The Weekly Expert Broadcast
Design Pattern Tags : Connected learning, Flipped classroom, Mobile learning, Online learning
The Weekly Expert Broadcast December 2015
The Weekly Expert Broadcast allows students to discover the forthcoming weekly topic. It gives them an opportunity to consider one challenging concept or illuminating example for the forthcoming week.
Rationale The Weekly Expert Broadcast encourages students to prepare for class.
Learners/Context The Weekly Expert Broadcast allows students to identify the weekly topic through social technologies, such as YouTube or Vimeo and uploaded into Blackboard. Students can the Broadcast prior to class and have the opportunity to add comments in a forum.
Alignment The Weekly Expert Broadcast gives students the opportunity to connect to the forthcoming weekly topic.
Instructions/Processes Prior to Semester
Choose one concept to broadcast
Use Echo360 lecture capture system or a whiteboard app (such as ShowMe , PowToon or TouchCast ) that permits voice recording.
At RMIT University there is a desktop recording facility that is part of the Echo360 lecture capture system. This allows you to record a short presentation from a desktop and upload it to Echo360. It can then be streamed to the learner and linked to within Blackboard. For more information
Create a storyboard/written text, which should run for approximately 2-6 minutes. The shorter the script the easier it will be to absorb and reflect on the concept OR In a whiteboard app, develop the concept using visual aids while recording. Many mobile devices are suitable for both recording and editing these clips: iMovie for iPad, iPhone or MAC laptop. For Windows, MovieMaker is user friendly, only limited in scope. OR Sign up for a YouTube account and create a private channel - you can record directly into YouTube and edit the broadcast there. With a simple webcam and microphone, videos can be recorded directly from the desktop
To create or edit audio files, use Audacity for Windows or one of very many iOS apps.
During the Semester
Each week share the new broadcast with your students via the Course Announcements and mention it in your lectures or tutorials.
Note: Even a simple audio recording is valuable to students who can listen to it while travelling or working out in the gym.
EXTENSION
Podcasting: A regular weekly audio broadcast would usually be described as a podcast. Often, in this case, you might invite guest speakers or interview experts in the field. Clearly this takes the activity to another level requiring much more effort.
Although it is possible to play audio files from the LMS many authors prefer to use a hosted service such as Soundcloud or Podomatic .
Conditions/Critical Success Factors RMIT uses Echo360 lecture capture system to stream videos. Vimeo also has a wide range of options however it is limiting in how and where your video can be displayed. If using an YouTube channel or other stream set it up within faculty for private use.
Resources/ Technology