Facilitating+a+Virtual+Classroom+Activity

// For this assignment we were required to create a recording of our individual virtual online classroom. We were to focus on explaining the unique and important features of creating an online learning community. We also had to include the various course components that supported our ability to arrange and format the classroom for learning, to promote and enhance the learning process, to facilitate communication and collaboration between students as well as the instructor. In addition, the recording provided me with an opportunity to show the visual aspects of my virtual online course. I concentrated on developing a visual layout that would be appealing and enhance the virtual learning environment for my students. I wanted to translate my traditional teaching skills into an alternative and innovative delivery medium that would engage my students. My ultimate goal was to design a virtual online course that was easy to use as well as user friendly. // || // In order to complete this process, I tried several times to launch the Wimba classroom in my Blackboard virtual classroom, but after many attempts and error message, I completed the recording as a Jing screencast. Before completing my recording, I made a brief outline of the five important components I would be discussing which would emphasize the structure and benefits of virtual classrooms. Because, communication is a vital key and must be established at the very beginning, I started my recording with the announcement area. This is the first area students’ encounter after logging into the account. It contained a greeting from the instructor to the students. It reminded me of the first day of school, standing at the classroom door and greeting my students. I then preceded to the Start Here area which is very similar to the first day of school activities in a traditional school. It contained a welcome video clip, getting acquainted activities, and course procedures. I also included components of my virtual classroom that were designed to promote collaboration and communication among students, such as the class wiki and the class blog. // || // Facilitating an online activity was not an easy task. I practiced with the Wimba classroom first, but when it was time to finalize my project I experienced many problems and errors. I used the Jing screencast to record my virtual classroom activity. I really love that Jing records every move you make on your desktop. I have used this program several times before. However, this time felt more conscious of my voice and I wanted to make sure that I had good facilitation skills. I was interested in keeping my listeners alert and engaged. I tried to make my explanations of the components of my virtual online classroom brief and direct. My demonstration included the components that supported the uniqueness of my virtual classroom. Many parents and students know little about virtual online classrooms. In my recording wanted to emphasize that virtual classroom are a collaborative learning environments, where students have many opportunities to communicate with their instructor as well as with other students. // ||
 * //Facilitating a Virtual Classroom Activity //**
 * **//Description //**
 * **//Process //**
 * [[image:virtual_app.jpg width="113" height="55"]] Link ||
 * **//Reflection //**