious to better understand how this approach works or doesn't work from the student perspective. From the teacher perspective, I think I will always need my Thursday morning experience, whether or not the planning and reflection results in a video.
Thanks for thinking about this with me.
8 comments:
The weekly videos are a definite fit for me! They help me immediately feel connected; even more than the online discussions or office hours. I have even watched a few of the videos more than once as I start into the week, just to double check that I am concentrating on the right ideas. The weekly video has even started me thinking about using videos more in my class -especially with labs. I could do a procedure "check", a review of basic concepts, or so many other things that the kids could access as they need it. So Dr. Thompson, please continue the CI 505 videos...they are for you AND for me.
I agree with Lynn. They are a good connection piece for me. I think I have a good understanding of what is expected of me for the week, but it's nice to just have that overview from you. I usually watch it early in the weekend, so I can plan my week accordingly. Taking a class and teaching a class has been a challenge, and I feel like I don't have much time to myself. I do enjoy this class and all of the things I am learning.
Please keep doing the videos because it helps me feel connected. It may seem like an outdated form, but it is effective and engaging.
I definitely hope you continue to publish a weekly video. I agree with the first two comments, and I also want to add that the video helps humanize this environment... for lack of a better phrase. If we were to put this to a vote, I would pull the lever for keeping the videos! ;)
I agree with the other three posts and keep creating the videos! They give a look at a different media form and focus for the week. I could see making an introductory video and posting to a blog for the students. Perhaps lab safety, math review or demo. Is there a way to access the videos besides clicking on the green image? Often I have trouble loading the videos.
I'll echo the others' sentiments and say the videos are definitely helpful. It's one more way to help me get organized for the week. This is important for me as I'm not typically incredibly organized, to put it mildly. Anything that helps me get all of the assignments, readings, etc. in order is useful. In addition, there typically is guidance for discussions and assignments that you may or may not cover elsewhere, but it comes out more clearly when you're just speaking about it.
I agree that I find the videos useful. We are disseminating a large amount of information from various points of view (3 authors), and it is nice to see where you feel the "meat and potatoes" lie in your videos. On the flip side, I also feel that as a teacher I prepare better when I am going to hold more accountable, such as being taped or recording parts of classes for projects.
I would find the courses lacking if I did not have that personalized aspects found in your videos.
I like the videos and like Lynn I find myself coming back to them throughout the week. The video provides a certain level of interaction that makes the course more like a normal course. I am taking another class right now and we don't have discussion boards, videos, or any real interaction in the class other than when the professor says when there has been a schedule change. I hope the videos keep coming.
Thanks for the feedback and yes, the videos will continue. I skipped this week because we are doing a continuation of last week.
As I indicated, I need to do the videos to help ME feel connected and to help with my organization.
Tune in on Oct. 20!
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