Types of class meeting formats

I have been in the FSU program since Fall of 2005 and I find it interesting to see how teaching and learning have changed since I started the program. Prior to this class, my classes have all been held in chat, with the exception of 1 class meeting last summer that we attempted to use the virtual classroom and it failed to work for us. This year, however, I am in two classes that we'll be using Elluminate and Second Life as class meeting places. I don't mind chat, and there are features I like, such as the speed at which you can skim back at a transcript for information, or quickly respond to something that a professor has said, without interrupting verbally. On the other hand, there are limitations that I think are addressd by changing the format and meeting in a format like Elluminate.

There are times that I feel like I am taking classes with the computer, not real people. It was refreshing to listen to information audibly and be able to ask questions, have things clarified, and be shown examples. Although some professors have given powerpoints or audio lectures to listen to before class, having someone live presenting information was more like the traditional classes I was used to from teaching and from undergraduate school.

I really like Elluminate, althought it took some getting used to. After 2 years of classes where I could reread a sentence if I missed it the first time, it was hard to remember that I had to listen to every word that was said or I would miss something. It made it much harder to help my 11 month old son and participate in class--it would have been even harder if I had my microphone on! I loved the format though, especially with the ability it has for the person presenting information to actually link to his or her computer and give a demonstration or point out websites.

Overall I am excited to use the Elluminate classroom this semester, along with Chat and Second Life (that is a whole different post). I think the varying formats are an exciting new way to approach distance learning and will really enhance class.