Well I have made some progress investigating Elluminate. Thanks to Gary Dietz for sending me this link http://sas.elluminate.com/site/external/event/playback
and Terry, Bronwyn and Leigh for further discussions and demonstrations of this software. I can certainly see a use for it in the Learning Centre to support our distant students. An example of how we may use it would be in working one to one with a student helping them with the proof reading of their essay. The essay can be on the white board for both of us to view and we can speak to each other and talk about things that need changing or correcting. Another use would be to talk to a power point presentation. This presentation could be on any topic at all - say referencing, using a library catalogue, study skills. I would like to practise using it with another teacher at the Polytechnic who also wants (should) learn to use it.
Terry, Bronwyn and I thought it would be a good idea to invite all the teachers here at Otago Polytechnic using Blackboard to come to a meeting on a Friday afternoon (we will entice them with wine) and demonstrate Elluminate. Following this we would like to form a User's /Learners /support group which meets regularly. I am especially keen to do this with staff who are teaching open entry courses where there are higher numbers of Foundation level learners. I see Elluminate as one way of working (almost) f2f and 1:1 with these learners.
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Hi Helen
I have used Elluminate several times and can see the value - the problem is the support needed to get people who are technophobic or who have poor computer skills. I've talked two people through the process of downloading the software... it took maybe about 30 minutes each time and several phone calls! Then there is the training on how to use it... ie remember to hand back control of the mike etc... however it is possible... just remember to build in some kind of training time. I'd be happy to join a group!
Yes it's always worried me a bit about the technicalities of it from the student's end. Perhaps using Elluminate could be a orientation and induction course offered at the start of semester. Students could have a trial run in a supported environment on campus ( if they are here) then another practice run at home. I really think we need to be offering some level of technical support at the beginning to get them started.
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