LearningTimes Green Room

In this episode, Dan and Susan explore questions about technology and humanity with radio producer David Balzer.

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Show Notes:
Special Guest David Balzer. (Yes, he is Dan’s brother.) David is a communicator who currently works in talk radio, but is moving toward web-based communications. He has been thinking about the values that drive him as a communicator using various technologies. He’s a LearningTimes member, too!

David shares that he was influenced by a course he took this summer. He asks: What kinds of questions do you ask when you harness technology and what kind of person do I need to be in that process?

Marshal McLuhan said technology is the extension of man. Is the technology still extending who we are or has it replaced our humanity?

Are we in a technomoral crisis? Read Quentin J. Schultze, Habits of the High Tech Heart : Living Virtuously in the Information Age.

These dilemmas are similar to the questions faculty ask regarding whether they can reach out to students.

Dan asked how David tackles the crisis, which led to commentary on Jonathan Finkelstein’s Real Time Minute #2 that addressed relationships. David would prefer meeting the Jonathan who is not a compressed file (wouldn’t we all!).

The value of embodiment: when you harness technology, how does it impact the physical experience of the participants? How human is it? Does it give students a voice? How are we using technology?

Humor and its importance in dealing with these issues. Humor reminds us that we’re the humans and the computers are the machines. Tell those crazy stories!

Listeners, ask the character and value questions when deciding to use a new technology. How does the technology make people more connected to each other? And keep telling those jokes! We want to hear your stories (serious or comical) at http://www.ltgreenroom.org or talk to us in LearningTimes. And if you prefer the more human voice, call us at 1-800-609-9006 x8055 (US and Canada) or 678-255-2174 x8055 (outside US and Canada).

The LT Green Room team recently delivered the keynote for the 2006 BCCampus online conference on podcasting. Podcast Camp ran virtually from September 25 to October 2, 2006, but also included a live, traditional meeting in Vancouver, October 2-3. This recording features the highlights of the session with Dan and Susan.

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Show Notes:
If you would like to learn more about the conference and the community, visit http://bccampus.learningtimes.net. Many thanks to Sandy Hirtz, BC Online Community Producer, and Randy LaBonte of Odyssey Learning, who edited the keynote session.

Introductions: S’mores and Old Dutch chips

Qualifier that we only talk about audio podcasting and why.

Poll results on why people may not have listened to podcasts.

Comments on the “time-shifted” nature of podcasting.

What makes a great podcast?

• Something stimulating, something new
• Clear theme, purpose and focus
• Short
• Audio quality
• Makes you want to DO something

Another poll: How likely are you to use podcasting?

How is podcasting used?

• Course-casting, prof-casting of recorded lectures … a bit of controversy
• Value-added: context
• Guest lectures and networks
• Add freshness
• Show/discuss application
• Look at how you use your in-class time

Next Steps – Where we see the future (ideas from the participants)

• Passing control and getting at situated learning experiences by having students produce
• Not transmitting information, but interpreting information or making sense (wisdom)
• The average person’s voice, grassroots movement

Continue the discussion. Talk to us in LearningTimes! We facilitate discussion in LearningTimes.org or call us at 1-800-609-9006 x8055 (US and Canada) or 678-255-2174 x8055 (outside US and Canada). Or comment at http://home.learningtimes.net/learningtimes.

In this episode, Susan and Dan reveal their former odd jobs and how these helped shape who they are as educators.

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Show Notes:
In this episode, Susan and Dan reveal their former odd jobs and how these helped shape who they are as educators.

Susan began her career in campus housing. From that she learned the essentials of community; shared vision, shared values, behavioral norms, responsibilities, freedom and the creation of a safe zone. As teachers, we do the same in our classrooms – virtual or face to face.

Dan worked as a science department paraprofessional in a large high school, cleaning test tubes and listening to teachers after their class. The lesson: love what you do! He also got to see a variety of methods.

Can you share your passion online?

Dan also spent a summer in Mexico City doing pantomime as part of community development program. He learned to communicate nonverbally! Today as a practitioner, he continues to focus on the visual and asks “How do you get the message across without saying anything?”

As a park district Senior Citizen Activity Director Susan took groups of older adults on real field trips and had to help them feel comfortable. Being a strong emotional support and a good listener are transferable skills she gained from that position. Plus she dances a mean polka!

Susan was also a pretzel baker at the Julius Sturgis Pretzel Bakery in Lititz, PA between college and graduate school. We’re still wondering if there’s a twisted connection between that job and teaching!

Dan finishes with the story of his job as a consultant preparing high level execs and their families for the transition to another country. How do you decide what learners need? This reminded Dan of the importance of knowing your audience. Plus sometimes you have to make tough choices about what methods or activities you’d like to use, given restrictions in time.

Here’s what we want to hear from the community… What have you learned in your path that helps inform you in your practice? Name that transferable skill!

Continue the discussion. Talk to us in LearningTimes! We facilitate discussion in LearningTimes.org or call us at 1-800-609-9006 x8055 (US and Canada) or 678-255-2174 x8055 (outside US and Canada). Or comment at http://home.learningtimes.net/learningtimes.