Wimba

First off, I am notoriously bad at updating my two blogs and apologize for taking so long to get something posted here. I guess I should just do it right after class each week so I remember!

I really like the potential for Wimba in a classroom. There are certain activities that I could see using the whtieboard for in my biology classroom. I think it would especially useful in getting students to interact with me when it comes to learning different cellular or signaling pathways. Many students are afraid to be wrong about what enzyme is part of which process and then the products that result from that enzymatic reaction. But, I think in doing it anonymously through the whiteboard, could be a more effective way of increasing participation and the if the answer is incorrect the other students in the class can discuss what the correct answer is.

I also like the idea of being able to interact with students in an IM like setting, although I'm not sure that it would be my preferred method of communication. There are too many things that I would want to do in person in order to adequately answer student questions or just interact with them. Plus, when they come to an office hour, in a larger classroom, it gives me the opportunity to put a name with a face. However, I'm willing to try anything at least a couple of times. I may just find I like it.