Technology is a double-edged sword
One aspect of the double edged sword of technological communication can be its anonymity.
Anonymity is positive in some aspects- such as reducing self-consciousness when asking questions.
However, anonymity can reduce social constraints that prevent some people from acting out inappropriately toward others.
Zac,
Right. When one sense it taken away, we concentrate on another. Good point.
I occasionally feel this way too. However, not being able to see the students forces us as instructors to really develop our verbal communication and power point presentations. Because we can't necessarily look at the students facial expressions to verify if our content is being thoroughly understood, we're forced to become experts in every other avenue of communication. If I ever decide to pursue teaching in an actual classroom, It'll be like giving Beethoven his hearing back.
Cory,
Ah - but I do see and hear my students. Using Adobe Connect, I see them, hear them and vice versa. They love it.
Technology is a challenge as it takes a way the human part of communication. While video conferences are helpful and allow the student to see and hear us, until we are able to see and hear them then there will remain that missing component.
Elaina ,
Good point. Many times we don't think about the anonymity side of things. Thanks for bringing that up. Take care.
