11 November 2015

[First Cloud-Online Seminar]

I just had my first online seminar through Blackboard Collaborate. At first, I was quite confused and nervous since I have never been through this session (obviously) since this is my only online units at Deakin. There was also confusion about class and seminar. In the end of the session, it turned out fine and it was great session.

So basically for unit HPS204, Human Social Behavior – Human Social Psychology, it is Cloud-Online mode during Trimester 3. Meaning there will be no face-to-face class/lecture. After I sort out my confusion, I guess Cloud-Online mode is not bad at all even though it is complete new to me.

Since we are not having face-to-face class, this how things are going to work. There will be pre-recorded class/lecture by the lecturer and they will be posted the video on Cloud Deakin, in weekly basis. Apart from pre-recorded class, we also will have Online Interactive Seminar every Wednesday, at 6 pm. This is what I had just now. This session sort of like tutorial which we are expected to virtually attend the seminar and there’ll be discussion and group activities.

I personally enjoy this session as I am free to attend the session anyhow I like. I mean, I can just be on my bed, eat or drink anything I like while catching up the session. It’s very flexible. Yeap, just like you’re having “Facetime” or “Skype” moment but without having your video up on online discussion room, there was only video of the instructor and slides notes/discussion section. However, I’m free to talk to other members instead of typing at chat box.

Another cool feature I love about this session, I can record the whole session using my Mac, Quick Time player. I am not sure how things work on Windows, but I believe there’ll be ways to make it happen. Yeap! So by having the session recorded, I can always go through the video at anytime I like or maybe during my revision period.

I do think this online seminar is more practical and beneficial than pre-recorded class video, since it allows live discussion, exchange of ideas and to get fully understanding about topics delivered by the lecturer in pre-recorded videos. The other students were also very proactive to participate in the discussion, (perhaps this is not just for the first week).

Like I said, so far this session went smoothly and everyone did a great job especially  Jin, the instructor. We will see how things going to be for upcoming weeks. I am wishing myself to have enjoyable semester learning this unit, as this is one of my favorite subject!