http://www.networkedcollab.org/vles/2009/07/problems-with-learning-in-the-virtual/ sharing and info exchange for the Virtual Learning Environments class at the New School Wed, 17 Aug 2011 14:07:43 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.2.1 http://www.networkedcollab.org/vles/2009/07/problems-with-learning-in-the-virtual/comment-page-1/#comment-210 helenc Mon, 27 Jul 2009 12:42:11 +0000 http://www.networkedcollab.org/vles/?p=140#comment-210 Before this term, I would have agreed with you, but after having taken classes with both Josephine and Joan Schuurman, I have to say it’s really the teacher that makes the difference. While they both have very different approaches, they each have a strong grasp of and comfort with the medium; and it is this that has made the difference for me. Joan is very to the point and structured in her class layout: given her work environment (Blackboard) she has to be. Her clearly laid out system leaves no room for error and makes even the most loathsomely disorganized student stay on track. In contrast, Josephine’s more exploratory approach, allows students to cast a wide net and use forums that work best for them. For us (the 2nd project group) we launched our own Google group and shifted from SL in to NING chatting, to allow easier collaboration between students with differing Internet connections. This exploratory approach has given a true sense of ownership to our group collaboration and would have been impossible had our forum been restricted to specify areas. Before this term, I would have agreed with you, but after having taken classes with both Josephine and Joan Schuurman, I have to say it’s really the teacher that makes the difference. While they both have very different approaches, they each have a strong grasp of and comfort with the medium; and it is this that has made the difference for me.
Joan is very to the point and structured in her class layout: given her work environment (Blackboard) she has to be. Her clearly laid out system leaves no room for error and makes even the most loathsomely disorganized student stay on track. In contrast, Josephine’s more exploratory approach, allows students to cast a wide net and use forums that work best for them. For us (the 2nd project group) we launched our own Google group and shifted from SL in to NING chatting, to allow easier collaboration between students with differing Internet connections. This exploratory approach has given a true sense of ownership to our group collaboration and would have been impossible had our forum been restricted to specify areas.

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