Job Discussion Forums

[leeroy]

[Guy Courchesne]

I made a post a little over a week ago asking if anyone out there would like to link their class to our via camera or microphone or both or some other means. I got zero response.

I'm broadcasting our classes over the net on a regular basis, starting on the 31st of Jan. I'd still be interested in a project to link up if anyone is interested.

Req's are:

computer and internet in the classroom
collaborative class plan
similar schedule - think time zones

Nice if you have it:

webcam
microphone(s)

PM me if you are interested.

[Teacher in Rome]

I agree.

I teach business people mainly, and it might be interesting for them to correspond with their counterparts in different countries. The lawyers could debate points of law with fellow lawyers studying English around the world, for example. I'd definitely see some mileage in being able to get people in similar careers writing to one another.

[ChinaMovieMagic]

Yes. Sounds good to me. Core group...Mexico, China and...Rome(?)

RE: LAW...One of our teachers here in a Yale Law grad.I'll see what's possible. It depends on how many law-people are among our Professors-in-training....

RE:Business...lots of great international Negotiation-based Role Plays we can do...keeping up w/WTO-etc. current business issues

I've got some ideas for going beyond "Talking Heads" "teacher-centered approaches, such as International movie scene-based Role Play competitions...using Websites such www.filmsite.org, which has a list of Great Film Scenes...having folks see the scene world-wide, and then have the learners' AUDIO linked up, as they're watching the movie scene...as a means of practicing...preparing for the Video/Audio Performances...

[Guy Courchesne]

Interesting idea on the film/audio.

Who are the core group students though? CMM, I thought this might be moving more into areas where this a first exposure to the net/computers, following the digital divide project we were talking about. If we follow that, we'd have to keep things centered on the newbie factor, no?

Otherwise, a cross-connect with exisiting classes and students is fine, with appropriate themes. I'm just keeping my eye on the UN ball.

[ChinaMovieMagic]

Gur,

Re:Core group of students
Here in China, many folks are Internet-savvy. Many college kids have their own computers w/fast Net connections. As well, there are inexpensive Internet Bars everywhere in China, including university campuses. Typically, the boys play Counter-Strike war games, and the girls do Internet Chat. Many Internet Bars have WebCams and folks communicate w/each other.

So...the process of "diffusion of innovations"...
(From China Job-related page..."Promoting Change in China's Classrooms")

THREE BASIC STRATEGIES FOR MOTIVATING TRANSFORMATION

1. Promote the new. Or..."increase the perceived value
of the new idea." This is the principal work of the
Change Agents, but they certainly depend upon the work
of the Innovators, who make a 'cool' product initially.

2. Critique the old. Or..."decrease the perceived value
of the status quo by attacking it, either directly or
subtly, in short, making the old way of doing things
seem uncool. This is generally the work of the
Iconoclasts, though Change Agents also help.

3. Facilitate the switch. "This is the most important
and the least obvious strategy for making change happen.
It is also where many change efforts fail, because they
forget to reduce the perceived cost of making the
change."

Believing Cassandra
193-194
FIVE CRITICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF INNOVATIONS

1. (Perceived)Relative advantage.
2. Simplicity
3. Trial-ability
4. Observability.
5. Compatibility

[ChinaMovieMagic]

To get a sense of Internet in China's Minority areas, check out:
http://www.khamaid.org/kangdingweb/

I know the folks at KhamAid, and I hope to link them up w/my friends at
www.niylp.org
and
www.edupsych.com

[Guy Courchesne]

No argument there, but I think the boys in Geneva are looking at more disadvantaged folk, no?

I can hook up with either group here in Mexico City, tech-savy or otherwise, but the Golden Egg goes to the Bleeding Heart does it not?

I have an idea brewing in your PM box