A Virtual Classroom

I’m still really not sure what day of the week it is (that is, my mind keeps playing tricks on it and telling me that it is Sunday…), but I know that we are moving quickly toward the final stretch of our time at this residency. In addition, today the sun came out. I am not complaining about the lack of sun (It has been warm enough to jog in a t-shirt and shorts) but it was nice to see it and bask in the warmth. Looking for meaning in this, I also saw the light this morning in our Research Methods class when I think I identified the methodology that I hope to use in my dissertation. Although I will soon find out if I was right or wrong, it was the first time I felt really good about methodology, and something seemed to click for me personally. Even if I am wrong, I feel I am on the right path. Thanks, Dr. Williams, for helping me flip the switch!

So on to the Virtual Classroom. Tonight I will be teaching a class of master’s students in Rochester, NY, from the hotel here at residency. The topic is leadership in the E-world. How fitting. This technology that I will be using is great, and I thank the folks at Adobe for being so patient with me and my requests. Using a web-cam, chat features, and a PowerPoint slide, we are going to try to simulate what my normal classroom looks, feels, and “learns” like. With customized delivery, we hope to have a great experience. I am looking forward to hearing the reactions from folks at both ends. I am hoping that this classroom and the application of the delivery will be the start of some great dialogue on what we can do to improve learning at a distance.

I will report back with the results….more to come…

-j-