Because this project requires participants to e-mail us a photo and participate in an “introductory” UT Live Online meeting (synchronous audio via the web), I want to contact the course participants earlier than we usually do. Normally, we set a registration deadline of 9-10 days before the start of the course, and then send out Technical “check” instructions one week before the course starts.
But if I wait that long, I am SURE we will have trouble getting the necessary information from the participants by course start. So I want to start contacting them earlier. Problem is - the courses aren’t full yet. We have not yet even met our minimum of 10 per course! This is common in January, however, as folks are not yet back from C’mas break, and generally don’t register before the holidays for a course ending in late January. So this week was one of planning and marketing. Both Sandra (the ESOL facilitator) and I send out e-mails advertising the courses, and checked in with our registration database regularly. [Folks can only register online - it is one way we try to make sure they have the Tech savvy to be successful in the course.]
Sandra FILLED her ESOL course over the course of the week and had to send out a waiting list e-mail (yea!) My LD online course is now over minimum, and next week we can start sending out messages! Sandra and I worked together this week to plan what needed to be done when, and by whom in order to be ready for the course. We determined which Discussion Boards would be modified (with some idea of how), and began planning a “get to know each other” activity for the online meeting.
Because our participants are NOT UT students, but instructors accross the state, their internet access is often spotty and they often don’t have simple tools like headsets with microphones. Sandra and I order several headsets in anticipation (we will use the grant $ to provide these to those who need them - as a loan, hopefully we will get them back). I also draft the Photo requirements and permissions letter to be sent out to participants. I’m hoping that they can all get us a digital versioin of their phots - sending a pic USmail WILL slow things down!
Tags: January