Dr. Ruth Reynard

James, Yes, so that connectivity abnd flexibility are central characteristics of this kind of instructional environment that uses new technology. Dr. Ruth Reynard

Rebecca, Excellent! Yes, the technology tools can facilitate this kind of collaboration and knowledge buidling, however, the design of the assignments and/or activities must support these processes - those you describe do. Great job! Dr. Ruth Reynard

James, Do you have some examples of this specifically? Dr. Ruth Reynard

James, Great! I hope you have an opportunity to have access to an interactive board soon. Dr. Ruth Reynard

Rebecca, How does "face time" translate in the digital world? New and newer technology is mostly about touch and voice, however, the mobility and flexibility is increasing, so what implications are there for teaching and learning? Dr. Ruth Reynard

James, Exactly! Flexible delivery means that more students have the opportuniity to study and, as you say, from various backgrounds and situations. This enriches the learning experience for everyone and provides a learning community that extends physical constraints. Dr. Ruth Reynard

James, Excellent examples. Have you also captured the learning actvities you describe and distributed those to students or online for future reference? Dr. Ruth Reynard

James, Yes, so the learning facilitation by instructors must focus on what is actually more important: educating students around finding legitimate information and ways in which that information can be used in knowledge building and direct application to real world contexts. When instructors are concerned only with providing information they are diminishing their potential as facilitators of the learning process. Dr. Ruth Reynard

James, Yes, I agree with you and like the ideas you've shared here - the interactivity and enagegment does heighten and the potential for connecting with students individiually while maintaining the community of the group. Great points! Additionally, the potential for customization increases... Dr. Ruth Reynard

Rebecca, I find my IPhone amazing - apps for everything :) Twitter is interesting and is more of an intentional communcation and networking tool - that would depend on what you want to achieve. Dr. Ruth Reynard