Many faculty consider live, personal interaction to be the most valuable element of quality teaching and learning experiences. Wimba Classroom is a new online collaboration tool that integrates with Blackboard and allows educators and students to engage in meaningful and memorable interactions by combining interactive technologies with instructional best practices.
Some of the features of Wimba Classroom include:
Examples of a few possible applications of an online collaboration suite in a 21st century learning environment include:
What are other NIU faculty members saying concerning their experiences with the Wimba Classroom collaboration tool? Here are comments from a few who have had opportunity to explore the possibilities of incorporating this new online collaboration tool in their teaching.
I am excited about the possibilities offered by this new feature in Blackboard. The Wimba Classroom adds new dimensions to online teaching affording the instructor a variety of presentational strategies. One of its best features is the opportunity to transmit live video adding a more personal feel to text-based on-line instruction. The ability to gain immediate support is also a big plus. Adding the Wimba Classroom will enhance and strengthen on-line
instruction. – Laura Vazquez, Department of Communication
I'm very interested in using it (Wimba Classroom) and will probably try to use it with my master's seminar later this semester as it is a smaller class and I have already substituted several online sessions for face-to-face sessions. I should try to devote one of these to Wimba. – Richard Orem, Department of Literacy Education
I used Wimba Classroom in my summer section of Educational Statistics to provide an alternative lecture format for students who were unable to attend a face-to-face session, and also to facilitate archiving of the lectures. Wimba worked very nicely for these purposes. Although I didn't use it as a replacement for regular lectures, students who used Wimba to access the lecture remarked positively on their experience. Wimba was quite easy to learn, both for myself and my students. – Thomas Smith, Department of Educational Technology, Research & Assessment
The overall experience is definitely positive in terms of productivity, flexibility, and overall feedback from students. The majority of the students showed great interest, using the words "fun" and "cool" to describe Wimba Classroom.
I am planning a partnership between my students here and students in China--Wimba classroom may become a meeting place where they can converse synchronously. I can also invite speakers an ocean away to our Wimba Classroom. Students can also meet me at Wimba practicing Chinese langauge skills during winter and summer break. The possibilities are many!
I will like to explore more advanced features of Wimba classroom; it is integral to my teaching. I recommend it with high enthusiasm!! – Lan Hui Ryder, Department of Foreign Languages and Literatures
Those interested in using Wimba Classroom need only to complete the short online request form below in order to request the Wimba Classroom tool to be activated in Blackboard for either their course(s) and/or community. Individuals are also encouraged to take advantage of the freely available online workshops, quick guides, and video tutorials. Complete details and links for more information are available at http://www.niu.edu/blackboard/resources/wimbaclassroom.shtml
Those considering the use of Wimba Classroom may find the upcoming online workshop, "Success with Wimba Classroom" to be of great benefit. This one hour introductory session is designed to explore five teaching tips for engaging, interactive sessions. Participants will learn the recommended techniques to prepare students before attending as well as learn how to communicate with and manage the interactions of participants. Best practice tips will be covered regarding your content along with an overview of the importance of archives. Complete details are available at http://www.wimba.com/eventreg/participant/registration.php?eventid=1159
The Faculty Development and Instructional Design Center offers various programs regarding the principles and practices of incorporating collaborative technologies, including Wimba Classroom, in teaching. The current program schedule and online registration information is always available at http://www.niu.edu/facdev/programs/tacurrent.shtml
TA Connections is a newsletter for graduate teaching assistants published every fall and spring semester by Faculty Development and Instructional Design Center, Adams Hall 319, Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, Illinois 60115. Phone: (815) 753-0595, Email: tadev@niu.edu, Fax: (815) 753-2595, Web site: http://www.niu.edu/facdev. For more information about featured articles or upcoming graduate teaching assistant development programs, please contact the Center at (815) 753-0595 or tadev@niu.edu
Last Updated: 10/28/2008