Off to a slow start, this morning's web conference picked up speed once Dr. A. gave presenter rights to one of our members who was able to get most things working at the same time. Once most of the communication levels were established and we all felt comfortable, members of the group began talking with each other and the real conferencing commenced. Dr. A. gently faded into the background, in attendance, yet only occasionally contributing. In retrospect, that may have been her plan all along. Get us started, slowly relinquishing the reins as others stepped in. What a good facilitator should do, actually.
At first I felt very awkward, both with my face plastered on the screen and with using the microphone. I have never liked hearing my voice and am often self-conscious when using a webcam. I also had a difficult time following much of the conversation as people talked at the same time as others or forgot to identify themselves. I imagine as we progress through the course and use the web conference tool more often, I (as well as others) will become more self-assured and be able to use the technology with greater ease.
At this first reflection on using web conferencing, I still feel ill-at-ease with webcam technology. In my mind's eye I can see a great deal of potential for its use. In the classroom, I can see myself being able to give a lesson, even if I cannot be in the room. In the computer lab, no matter which way a student's screen is pointed, we can all communicate without turning around and craning our necks to see the speaker. I can easily see its use as another tool for a professional learning community -- members would no longer need to travel to meet, we could sit in the comfort of our classrooms, offices, or home and conduct our meetings and share new ideas, discuss issues, and work on team-building.
On second thought . . . I can see much value in learning to effectively use web conferencing. I must make sure I take advantage of every opportunity to use and practice this!
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I was recently at a networking conference in Kansas City, and one of the sessions was on video conferencing. The speaker said the question was not if, but when the technology will let you down, and to expect glitches.
BTW -- You managed to sail in under the radar. It took me several months to notice that you had a blog.
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