Virtual+Classroom+Activity

 Virtual Classroom Activity

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 * Description of Assignment**: Our job was to highlight certain particularly positive aspects of our virtual classroom that would help promote virtual classrooms. We were to launch Wimba and archive the session, using the share tool to show others the pieces of the classroom we were referring to during our tour. It was a way for us to learn how to conduct a virtual meeting as well as show-off the work we had done on our virtual classrooms so other people would see the benefit of them. Part of the assignment was to show ways that we structured the online learning. Some ideas for sharing information included having multiple tabs open to quickly move back and forth for our presentation. After we explored our unit, we were to end the archive and then download either an mp3 or mp4 file so we could add it to our portfolio. Overall, it was important to show nonbelievers how students could learn in our virtual classroom setting.


 * Process:** I first listened to an archive of the Wimba session from Thursday night to gain some insight into the project. There were some key pieces of information that helped me right from the beginning. It was from that session that I learned to hold down the control key when speaking, and also to open multiple tabs to show my examples. After listening, I decided to get started and see if I needed to play around with Wimba before recording. I prepared my major content that I wanted to share and then launched Wimba. I created "My Virtual Classroom." The first few times that I started my archive I ended up deleting them because I was missing pieces. I didn't share my desktop, or I didn't share enough of it. Also I clicked on the wrong page and then closed out of one. Finally, I went through my entire presentation, but in the end I realized that I had never shared the content on my screen! I went back two days later and rerecorded the content, making sure that I shared my screen. The first step was to enter Wimba through the communication tab on my Blackboard homepage. Second, I clicked the share button and chose to share my entire screen. Next, I I started the archive and held down the control key. I went through the tabs that I had set up to highlight the key parts to my virtual classroom. Finally, I was able to end the archive. I downloaded the mp3 to my ITunes and then uploaded it here! I was able to share the strengths of my virtual classroom to anyone!


 * Reflection:** This activity was somewhat frustrating at the beginning, but once I got the hang of it, I really started to enjoy its capabilities and the thoughts of possibilities in the classroom. As I discussed on my Virtual Classroom page, I was worried about finding content that I could present as a learning tool for the instructional component of my fractions unit. Wimba is one of the solutions to that problem. I could easily call a Wimba session for any student who may be struggling with any concept. There are excellent drawing tools that I could use to have students prove that they are understanding. But I could also talk them through any difficulties. I think that is something I worry about when thinking about virtual classrooms. There are certain pieces of information that you just need to tell students. I kept wondering, "how am I going to do that!?" Wimba is that missing component. It is easy to use, and I can see how fun it could be for students. By doing this activity, I thought more about my virtual classroom also. I thought about some strengths and weaknesses that it possesses. There is a feeling of accomplishment knowing that I have my foot in the door on virtual classrooms. I feel confident that I could lead a discussion on Wimba.

