Blog Entry #4: "Mini-Lesson... Take 34"

I have no idea how I can mess up a recording of a mini-lesson so many times.  Even with a script I redid it too many times to count.  I will say this, it was a good experience (not the redoing the lesson over and over and over).  Working in this kind of medium for the first time really opened my eyes to the portability in the classroom.  I am the first to admit that I kinda don't like the whole "online education" trend.  I am more of a class discussion type of guy.  But, the more and more I use these elements of long distance learning, the more I realize the power and usefulness they possess.  I will never be totally on board with complete online learning (there is something about human to human contact that you cant replicate online) however, I think a balance can be made between online and face to face.  I can envision me creating video lessons online to strengthen or expand what is taught in the classroom.  I am already think that every class and every student should have some sort of online presence.  Whether they be blogs, group wikis or bookmarking sites, the classroom can only benefit from reaching outside the walls of the school.  The key is balance.  Relying too heavily on technology or not relying on technology at all will throw off that balance.  The fact is we live in an always changing technological world.  If we do not embrace this change we risk being left behind.  I just don't want to lose my humanity trying to keep up.