Last week I attended a face to face (F2F) workshop called Teachers Teaching Teachers (TTT). It was organized by the Multicultural Resource Center . Ironically, I specifically attended this F2F workshop as part of my research for my Web 2.0 Social Networking class! I looked forward to this workshop because, Gene Batiste - the vice president of Leadership Education and Diversity at the NAIS , was offering a session on the benefits and challenges of implementing an affinity group for an independent school community. The social networking project that I am researching for social networking class is along the lines of affinity group support via a Web 2.0 infrastructure.
So why attend a F2F when there are so many online options? In class we have researched tools and their implementation through sound methodology, but I believe that the practitioner needs to bring their social network to life with some F2F time. We use Diigo, blogs, virtual conferences, etc... to research and reflect but I believe that there needs to be a balance. Personally, I found great value in taking the time to disconnect and meet people, not avatars or user names. And even though I sat through the TTT workshops thinking that this would be more efficient online, I found value in seeing people, shaking hands, and having "real" F2F conversations. Although it may feel as though the primary source of research nowadays is the web, the reality is that behind these sources of research are people. In my case, I tend to forget that the tool or information I am accessing may have another person involved. There is someone, some group, and/or some network of people we are accessing through the web.
No matter how inefficient and limiting a F2F session may be, there is value in a blended approach to social networking. The session I attended with Gene Batiste was fantastic! He had a great welcoming manner, spoke with encouraging confidence, and motivated his participants to believe that affinity group work is possible in even the most conservative environments. The presence he radiated cannot be mined through the Internet. Imagine Obama's election victory speech at Grant Park in Chicago live versus on a screen. The content is the same but the feeling one gets from witnessing and sharing F2F is incomparable.
Overall, as I use the web to research and reflect, it is important to remember the emotional/motivational benefits of being involved in a network that can come to life (F2F) at some point.
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
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4 comments:
I took part in an online symposium between Drexel University and China last night. One of the researchers discussed how years ago, he taught classes completely f2f. Then, we moved to completely online. Now, we're seeing a trend where many of the classes are very successful in a blended learning environment; just as you stated.
This semester, I am taking our blended course and an additional on-line course simultaneously. I thought taking on-line courses would be easier (these are my first two), but I have found them to be quite difficult. Primarily, I find it hard to focus when I am not in a f2f setting. I have realized that the only way to get the work done is to be sitting at a quiet desk without distractions... I was envisioning taking these online classes on the recliner in front of the tv! I suppose it is different for everyone, but I have to agree with you about getting more from f2f interactions. I wonder how on-line f2f (i.e. Skype) would work?
This year my district ran one of the inservice days through Illuminate. So instead of all meeting in one place, we "met" virtually in our separate buildings as the superintendent spoke to us. It took me a while to focus on the message, because only seeing her PowerPoint and hearing her voice wasn't enough for me. I wanted to be able to see her expressions and body language as well.
Another time we tried to save money by having a music group present live to one elementary school while the rest of us watched it one a big screen through the PolyCom system. Let me tell you-- the kids were NOT engaged.
So, to sum it all up: I completely agree with you. There is a time and place for both f2f and virtual learning, and we need balance between the two.
I am more inclined to email someone than speak f2f, which can be especially tricky when one works in a human service field. Your blog was a nice reminder that emotions and feelings are better shared face to face. I especially liked your example of Obama's speech. Wow! You are exactly right...Somethings are better expressed in person!
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