I have attended many web conferences using Adobe Acrobat Connect Pro for the Educational Technology Leadership program as I continue to work toward my Master’s Degree. The value that I find from attending the web conferences is that it not only gives me an opportunity to talk to the instructor but it also allows me to meet and connect with my classmates. I feel that the ability to have a face to face connection with the instructor on a weekly basis is critical in the success of an online program. Our instructors in the Educational Technology Leadership programs offer tremendous support and encouragement to the students.
Learning to use a headset and webcam has really enhanced my communication skills and has allowed me to apply these skills to other areas of my work and my personal life. I like to think of myself as a “people connector”. I have made some great networking connections through the web conferences with other educators across the state of Texas. These people I now refer to as friends rather than simply colleagues. Each has strengths that I do not possess and serve as great resources for me for the future as I continue to apply what I have learned. I now even have a classmate who has relocated and is teaching in China and we can chat using Google instant messsaging. Class members from earlier cohort groups also help encourage the new students in the program. I look forward to attending the web conferences because I always get clarification on the weekly assignments and gain new insights from the comments and questions of my classmates.
Ok, I'm convinced, I will have to get me a microphone and camera. Or, I might just get a nifty little laptop.
ReplyDeleteYour blog does look like someone who has been in the program a while. Mine is getting better. Thanks for your help I'm sure it will not be the last time.
Oh, my supervisor said she would be my mentor...yea. Erin has her masters in psychology and she's a real smart cookie to boot. I'm really getting excited about this program.
Carmen