Decisions… February 4, 2008
Posted by Lance in Behaviour, Starting Out, blogging, learning.add a comment
I spoke earlier about not being sure what my “voice” was on this blog. I think I have come to a decision: I’m letting go of all the pretence and seriousness. I enjoyed the initial writing of this when I wasn’t trying to prove anything. Instead I am going to try and find that light-hearted tone and just see where this takes me. I was a lot happier with the results in the early stages (and a lot more productive too), and I am no expert, so why try to be?
This is not to say that I am going to try and make this into a comic blog (I know I’m not that funny), I’m just not going to take it all so seriously. I want to have some fun. Besides, I figure that this still fits the sub-title of this blog; “tentatve steps into web 2.0 and social networking”. I’m still finding my way and I’m still experimenting.
…if life seems jolly rotten
there’s something you’ve forgotten
and that’s to laugh and smile and dance and sing”
Month Python’s “Bright Side of Life”
Small Hiccup … January 4, 2008
Posted by Lance in Behaviour, Starting Out, blogging.add a comment
As the song says, “You’re gonna to trip stumble and fall” After deleting the previous post (Online Tools vol 2) and rewritting it, and recreating the graphic in it, I have discovered that I really don’t know how to use the mentioned tool.
So, having some time on my hands and an overly developed stubborn streak I decided to keep trying. I know that it can work, as the post I originally saw it on had a working graphic, and the ones created by me worked in the kwout website. I think part of the problem lies in the fact that the edublogs site seems to be stripping the embed code out when I post (once again, probably something that I am doing).
After getting nowhere with this I did the next most obvious thing: I visited the kwout website and help blog … and found no help in the existing questions. I’m still waiting on a reply to my question to them, so we will see how it turns out.
Anyway, to the point (yes, I do have one, and I will get to it, albeit in a long winded and rambling manner). I have learned a valuable lesson here. I got a little excited by the potential of the kwout system (tool? toy? call it what you will) because I saw some potential in its use. What I should have done is to make sure that I knew what I was doing with it before I opened my mouth. (Not bad for someone who a couple of posts back was bemoaning the fact that he overthinks things and never just acts. Either I’m getting better at this or I don’t know myself as well as I thought).
So, it has been in my mind to take down the previous post until I figure out where I went wrong, but then I decided I should leave it up. I need the reminder that I need to do my homework before I post anything - I don’t need to be an expert, but a passing understanding would possibly be of benefit.
Looks like 2008 is off to a flying start, which reminds me: Happy New Year to you all.
Online Tools vol2 January 2, 2008
Posted by Lance in eTools, tools, web2.0.add a comment
Originally this post was going to be on graphic editing, but I have just come across what could be a very cool tool. Post Christmas and New Year, I have been trying to catch up on my RSS feeds while dealing with all the things that the Real World seem to throw in the way.
It was while reading through Scott McCleod’s blog Dangerously Irrelevant that I came across a post on Kwout (apparently pronounced “quote”). This little tool allows you to take a screen shot of any webpage:
looking forward via kwout
The thing that makes this different to most screen captures is that the hyperlinks remain active within the image.
I’ll be honest here; I haven’t played very much with this (the above image is the only one I have made), but am already seeing any number of uses, especially in “how to” guides.
Time to go play …
edit: hmm. Defintiely need to play a bit more: the links in the above image are supposed to be active. Not sure what I did there.
Online Tools vol1 November 30, 2007
Posted by Lance in photos, tools, videos, web2.0.2 comments
This one seems to be the topic of the moment: screen casting software. A lot has been said lately on this topic (for some great discussion on the merits of various products and their uses, take a look at Michele Martin’s Bamboo Project and Sue Waters’ Mobile Technology in TAFE).
If so much is being said, why am I jumping in here? Simple really – graphic work is something that I am reasonably comfortable with - not so much the video side of things, but I am not totally without experience. Finally!! I am not the total novice.
The other reason that I am jumping in here is that the aim of this series of posts is to look at products that I hope to implement. Screen casting is one that I have already used (albeit only in the last two or three days).
So what am I using? I started with Auto Screen Recorder, but jumped from there to CamStudio, which I really liked: it is simple to use and produces a quality product (and as an added bonus, it is free). Last week Leonard Low posted on his mobile learning blog that tech smith were offering Camtasia Studio 3.1.3 for free, so of course I jumped in had a go of that as well.
Now I have to say that I love it! It is a little more involved than CamStudio, but if you have a passing familiarity with MovieMaker, then the edit feature will present very little issue and a little experimentation will see you well on the way. This is also where Camtasia has an edge over CamStudio: the ability to edit within the package.
Using Camtasia for the first time, in under half an hour I had produced a 50 second video, with text annotations that will replace a seven page “how to” document.
I may have become a little enamoured with this product: over the course of the day, on top of the day-to-day routine, I put together three other quick videos; another “how to” and two for a demonstration next week where I am not sure I will have internet connection. The following are the demonstartion videos - apologies for the poor quality, but in the interests of download time, they have been saved in .wma format (smaller file size than .avi), but they will give the general idea.
baccarat interaction example 1
baccarat interaction example 2
If truth be told, I have spent a fair amount of time looking for other videos that I can make.
Definitely having a little too much fun here.
edited 4th Dec 2007: video upload.
Problems Dilemmas and Dichotomies November 30, 2007
Posted by Lance in Behaviour, Starting Out, blogging.add a comment
Last week I posted that I was having problems coming to terms with my apparent (OK, let’s be honest here: complete) lack of activity when it came to blogging.
Jeanette (of From the Principal’s Desk) left the comment that:
It doesn’t surprise me that you’ve struggled with your perspective on blogging, as I suspect any thoughtful blogger likely has done so. It’s a tool, and like any tool, there are times blogging will be useful, and times it won’t.
I started to reply to this, but after my reply started to ramble a bit, I thought to myself, “here’s your opportunity – this is where posts come from!” (I know – slow off the mark, but I am getting there). So please indulge me here while I divert from my original plan of looking at e-tools. After all, isn’t that the benefit of blogging? It’s dynamic.
Anyway, I think I have figured out what my problem was/is. I don’t know what I want my ‘voice” to be. When I started, it was just an experiment - I was playing, so the tone was very light. As I started to take the process a little more seriously, the tone subtly changed. I’ve been looking over the vast list that is my previous posts and I can see the change.
So, as I see it, I now have two key decisions to make: what is that I want to say, and how do I want to say it?
The first question is easy: I have no idea, but the ideas will come, of this I have no doubt, but the second is the difficult one. I can tend to be a fairly serious person by nature, with a natural propensity to over think just about everything, but I also try not to take it all too seriously. After all, as the man said, “no-one gets out alive”.
Perhaps the best option is to just write and see how it turns out?
After all, it’s just possible that I’m just over thinking all this. May have to ponder that one for a while.
2 Months and Counting November 21, 2007
Posted by Lance in Starting Out, blogging, tools.5 comments
I’ve been sitting here for the last two weeks thinking that I really should write something here: 6 post in 7 weeks. Hardly what I would call a committed attempted at getting involved in the whole blogging process, especially when you consider that all 6 posts were written in the first 4 weeks. Now math ain’t my strong point (and after that phrase, apparently neither is English), but that means that I haven’t touched this in nearly three weeks.
I know that commitment and tenacity are required to get into the flow of things, but the simple reality is that I had nothing to say. Now don’t get lulled into a false sense of security here: that point is not intended to imply that I now have something to say. If that’s the way you read it, then as Wesley said to Indigo, “Get used to disappointment”. (Sorry, we watched The Princess Bride with my niece over the weekend).
I have been torn (resisting the temptation to hum; annoying tune stuck in head now! Not happy!) as to whether I should write something for the sake of making a post, or I should hold true to my belief that if you have nothing to say, stay silent.
What’s that? Do I hear someone yelling “Sell Out!”? Well actually, no. This post is not just for the sake of posting. It is for the sake of posting as well, but not just for the sake. Think of it more as an introduction.
An introduction to what? More pointless and senseless rambling? Well actually, more than likely, yes (why stop now?).
Over the last few months I have had the opportunity to look at any number of new tools (new to me anyway – apparently some of them have been around for quite a while) and I have had the “kid in a candy shop” sparkle in my eyes: so many to choose from.
I have been looking at things with an aim to incorporating into our training packages, and the time has come. Its time to choose (or at least start thinking seriously about it). So I’m thinking that I will use this forum as a space to ponder out loud how I am going to do this: hence the introduction point (I know, it took a while, but at least I got there).
So strap yourselves in kiddies, we’re in for a wild ride!! Or possibly a quiet meandering stroll? It could go either way, but the smart money is on the latter.
Advice for New Bloggers November 2, 2007
Posted by Lance in Starting Out, blogging.1 comment so far
No, I am not trying to be ironic with that title, and yes, I do see the incongruity in someone who has done this for only a month giving advice, but here’s the thing: who better than someone for whom the whole experience is so new that they still experiencing the full gamut of emotions?
Actually, I was reading Michele Martin’s The Bamboo Project blog last night and she asked the following question:
What Advice Would You Have For a New Blogger?
The essence of which was the following questions:
I’d like to hear your advice for new bloggers.
- What tips do you have for getting into blogging?
- What should new bloggers be doing to get the most out of the experience?
- What challenges did you face as a new blogger and what did you do to overcome them?
- What thoughts do you have on the best ways to ease into blogging?
Read the whole post here
The following is my reply to her, with some edits
What tips do you have for getting into blogging?
I’m in two minds here; it’s either don’t, unless you have something to say, or jump in the deep end and see where it takes you. I think I’m leaning to the “don’t” theory. My reasoning here is that unless you feel that there is some value in what you write, that will generally show through. (”What is written without effort is in general read without pleasure.” Samuel Johnson). Additionally without some purpose, disillusionment will not be far behind. I jumped in, thinking it was something that I should try. Thankfully, I had some very supportive people to help me. My initial posts were written on blog within the eTools and Tips for Educators community which brings together some very skilled people; people who are willing to try new things, and offer assistance to those who are trying.
What should new bloggers be doing to get the most out of the experience?
When I figure that one out, I’ll let you know - I’m kind of new to this myself.
What challenges did you face as a new blogger and what did you do to overcome them?
- Content. I have problems coming to terms with the fact that what I am thinking/writing will be of interest to others. The reality is that sometimes it won’t be - deal with it. But at other times, you will hit on a topic that, for one reason or another, will generate interest.
- Length. I have had to restrain myself at times to prevent rambling for too long. I was given some good advice by Sue Waters - break it up into a number of posts (sorry Sue - I know this has gone way over).
What thoughts do you have on the best ways to ease into blogging?
- Be realistic - you are not going to have a huge reader base when you start. Tenacity is required. Keep at it and ensure that you are writing for yourself, but write as if the world were reading it.
- Be honest – if you don’t subscribe to a point of view, don’t write it. Don’t set yourself up as an expert (unless, of course, you are).
In all honesty, this could go on for pages, but I think in comes down to 3 simple points:
- believe what you write - it will show
- write for yourself, but in a manner fit for a world audience
- don’t write for the sake of writing, have a point or agenda
to lead or to direct October 22, 2007
Posted by Lance in leadership, learning, web2.0.2 comments
“Lead by example”.
“Do as I say, not as I do”.
We’ve heard these quotes a thousand times and as much as we aspire to the former, how often do we fall into the category of the latter?
A large proportion of people that I have trained have commented on how terrified they were when they had to perform in the role for real: the gap between simulation and reality is vast. The advice given in each case is to remember that fear, not to fall victim to it, but to remember it.
One of the harshest accusations levelled against experienced staff and supervisors is that they cannot empathise with new staff: they have forgotten what new staff are going through. In essence, they have forgotten where they came from.
I make no secret of the fact that I am new to a lot of these ‘new’ social networking tools: up until a few months ago, I had only the vaguest idea of what web 2.0 referred to. I am in the same situation as those trainees: it’s a big world out there and I had no idea just how big it was.
In response to an earlier post, Sue made the comment that “the good aspect of extending ourselves is to remember how confront[ed] we feel when we do this - so that we can relate to how our learners might feel.“
Can we ask that our trainees/students utilise tools that we ourselves are too afraid or self-conscious to use and actively demonstrate?
Now that would be poor practice.
At least for the moment, its easy for me to remember where I came from: right here, right now, and the view is glorious.
… and Into the Light October 20, 2007
Posted by Lance in Behaviour.8 comments
Lat night I was lucky enough to have dinner with Sue Waters and Annelieske Noteboom from Challenger TAFE in WA. Sue is the driving force behind the Mobile Technology in TAFE blog site and was graciuos enough to allow me to join them on their last night in Melbourne. The evening was great, with conversation ranging from trends in e-learning to Sue’s total incomprehension of hook turns in Melbourne (she just could not get her head around the concept of moving to the left lane to turn right - how can that be hard?).
Anyway, after dinner, I was invited take a look at, and particiate in a ustream broadcast. For those who are unaware of this program, it broadcasts steaming video from your webcam to your audience, who interact via a chat system.
Its very cool, but also quite surreal: you’re sitting there looking at yourself on camera, talking to your computer, reading what people are typing, all the while trying to look ohh so natural. Well, that’s the theory. If you are me, you’re sitting there looking at yourself on camera, talking to Sue’s compter, reading what people are typing, all the while with a goofy grin on your face feeling ohh so self conscious, wondering how the hell you got there? Think back to my previous entry : I am not the type of person to be in front of the camera; I am the camera man or director or the coffee boy - anything that is BEHIND the camera.
I cannot think of anytime that I have felt that uncomfortable or self conscious - I think it was worse than the first time that I stood in front of a classroom. I humbly apologise to anyone who was subjected to my stumbling efforts.
On the way home, I was ready to discount the value of this tool - embarassment will do that to you. But I have been thinking about it today (even went to the saved file, but couldn’t bring myself to watch it; the cringe factor was too high - maybe tonight, or tomorrow, or ……..). For those involved in distance education, this could be amazing (assuming of course an active broadband connection). I know there are other programs out there that allow similar interaction, but this was the first that I had seen. It is impressive technology.
Give it a look and if you’re brave enough, give it a try. And to those who were subjected to last night’s performance - sorry.
Emerging From The Shadows (from 18th Oct 2007) October 20, 2007
Posted by Lance in Behaviour.3 comments
I was following a thread on the Edna Groups boards a little while back where there was some robust discussion around those who follow discussion but do not interact or get involved. Yes, that dreaded and much feared creature: the “Lurker”.
Now, before I go any further, can I please emphasise that I am not talking about any particular person/persons /forum/community/ message board/etc. No offence is intended to any person and no accusation is being levelled.
Anyway, with that said, a good point was raised in that if we were to be sitting in a classroom and a student failed to engage and get involved would we consider the class to have been a success? Now, I say this was a good point, but it does miss one crucial point – does lack of interaction instantly translate to lack of engagement? I speak from personal experience when I say “Not at all”. I was (and still am) one of those who, while very interested in what is going on around me, will still prefer to observe and take it all in. Call it what you will: natural reticence, introversion, lack of confidence, whatever; the fact remains that I am engaged, without having to jump in every five seconds. Have you ever been in a session or meeting where there was that one person who constantly had to have their say, regardless of its relevance? Now that person is involved, but are they engaged? That is a matter for debate.
Mike Reed’s Flame Warriors defines the Lurker as follows:
Lurker does not participate in normal forum discourse, but he’s out there…watching, reading every message. He is usually quite harmless, and more often than not his silence reflects a natural reticence rather than sinister motives. If a fight breaks out he will quietly observe to avoid revealing his position. Occasionally, however, some mysterious impulse drives him to de-lurk and attack. This totally unexpected assault is universally regarded as an ambush, and other Warriors will turn on him savagely. Lurker seldom sticks around to fight it out, however, and after a brief exchange, he once again slips out of sight.
So why is it that some people are threatened by the Lurker? Is it the lack of adulation for their brilliance? (It is hard to bask in the glory of their praise if you’re not sure that they are there). Or is it the age old story that the extrovert can never understand the introvert?
One of the reasons we visit boards and forums is gather new knowledge and learn at the feet of the sages; and its amazing how much can be learned just by reading a post. In other cases, a forum can be quite intimidating to step into: there is a sense of community that can be hard or daunting to break into, especially if those who speak loudest (or the most) are perceived as intolerant, condescending or just plain rude. This can have a seriously detrimental affect on those who are hovering on the outskirts.
I have been visiting discussion boards and forums for many years now and have to admit, I am guilty of this. I say it loud and say it proud: I am (or have been … no, am) a Lurker! What got me going on this train of thought today was that I noticed the numbers under my picture in my profile: Discussions (20). I had to go and take a closer look at that one. Twenty posts in a month? It didn’t seem possible (I have been a member of some boards for months or years without posting that much!).
So what has changed? Honestly? Nothing. It turns out, the secret is to actually have something to say, a question to ask, or a point to make (in my case it was question to ask … and then another one … and another one … and another one …and another one … ). If not for that, I would still be lurking away happily in my shadows, and there’s nothing wrong with that. I would be much happier sitting in the shadows than jumping up and down screaming “Look at me!! Over here!! Look, I’m doing something interesting!” (Please refer to my earlier disclaimer – I am talking in generalisations here)
So, if you are one of those who think that there is something “suspect” about the Lurker – back off and leave them alone, they’re doing fine, and if you leave them alone, who knows, they may just creep out and ask you a question or teach you something.
On the other hand, if you are one of the Brethren of Lurkers, rest assured, you are not alone. Say it loud and say it proud brothers and sisters, “I am a Lurker!” (but not too loud – someone might hear you).
