SS Open PD Soars In Session 2
Thursday, September 27, 2007
Last night's open Social Software in the Classroom session went extremely well. In fact, the stark contrast between last night's class and the class that "tanked" a week ago makes it hard to believe that the two classes are even related.
After twenty or so minutes of initial connection issues (our Ustream audio/video feed didn't work), we were able to have a wonderful discussion about social software and our students. Naturally, I used social software (the new Google Presentations) to facilitate the discussion. We finished our class reviewing some of the wiki basics we had covered in our first session, closing by discussing a few advanced wiki concepts (including wiki Templates and embedding RSS into a wiki page).
Technologically speaking, we ended up using YugmaSkype to connect teacher participants from around the world (teachers from various locations across the United States, a few from Australia, and one from Argentina). For the record, YugmaSkype was flawless (although my Skype quit out on us a few times - possibly from so many connections) and I anticipate using it again in the future.
Thanks again to all those that participated - our discussion was one of the best I've ever had in a Professional Development session. I hope to see you again next week (due up: Google Tools).
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Technorati Tags: socialsoftware07 education technology yugma skype ustream


Darren,
Thrilled to hear it went so well especially considering the fiasco of the week before. What a contrast!
Hope to participate next week. I'll write it in my appt book.
Hi Darren
It was really good but have been thinking about it. Your teachers brought up their concerns (barriers) for reasons that were limiting their use of technology. Any chance of getting them to do a reflection of what they see as the issues? So that we can work through with them as discuss solutions?
Definitely thought Yumga worked well -- but this whole time zone business is doing my head in!
Thanks for helping me out. Should have made you feel better to know that everyone can have problems virtual sessions.
Sue
Sounds interesting, but my plate is pretty full...of old, dull dated methodology. Any particular reason I should come on board?...