Distance Learning Mentoring Group

Minutes for March 20, 2008 CTL Workroom, 3:15 P.M.- 4:45 P.M. AS192

In attendance at the DLMG meeting: Biray Alsac, Scott Gustafson, Shabana Kausar, Misa Vening, Sharon McLaughlin, Linda Evans, Alex Cheroske, Laura Kobar, Marianne Arini, Georgianna Anderson, and Peggy Johnson.

WIMBA SOFTWARE

Wimba software, for creating audio files, is now available as a tool in our course learning management system (WebCT). The audio files cannot be longer than 5 minutes in length and can't be edited once they are created. But Wimba makes the process very easy.

Melanie has created a series of short videos using Jing software that show you how to set up the various Wimba options. http://ctl.mc.maricopa.edu /wiki/index.php/Wimba_VoiceTool s
(We became familiar with Jing at our last DLMG meeting.)

Both the instructor and the student can create audio files that can be shared with the entire class. This can be used for introductions, discussions, quizzes etc. if desired.

DLMG faculty watched the videos and then created audio files using Wimba. These files were available inside their WebCT courses.

In addition to your computer and an internet connection logged into the WebCT course, faculty and students would need a microphone to record their files. Jeff Anderson recommends the LogiTech USB desktop microphone which is selling for around $30.



AUDACITY SOFTWARE

Audio files can also be created with Audacity, which is free software. Detailed directions for using Audacity are available at http://ctl.mc.maricopa.edu /wiki/index.php/Audacity_- _Recording_Audio_Files

Your audio files do not have a time limit if they are created with Audacity. You can edit your files after you create them. You can also include music or other audio files (such as famous people speaking) with Audacity.

Faculty created an audio file and incorporated an external audio file into their creation. They then uploaded their file into WebCT, so students could access it.



COMING ATTRACTIONS

At our next DLMG meeting, Maria Martell, MCC World Language faculty member, will be showing us how she uses Breeze Live to communicate in real time with her online students.