| Connected to TAPPED IN on Wed Feb. 19 11:09:14 2003 PST. ArlynF [listening] exclaims, "Hi!" DafneG says, "Arlyn, I linked your answers to Scott to our page" ArlynF [listening] says, "Yes, I saw, thank you Dafne" ArlynF [listening] says, "I have started collecting data and will eventually create a database" VanceS [lazy] says, "what kind" ArlynF [listening] says, "containing materials on all the topics we've discussed in Webheads" ArlynF [listening] says, "and will hopefully be able to link to members' pages for examples" ArlynF [listening] says, "My own "webhead" influenced pages, Wimba boards, are 'gone' :(" TeresaAlm says, "i have to update the wia index with so much that's been going on." DafneG says, "I have created so many pages in this 2003 session" ArlynF [listening] says, "Dafne offers a very good example on her page from last year" DafneG says, "I enjoy it" DafneG says, "I like learning new things" ArlynF [listening] says, "That's the key to using technology I believe, which is why 'barriers' are something to think about when teaching" ArlynF [listening] says, "I have a page with the beginnings of the data, something just for today" ArlynF [listening] says, "But this will be old news to the three of you" |
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to index TeresaAlm [to DafneG]: "i've read your email on chat and would suggest two things: i'd call #2 'chats for language practice' (more general than functions) and #4 'presentation chats', because we are doing a presentation. comments?" DafneG says, "great, Tere, that is a very good idea." ArlynF [listening] projects the URL: http://www.eslhome.com/cop2003/db.htm TeresaAlm [to DafneG]: "daf, i like your comments on the log." ArlynF [listening] says, "If you look over this preliminary list, you'll note the number of topics covered in just about one month's time" DafneG says, "so you used the messages from the YG, Arlyn" ArlynF [listening] says, "Quite an array of programs" VanceS [lazy] says, "that came up without requiring a password" TeresaAlm exclaims, "great page, arlyn. we're really getting a refined index page!" ArlynF [listening] says, "Yes, that is what I'm using for a database" |
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to index ArlynF [listening] says, "I believe the messages are actually public domain, if you know the URL" DafneG says, "very good so you go to the original source" VanceS says, "I made a small change to the files and links" ArlynF [listening] says, "Sorry, this page was created in a hurry, so you'll have to click the 'back' button to stay on the page" VanceS says, "I opened them for general access" DafneG says, "that's why you do not need the yahoo ID" VanceS says, "didn't realize that applied to messages" VanceS says, "that was my intent though" ArlynF [listening] says, "I think this collection offers an excellent database plus a great example of how list communication effectively promotes learning" DafneG says, "I was wondering about that today, when I linked Arlyn's message from the group's file" VanceS says, "I'm a little surprised about the messages" TeresaAlm says, "congrats, arlyn. great work. it is a great page to show at presentations to make a point about the learning potential of chat." ArlynF [listening] asks, "Maybe the 'group' recognizes you?" |
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to index ArlynF [listening] says, "Well this page is just a rough draft. I eventually hope to collate the info according to subject" ArlynF [listening] says, "To me, Webheads covers a stunning array of new technology in a very non-threatening manner" DafneG says, "this is a very systematic recording of data" SusanneN comes out in full daylight from the cyberious shadowland DiaLog follows SusanneN to here. TimeLog follows SusanneN to here. TeresaAlm says, "it sure is, daf. and very helpful." DafneG hugs Sus TeresaAlm hugs sus SusanneN says, "Sorry I could not come earlier" VanceS [lazy] says, "Hi Sus" |
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to index ArlynF [listening] says, "I've worked in technology for over 15 years and the biggest barriers usually occur because the learner feels threatened/unsure" ArlynF [listening] exclaims, "Hi Sus!" TeresaAlm says, "always in time, sus." SusanneN says, "Hi Arlyn! and all of you" SusanneN says, "we're a nice little group today" ArlynF [listening] says, "The atmosphere of Webheads, that it's okay (even encouraged) to make mistakes and learn from each other creates a fertile place for learning" DafneG says, "yes, we have a very low affective filter in WIA" VanceS [lazy] says, "absolutely" ArlynF [listening] says, "Hi sus, let me project something for you" DafneG says, "in Krashen's words" ArlynF [listening] projects the URL: http://www.eslhome.com/cop2003/TImtg_message_links.htm ArlynF [listening] says, "Krashen may be a nut, but I agree with a lot of his principles" ArlynF [listening] says, "The affective filter especially" SusanneN exclaims, "Oh, what a great nice list of useful links!" |
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to index VanceS [lazy] says, "Krashen appeals to me" VanceS [lazy] says, "he's been bashed because of lack of research base" ArlynF [listening] says, "Generally (my theoretical linguistics is foggy) high stress prevents learning" VanceS [lazy] says, "but his ideas often make intuitive sense" DafneG says, "that's for sure" DafneG agrees with Vance ArlynF [listening] says, "Well, it's practically impossible to 'prove' yet anecdotal evidence bears it out" VanceS [lazy] says, "there are some things you can't establish thru limited research protocols" ArlynF [listening] exclaims, "Agreed!" SusanneN will sneak into some google reference to mr. Krashen's linguistic learning theories Back to index ArlynF [listening] says, "So, my intent for today's meeting..." DafneG listens attentively to Arlyn ArlynF [listening] says, "I had expected new members to come and "witness the possibilities" of Webhead's membership" VanceS [lazy] says, "don't forget it takes a bit of time on the boundary before the new members slowly drift in from the cold" ArlynF [listening] exclaims, "Instead we have the Webheads Community leader and old pros -- I'm the newest member here!" ArlynF [listening] says, "yes, it took me a while to 'jump' into TI, and I'm still wary of CMC/Moo technology" DafneG says, "we belong to the same prom, Arlyn" ArlynF [listening] asks, "prom"?" DafneG says, "we started last year" DafneG says, "in WIA" SusanneN says, "me too, Arlyn, it took me some time to feel an integrated and useful member of Webheads" DafneG asks, "Arlyn what motivated you to join WIA?" ArlynF [listening] says, "yes, though I lurked for a long time" |
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to index ArlynF [listening] says, "Basically, for my Master's degree I had the luck to be in a very technology friendly environment" VanceS [lazy] asks, "where was that?" ArlynF [listening] says, "Ohio University, Department of Linguistics" TeresaAlm looks very interested. ArlynF [listening] says, "You may be familiar with Greg kessler or John McVicker" DafneG says, "very updated material" VanceS [lazy] asks, "Athens? Charlie Mickelson?" ArlynF [listening] says, "Greg has been running TESOL's Electronic Village (on site) for the last 4 years" DafneG says, "yes, I met him at TESOL in SLC" VanceS [lazy] says, "I went there for a job interview once" ArlynF [listening] says, "Greg and John created a CALL lab, reserved strictly for the English Teaching staff -- as a classroom" VanceS [lazy] says, "It's almost midnight here" VanceS [lazy] says, "waves of sleepiness starting to descend" |
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to index ArlynF [listening] says, "Well, as I was in this environment in Michigan (after OU) where technology in teaching occurred only in select departments" ArlynF [listening] says, "not mine" VanceS [lazy] asks, "are you guys going to post your transcripts?" ArlynF [listening] says, "Webheads allowed me to keep up to date on new programs, and the Wimba board was excellent" SusanneN says, "/wh arlyn, your mood is still listening, you can reset it by typing /mood or /mood something else" DafneG says, "I posted mine, and am about to post Buth's" VanceS [lazy] had better change his as well ArlynF [listening] presenting VanceS looks sleepy. ArlynF looks presenting. SusanneN exclaims, "Yes!" ArlynF [presenting] says, "Vance, thank you for coming and staying up so late. I was hoping this would be a good time" ArlynF [presenting] says, "I do hope that we can have some sort of meeting to discuss TESOL 2003 in the near future" VanceS [sleepy] says, "yes, as we get through these weeks, we will" |
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to index DafneG says, "Arlyn, another question" VanceS [sleepy] says, "only another month to go though" ArlynF [presenting] asks, "Yes, Dafne?" DafneG asks, "what have you found in WIA to stay?" ArlynF [presenting] asks, "I don't understand your question... Could you rephrase?" DafneG says, "this is out of curiosity" SusanneN asks, "What made you stay with WIA instead of leaving?" DafneG says, "yes" DafneG says, "each of us may have different reasons" ArlynF [presenting] says, "Well, the first time I wrote anything -- it was a direct e-mail to Vance. He wrote welcome to the community and I cynically responded, "If you can call this a community"" DafneG asks, "did you, really?" ArlynF [presenting] says, "I learned complete strangers could create a virtual environment for learning" SusanneN says, "certainly so,by now we have proved that this is very special kind of community" DafneG says, "what was Vance's reply to that" VanceS [sleepy] says, "I don't remember" ArlynF [presenting] says, "And I lurked less as I felt "safer" that my errors wouldn't be judged harshly" ArlynF [presenting] says, "He wrote back, "This IS a community"" SusanneN says, "I do think that we also have different images in our heads regarding the word "community"" ArlynF [presenting] ) and he was right, of course |
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to index DafneG asks, "Vance, was WIA a community when we just started?" VanceS [sleepy] says, "we had the Writing for Webheads community" VanceS [sleepy] says, "and this was my second attempt to get one going just for teaching peers" TeresaAlm [very interested] asks, "vance, did you think we'd become a CoP?" SusanneN [to DafneG]: "I think so, as some people were coming from the older writing for webheads, or w4w as we call it today" ArlynF [presenting] says, "Up to that time, I had attempted regular yahoo chat rooms and found them horribly boring" ArlynF [presenting] says, "Yet people 'chatted' to each other like long lost friends -- "hugging" and "dancing" virtually" VanceS [sleepy] says, "I think I first heard that term from Sus" DafneG says, "lol" ArlynF [presenting] asks, "Really, only your 2nd try?" TeresaAlm [very interested] asks, "as far as i understand, there are online communities and distributed CoPs and they have different characteristics, right?" VanceS [sleepy] says, "I think W4W was a community of practice esp when it was more exploratory" SusanneN says, "I have been trying to backtrack when it first appeared in our chats and mails" VanceS [sleepy] says, "now WIA is the more active and has exceeded W4W in experimentation and cohesion" ArlynF [presenting] says, "I think the key for me, as to what I got from Wia since I haven't created many pages, is the sense that I was not alone, though I felt alone in my CALL practices at the university" SusanneN says, "As I have used w4w, for me it was absolutely a kind of CoPs, and I felt I was in the periphery for some time, coming from Tapped In and the helpdesk oriented community practice" TeresaAlm [very interested] says, "i think we started really using it when chris johnson told us about his diss. paln." DafneG says, "ok, that's a point, Arlyn" SusanneN says, "Teresa, this happened long before Chris joined us in w4w" VanceS [sleepy] says, "it's after midnight" SusanneN says, "but he's the one who has been examining it closely" TeresaAlm [very interested] says, "talking regularly about us being a CoP? i don't think so, sus." ArlynF [presenting] says, "I think WIA functions the same way for other teachers who are at facilities where they may be THE cutting edge" VanceS [sleepy] says, "this is an interesting discussion but I've got to go to bed or risk marital disbliss" ArlynF [presenting] says, "and receive little support from their colleagues" DafneG says, "bye, Vance sleep tight" SusanneN exclaims, "yes, Vance, get to bed!" ArlynF [presenting] says, "Oh yes Vance, thanks again for co9ming" TeresaAlm [very interested] says, "sweet dreams, vance." ArlynF [presenting] says, "yes, will do" VanceS [sleepy] says, "ok, nice to see everyone" ArlynF [presenting] says, "you too" VanceS [sleepy] says, "thanks for a great job this week" VanceS [sleepy] says, "you're all superb" DafneG says, "thanks, Vance" VanceS [sleepy] says, "see you later" ArlynF [presenting] says, "I'm afraid this isn't a very interesting discussion, as I'm not offering a presentation like Dafne did yesterday" ArlynF [presenting] says, "But I'm learning as I go, from all of you" DafneG says, "each presentation is different, Arlyn" SusanneN says, "arlyn, this kind of chat is very useful, too" VanceS [sleepy] says, "just be yourself, that's the best presentation" ArlynF [presenting] nods ArlynF [presenting] smiles VanceS [sleepy] has disconnected. |
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to index TeresaAlm [very interested] says, "that's what's great with wia: we constantly learn from one another." SusanneN says, "I read Daf's chaltog with comments just before I got here" ArlynF [presenting] listens to Sus DafneG waits to hear Sus wise perspective SusanneN says, "one thing that you did not notice, Daf was how I was sometimes whispering some helpful side remarks to Arlyn and others around in the room, like BJ often does" ArlynF [presenting] says, "Yes, thank goodness" ArlynF [presenting] says, "I'm really lacking in MOO-ettiquette" SusanneN says, "I like the neat comments feature, it is a very fine way to make some remarks" DafneG says, "I usually do that in my f2f lesson plans" SusanneN says, "The fun thing is that I was not sure if you wanted me to be so active" DafneG says, "yes, that was great Sus" SusanneN says, "I felt I had to try to bring us back on the track here and there" DafneG says, "it is like team teaching" SusanneN says, "because we were getting into a lot of side tracks" DafneG says, "yes, that's why I posted my reflections today" ArlynF [presenting] says, "I think the environment is somewhat different when you are in a group of known (at least virtually) people" SusanneN says, "yes, I felt that our teamwork was strong enough to do this without your explicit consent" DafneG says, "just like in a f2f meeting" DafneG says, "sure, Sus" ArlynF [presenting] says, "had there been newcomers today, i would still have wanted you all to jump in, just like inf2f" SusanneN says, "I felt that your chatlog extracts were proving so well that your students did get a" SusanneN . o O ( did get into real learning while chatting ) ArlynF [presenting] says, "Absolutely, and for me Dafne, that was the first evidence I've seen of chat being used in a true academic sense" SusanneN says, "This is the hard truth about this kind of chat meetings. You can plan what you like to bring up - but not be sure that participants will not bring in another direction" ArlynF [presenting] says, "I don't have anything planned beyond what you've seen" SusanneN laughs I forgot we were in YOUR chat session, Arlyn |
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to index ArlynF [presenting] says, "Don't worry, I'm not territorial! Well, I am curious to know if you think the database" DafneG says, "I think that your work with that data base is very important" DafneG says, "it can be the source of many articles, Arlyn" ArlynF [presenting] says, "as it is proposed, will be useful or if there is a better way I could present the info other than what I have outlined here" SusanneN says, "The database with links to useful postings in our mail list is a gold mine" SusanneN asks, "is that the one you're talking about?" TeresaAlm [very interested] asks, "what was vance's worry at the beginning with the messages, arlyn?" ArlynF [presenting] says, "I haven't quite figured out how to connect multiple threads that comment on the same info" |
Back to index ArlynF [presenting] says, "I believe he wasn't aware that our messages aren't password protected" ArlynF [presenting] says, "I found out accidentally" SusanneN [to ArlynF]: "right, files and images are, but not messages" DafneG says, "yes, that's something that called my attention" TeresaAlm [very interested] says, "right, they aren't. we tried it in my husband's computer and they show. i thought they were." DafneG says, "no, the files are not protected either, Sus" ArlynF [presenting] says, "In some groups, even the messages are private." SusanneN says, "sometimes it can be a little embarrassing when you've made a personal or not so well formed posting, and then retrieve it in Google later" ArlynF [presenting] says, "It's the way he set up the preferences, as a moderator." DafneG says, "I just linked Arlyn's answer to scott to my page and it opens without ID" ArlynF [presenting] says, "Well, I don't think that many people would want to access the material" SusanneN says, "maybe, maybe not" ArlynF [presenting] says, "At least without knowing where to go" DafneG says, "I think there is material there for a dissertation" SusanneN says, "but sometimes when I google a name and a term, I get strange links to discussion groups" TeresaAlm [very interested] says, "i'm not sure about that, arlyn." ArlynF [presenting] says, "There are over 3400 messages in our log" TeresaAlm [very interested] says, "i agree with daf." TeresaAlm [very interested] says, "it's a gold mine, i think." SusanneN asks, "btw, did you know that Google bought Pyro , the owner of Blogger?" ArlynF [presenting] says, "Well, that's what I was noticing by going back through the data" DafneG says, "and the work you are doing is like coding the data" ArlynF [presenting] says, "It's really amazing when you review the messages in hindsight and all together" ArlynF [presenting] says, "Yes, but I'm not certain how many levels to go" TeresaAlm [very interested] asks, "can't vance set up different preferences for the messages?" ArlynF [presenting] says, "What you see projected is just the surface" TeresaAlm [very interested] says, "no doubt." SusanneN says, "Google will develop new search methods by integrating blogs, because blogging is kind of simple links reviewing" ArlynF [presenting] says, "Yes, Vance could have and possibly still can, I'm not a Yahoo Groups moderator" DafneG says, "yes, Arlyn, but those are the categories, then those can be divided into codes" ArlynF [presenting] says, "Actually, Google has linked me to many 'secure' sites, circumventing the password" SusanneN says, "yes" DafneG says, "and the limit is the researchers' goal" |
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to index ArlynF [presenting] asks, "What sorts of codes do you think would be helpful?" SusanneN wish I could get to the limits of research ArlynF [presenting] says, "I was thinking to organize by topic (general), as in first discussed" DafneG says, "I could not tell you know, would need to go into the categories first" ArlynF [presenting] says, "Then the feedback (difficulties encountered) and the return feedback (support and advice)" DafneG says, "yes, those are categories" ArlynF [presenting] says, "But some threads return again and again, in different guises, over many months" DafneG says, "then other sub-cat. could be the different tools under the general ones" ArlynF [presenting] says, "That's where the database/collation comes in" SusanneN says, "arlyn, one way might be to extract a few key words or lines from each message and bring them up on front page level (in the sub-categories)" DafneG asks, "where are you setting the database?" DafneG says, "I mean, access, or any other spreadsheet" ArlynF [presenting] says, "Even though I haven't personally implemented many of the tools discussed in Webheads, I've mulled them over and watched the progression of knowledge, which in itself was a learning process" DafneG says, "yes, you have been a systematic observer" ArlynF [presenting] says, "That's what I have to decide. I have Excel but have not used it as a database. I used Access a very long time ago (not happily) and am also familiar with Filemaker Pro" SusanneN says, "you will need a good database that comes up smoothly on your homepage" DafneG says, "I have not used spreadsheets much" ArlynF [presenting] says, "I would want the material to be accessible to all, regardless of software, which leads me to think a website, similar to a search engine, would be good" ArlynF [presenting] says, "I have no idea how to create a search engine, but I'm sure it's possible..." TeresaAlm [very interested] says, "arlyn, joao, my husband is saying that excel is a good database and easily adapted to html." SusanneN says, "spreadsheets can be very simple to use" ArlynF [presenting] says, "This is where many people use cascading style sheets" SusanneN asks, "I wonder if any of you have experiences with Lotus Notes?" ArlynF [presenting] says, "Oh really? I'll research that further" DafneG says, "not me" ArlynF [presenting] says, "No, not Lotus, and now i'm on a Mac" SusanneN . o O ( Yes, it is not for macs ) DafneG says, "I have used excel only for tables and graphics" ArlynF [presenting] asks, "And cascading style sheets... has anyone used them?" DafneG says, "no, I am not that advanced yet" ArlynF [presenting] says, "I have used Excel for spreadsheets but not database" DafneG says, "I am still fighting with tables" ArlynF [presenting] says, "I believe they can be displayed alphabetically or by topic and are also searchable" SusanneN says, "No, I'm not sure what the cascading means" DafneG says, "yes, I am sure" ArlynF [presenting] says, "But I was under the impression that this is a FrontPage feature" TeresaAlm [very interested] says, "brb" DafneG says, "ys, I know FP has cascading style sheets" ArlynF [presenting] says, "Cascading is like a waterfall; the information 'falls' from one source but you don't see all the" DafneG says, "but have never used them" DafneG says, "I will give it a try one of these days" DafneG says, "after the co-moderation period is over" ArlynF [presenting] says, "threads and the pages move freely, without seeming to have a fixed location" ArlynF [presenting] says, "I think it is used with frames (something I've avoided because they aren't always compatible with all browser versions)" ArlynF [presenting] says, "Yes, I" TeresaAlm [very interested] says, "true. people are more into tables because of that, as far as i know." ArlynF [presenting] says, "I'm very nervous about Baltimore and pulling something together for the presentation" TeresaAlm [very interested] exclaims, "i'm not. we'll do it!" |
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to index SusanneN says, "I have just discovered that I can edit homepage directly in eSmart file manager. This means that I will be able to make a new homepage even though I cannot get into my old domain (because something is not ok with my ftp access)" SusanneN [to DafneG]: "are you happy with eSmart domain?" ArlynF [presenting] asks, "What is eSmart domain?" DafneG says, "well, it is not the maximum, but it works fine" DafneG says, "http://www.esmartweb.com" DafneG says, "I just make my FP pages and upload them to esmartweb" |
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to index DafneG asks, "Tere, would you mind sending your labels for the chat categories to the list?" DafneG says, "I came up with a classification of educational chats from the top of my head" SusanneN exclaims, "The idea of chat categories is very good!" TeresaAlm [very interested] asks, "daf, i was also thinking that #3 could be simplified to 'task-oriented chats', because in such an environment i think the collaboration is implicit. do you agree?" DafneG says, "and sent them to the list" ArlynF [presenting] asks, "yes, that's great, how would you classify this chat then?" DafneG says, "I will have to reflect on that, Tere" TeresaAlm [very interested] says, "it's just to simplify the category, which should always be explained anyway." SusanneN says, "A chat like this has several categories" TeresaAlm [very interested] says, "presentation chat to start with." SusanneN says, "LIke Daf did in her comments, there are certain levels of interaction" DafneG says, "it would go into the 4th." TeresaAlm [very interested] says, "exactly." DafneG says, "but also it has from the first" SusanneN says, "yes, and then, sometimes even to informal smalltalk before getting really into the introduction round" TeresaAlm [very interested] exclaims, "and we may come up with more categories. don't forget: we're breaking ground!" SusanneN says, "and chat categories are also overlapping" DafneG says, "yes, that's why I said they just came thinking about Sus comments" TeresaAlm [very interested] says, "sure they are, but i think we have to look for the main one." DafneG says, "and reflecting on the role of the moderator" |
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to index ArlynF [presenting] says, "you bring up a good point, about breaking new ground" ArlynF [presenting] says, "When I joined WIA, I didn't think this was a unique situation, because it was my first experience with a real virtual community" DafneG says, "it is in one of the messages to the list today" DafneG says, "mine too, Arlyn" ArlynF [presenting] says, "Over the past year, I have visited other sites and realize that it is unique, even within the workshops through EV" DafneG says, "I thought I was going to attend an online course and that was it" DafneG agrees with Arlyn DafneG says, "I mean, when I joined WIA" TeresaAlm [very interested] says, "arlyn, i've been saying this for some time, because i really think we have something special." TeresaAlm [very interested] says, "that's why i also suggested several months ago that we write about it." DafneG says, "and our group last year, was especially special, I think" ArlynF [presenting] says, "Yes, me too. I joined 4 EV communities last year and none were like this" TeresaAlm [very interested] says, "yes, daf. agree." DafneG says, "we were like eager to explore" ArlynF [presenting] says, "A lot of it has to do with Vance's 'hands off' relaxed moderation style and use of rotating moderators" TeresaAlm [very interested] says, "i think we still are, but the theme this year is different and we have to think more than act." ArlynF [presenting] says, "This may be due to the fact that his audience is teachers and he is capitalizing on that resource, where others couldn't" DafneG says, "yes, Tere" SusanneN says, "Arlyn, this is truly different from an online course in traditional understanding. But we need to find out how to make the analytical inspection so that we might be able to explain to others and make them understand what happens" TeresaAlm [very interested] says, "good point, arlyn, but we are also a special group of teachers." ArlynF [presenting] says, "Well, one of the elements I hoped to bring to the table was using only the list/e-mail as a resource" TeresaAlm [very interested] says, "not many teachers commit as much time as we do and are as motivated as we are." DafneG listens to Arlyn TeresaAlm [very interested] says, "we're always on the go. at least a more limited group is." ArlynF [presenting] says, "As I said, I don't have a lot of physical results to show from my WIA involvement" ArlynF [presenting] says, "Yet the professional advancement has been immeasurable" TeresaAlm [very interested] says, "i don't, either, but i've started making a list. however, we do have the know-how with us." ArlynF [presenting] exclaims, "Yes, I think you're right. Foreign language teachers are a special group!" SusanneN says, "That's why I've stayed here for so long time, too, because Language teaching is so interesting (I'm not a language teacher myself)" TeresaAlm [very interested] says, "but not all foreign language teachers. none of my fl colleagues at school are like me." ArlynF [presenting] says, "I know, that's something that's intrigued me about both you and BJ" DafneG says, "neither are most at my university" TeresaAlm [very interested] says, "the only group that is more into technologies is the math group." ArlynF [presenting] says, "And that's where the technology comes in" SusanneN says, "nah, maybe I would have stayed with you, even if you were into biology, using a likewise communication strategy" ArlynF [presenting] says, "It's probably a broad generalization but:" ArlynF [presenting] says, "teachers willing to experiment with technology are people willing to take risks and try new strategies" DafneG says, "for me, it is the affective domain what has made me stay and be active" SusanneN says, "Arlyn, my stepstone to Webheads was my internship in the Tapped In helpdesk practise" ArlynF [presenting] says, "I have run into resistance from my colleagues, partially because they were technophobic, but also because they were afraid of change" DafneG says, "afraid of change, Arlyn that's it" TeresaAlm [very interested] says, "for me it is also the affective domain, but also the learning and the constant action that goes on. i love it." ArlynF [presenting] says, "And that fear manifests itself in stubborn refusal to try or learn about new things" SusanneN smilea DafneG says, "they hide that fear under the mask of sketpticism" ArlynF [presenting] exclaims, "Exactly Dafne!" TeresaAlm [very interested] says, "brb." ArlynF [presenting] says, "Often, when training teachers to use CALL, CAI, CBI etc., the biggest challenge is convincing the teachers to try something new." DafneG says, "yes, I know" DafneG says, "they feel safe with what they know and use" ArlynF [presenting] says, "And let's face it there is much more work involved to try new methods than to recycle old ones" DafneG says, "sure" DafneG says, "especially if they are not going to get paid for that" DafneG says, "it happens in Spain a lot" ArlynF [presenting] says, "And teachers are, as a rule, underpaid and under appreciated. Convincing people to put in more manhours for something that may just increase their work load, is a hard sell." DafneG says, "right" DafneG says, "not everybody does it for professional growth, as we do" ArlynF [presenting] says, "So yes, you and Tere are right -- this group is special" ArlynF [presenting] says, "Not because they are language teachers, but because they have a desire to learn and be challenged" DafneG says, "I invest money for my prof. growth" ArlynF [presenting] says, "And (I believe) this is transferred to students" DafneG says, "I am not expecting recognition" ArlynF [presenting] says, "No, nor am I" DafneG says, "just my self-satisfaction" DafneG says, "that's what makes us special in this group" ArlynF [presenting] says, "Though I love when a student tells me (usually after they have matriculated into a graduate program) that what they learned with me has eased their transition and given them skills/resources for their future" DafneG says, "that is the best reward, Arlyn" SusanneN says, "Girls, I've had a hard time lately, getting in serious doubt about my ability to mediate what I know and think. Without your help, I might have lost sight of my dim future goal" ArlynF [presenting] says, "Many of my students resist the technology sometimes, and it is only later that they have 'proof' of the progress" ArlynF [presenting] says, "Really? Sus you strike me as someone who doesn't give up easily (a fighter! :) )" SusanneN says, "My own university has been so un-supportive about my engagement in technology and online communication. BUt I could not resist the strong urge to explore all this all on my own." DafneG says, "you have been an inspiration for me, Sus" SusanneN grins to Arlyn - I can wrap up myself into words ArlynF [presenting] says, "So you have gotten reinforcement from WIA as I have -- your participation helps you not feel alone in your beliefs" TeresaAlm [very interested] says, "i'm back." DafneG says, "wb, tere" ArlynF [presenting] says, "I have to say, I never even used the Internet until 1997 and that was before Google, so life was less clear" TeresaAlm [very interested] says, "sus, we could explore all this on our own. none of us." SusanneN says, "yes, sure thing. Just the fact that I often get such a great feedback on messages that make me feel wanted :-)" SusanneN says, "true, tere, this could not have been achieved alone" ArlynF [presenting] says, "It's amazing how quickly the use of the Internet as a 'tool' has grown" TeresaAlm [very interested] says, "we couldn't, i meant" ArlynF [presenting] says, "And that's the other aspect of WIA, and especially how it varies from other CoPs, I think" ArlynF [presenting] says, "Well, we can wrap up" SusanneN says, "I guess that other similar CoPs do exist, but usually people are less open for research" ArlynF [presenting] says, "But I think it needs to be restated that not all CoPs are the same, and that the key elements of WIA" SusanneN says, "what makes WIA so useful is the openness" ArlynF [presenting] says, "the key benefits are: peer support, advancement of learning (technology)" ArlynF [presenting] says, "advancement of self (self-growth) and ... any others I'm missing?" |
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to index ArlynF [presenting] asks, "Can all of you help me to define the key benefits of WIA versus other CoPs?" SusanneN mood listening to Arlyn's winding down question ArlynF [presenting] says, "I've listed a few (you may have to back up the list)" DafneG says, "for me there is special affective bond" TeresaAlm [very interested] says, "special bonds." TeresaAlm [very interested] says, "great commitment and motivation." ArlynF [presenting] says, "Yes, Daf, and that is created how? That's what amazes me" SusanneN says, "the instant access to help and support" ArlynF [presenting] says, "yes, Sus" ArlynF [presenting] says, "And it's global." SusanneN says, "I like the helpful and inclusive spirit" DafneG says, "that bond has been created working together" TeresaAlm [very interested] says, "i think the affective bonds come naturally after some time when we feel we really relate to someone." ArlynF [presenting] says, "One other element that is somewhat staggering for me, is that everyone is communicating in English, but very few of the group members are NSs" TeresaAlm [very interested] says, "after a lot of hard work and scaffolding, etc." SusanneN says, "the global aspect is also very stimulating, I do like the feeling of being able to communicate with all kind of nationalities about a common project" TeresaAlm [very interested] exclaims, "that too is special!" ArlynF [presenting] exclaims, "Only the different time zones is a drawback :) !" TeresaAlm [very interested] says, "sure is, sus. it is very special." ArlynF [presenting] says, "Well, thank you for coming. And as always, I learned a lot today." TeresaAlm [very interested] exclaims, "and we mustn't forget the great moderator we've had, vance!" ArlynF [presenting] says, "Absolutely" SusanneN cheers for Vance (and his old webheads mates) TeresaAlm [very interested] exclaims, "bye, girls. thanks for a great two hours!" SusanneN says, "without the regular support from Michael, Yin, Maggi and Felix, there would not have been so much to build on" SusanneN says, "and others, too, of course" TeresaAlm [very interested] has disconnected. SusanneN [to ArlynF]: "This was a great chat" ArlynF [presenting] says, "Okay then, good night and thank you for being here." Disconnected from TAPPED IN on Wed Feb 19 13:13:21 2003 PST. Back to index |