Using Voxer in Higher Ed
I have been exploring with voxer in my higher ed courses and so far, its been a tough go of it. I am open to ideas and suggestions of others as I share how I have tried to introduce voxer to my students.
I usually begin asking my college students if they ever heard of voxer and the response has been so far, "Yes Dr. Ballard, I used it when I was 14." Yikes! Why had I not heard of it when he was 14? Maybe I was not paying enough attention (lesson #1 - let the students tell you what technology and apps they use). The second question I asked my self was how can I show them how much I love this app and how much they will need it once they are teaching? Well, that's a hard one because they don't know - what they don't know. Its hard to relate to something you have never seen, felt or experienced. I tried first to use it to communicate with them, but honestly, text was easier and they received the info immediately where they had to go look at voxer (lesson #2 cut off notifications). The next thing I tried was to add some voxer teachers who were willing to help me advise etc. I had some great volunteers, but my students didnt respond well and I had to recommend them to go and answer responses by the voxer volunteers. Next, I gave an oral test so that they would hear each others answers (more like a quiz) That worked better and was set up at a certain time and date to respond (lesson #3 - provide a specific assignment on a date and time). Finally, I had a new group this year where I had them video themselves discussing that the SHAPE America standards are and then discuss on voxer so the experienced teachers could chime in also. This really worked well - except the video was a little tough to show if they truly knew what the standards mean (lesson #4 having them reflect on their work with experienced educators to assist was excellent!)
I am not sure where I will go next - I would like to establish more of a presence but if they are not interested, I feel at least if I introduce them to it, one day they may return. Thoughts or comments?
I usually begin asking my college students if they ever heard of voxer and the response has been so far, "Yes Dr. Ballard, I used it when I was 14." Yikes! Why had I not heard of it when he was 14? Maybe I was not paying enough attention (lesson #1 - let the students tell you what technology and apps they use). The second question I asked my self was how can I show them how much I love this app and how much they will need it once they are teaching? Well, that's a hard one because they don't know - what they don't know. Its hard to relate to something you have never seen, felt or experienced. I tried first to use it to communicate with them, but honestly, text was easier and they received the info immediately where they had to go look at voxer (lesson #2 cut off notifications). The next thing I tried was to add some voxer teachers who were willing to help me advise etc. I had some great volunteers, but my students didnt respond well and I had to recommend them to go and answer responses by the voxer volunteers. Next, I gave an oral test so that they would hear each others answers (more like a quiz) That worked better and was set up at a certain time and date to respond (lesson #3 - provide a specific assignment on a date and time). Finally, I had a new group this year where I had them video themselves discussing that the SHAPE America standards are and then discuss on voxer so the experienced teachers could chime in also. This really worked well - except the video was a little tough to show if they truly knew what the standards mean (lesson #4 having them reflect on their work with experienced educators to assist was excellent!)
I am not sure where I will go next - I would like to establish more of a presence but if they are not interested, I feel at least if I introduce them to it, one day they may return. Thoughts or comments?
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