Distributed Classroom
Concepts and First Experiences
Bruno Wenk, HTW Chur
bruno.wenk@htwchur.ch
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Concepts
face to face teaching in
the classroom; some of the
students are present
the other students attend
the class via Internet
less travelling time for distributed students
eventually, less travelling time for teacher
teacher acts on her/his own initiative!
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Technical Aspects
teacher manages the distributed classroom
autonomously
Web Conferencing
System (e.g. Adobe
Connect, BigBlueButton) communication with
distributed students
external microphone &
webcam
digital whiteboard face to face teaching
teacher uses her/his
own laptop
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Didactical Aspects
explicitly structured lessons!
didactical scenarios (e.g. lecture, group work, case study, exercise,
discussion, presentation) with slightly different preparation compared
to conventional face to face lessons
chat as means for communication with the distributed students
digital whiteboard rather than overhead projector, blackboard or
conventional whiteboard
provisions for unexpected technical problems
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Initial Experiences
students like it, some teachers are sceptical
students like it because they gain time; they generously forgive for
minor technical or handling difficulties
students collaborate spontaneously using the chat
teachers must accept initial effort and slightly higher preliminary
lead times
quality of teaching increases (?)
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Further Information
project wiki: http://toolbox.switch.ch/distributedclassroom
comments, suggestions, contributions are highly appreciated!
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