The whole thing about emerging technologies was all so overwhelming on Wednesday when all these means of communicating with technology was initially introduced. My first thought was holy crap do they expect me to use all of these can I not just choose one I am comfortable with. Then to my relief we have to do a blog, as I am already using one with my students it was no longer as terrifying.
Context:
I am a Dental Technician, lecturing in the Department of Dental Sciences. I teach a particular section (aspect) of dental technology to students; namely Full Removable Prosthodontics (Dentures). I am also the Teaching and Learning Co-Ordinator for the dental technology section. My work in the Dental Sciences, Dental Technology department, would fit well with this means of communication. Our students do mostly practical and I think they can get a one on one session with me in this way when they are at home and think of something that was troubling them and couldn't or didn't say it in class.
Challenges:
I think my major challenge would be to get the students to interact via the Blog, I already have a student that is saying that he does not have internet at home and is not able to post comments. He does have a Blackberry but also made up some excuse why that is not working. The most difficult thing would be to get students to say how they feel about something in this public forum about how I do things, but I am confident that they will overcome this as we go along. There is also the issue about time spent in front of the computer/phone/tablet and the personal expense as this will be when I am at home with no WiFi. But I am willing to take the chance.
Intended outcome:
I would want this to be a platform where they can express their views on cases posted on the blog as a means of peer review and formative assessment. I would like Dental Laboratory owners to see what our students are capable of and to be able to comment on the students work and also see the student's progress from one case to the other. The lab owners are potential bosses out there, so students can showcase their work on the blog too.
