Snacking and Reflecting…..

We were presented with two discussion options this week. I participated in the role playing discussion option. Our assignment, practice responding to learners having difficulties in an eLearning context. Problems not unlike the problems, the attendees to our web conference might have. I had so much fun role playing that I consciously limited the number of my responses.  I didn’t want to be a discussion hog.

I enjoyed this activity for several reasons. First, I respond to people in crisis not infrequently at my job, so I’m comfortable listening and trying to redirect people to what can be done to help them out. Second, I could work on each learner’s questions with a short burst of energy at my computer. [I’ve been told my Internet usage fits the profile of a “snacker.” ] The time period it took me to reflect a learner’s comment and formulate a response fit comfortably into my “snacker” span. The activity provided a nice change of pace compared to some of the discussion weeks where the time requirements were greater and there was a need for a sustained focus on one topic.

My best comment was probably one that I’m still wondering about. In responding to one unhappy learner about the work load which was too heavy, I identified with the fictional participant’s feelings of frustration and then asked what was causing the most frustration for them. Nothing too profound in that response, but it got me thinking that maybe there should be a section in our web conference shell (per each group) wherein attendees can seek help. I noted that Joni and Dave have structured two places in the web shell for our class to get help (weekly and under the “course home” heading). Joni’s liked my second response to the learner, to bring the discussion between the participant and facilitator out to other attendees.  This would start a larger dialogue on how others were handling the work load.

Another realization that hit this week, I’m in a whole new learning curve.   As I’m creating learning experiences I am as much a learner as my students will be. It’s a little scary and humbling.