Live Chat Roundup - 9/2

by Jim Gerard, Education Specialist, KSC, FL

Last night was the first Live Chat for the 2010-2011 INSPIRE Online Learning Community. We utilized a new software package called Elluminate Live! We had over 70 students participate in our chat, "NASA 101". After a brief rundown of the structure of NASA, we looked over the Elluminate package and all the great features it offers. We now have sound and video capabilities, so for the first time we can present as we do in the real world, by talking! I think we will be able to present a lot more information this way. Also present is video! If our presenters have a webcam, we will be able to see them as well as hear them!. I'm very excited about this and what we will be able to do this year.

We did have some difficulties that I'd like to address. I have seen many reports of OLC members unable to enter the room (it even happened to one of our INSPIRE staff!). In one case, a student reported that, although he could enter the room, his brother (also a member of the OLC) could not. Some parents could get in, while their student could not. I know this was frustrating to many of you, and for that I apologize. This was our first time with the new software, and one of the reasons I took on the presenter part rather than have an invited guest deal with it. While we look to see what the problem was, let me offer a couple of explanations and a little advice.

Emails went out on Wedsnsday with your user ID and passcodes to enter the OLC. Before the account is activated, you had to view some orientation videos and take a survey. Once this is finished, we are notified and our INSPIRE team goes to work placing you in the community and turning on you permissions. We were very pleased with the number of students/parents that did their activation immediately, though this presented a big job Thursday morning for our staff. Of course, if you are reading this you have successfully been added to the community and should have all the benefits available.

In order to enter the Elluminate chat room, your name must be placed on the 'Attendees' list. I do this when I create the room. I waited until the last minute last night to make sure all active OLC members would be able to enter, and with a 'select all' I brought the 450+ names available into the attendee list. I checked a one point in response to a request and saw a parent name on the list but not their student. This morning, we had almost 1000 names available. New names will be added today, so that may solve our problem right there.

You also need to know that their is a limit to the number of people that can sign into a room. Right now that is 100 users. What I don't know is whether that is total for the room or total sign ins. In other words, if 100 students enter, and then 30 leave or drop off, will 30 more be able to enter? I'll get this answer and see if the demand warrants increasing the room capacity. My advice: If you want to be part of the chat, enter early (the room automatically opens 15 minutes before the listed start time!). Parents, remember too that if both you and your student log in you will be preventing another student from connecting. If possible, watch with your student after they sign in.

We know not everyone who would like to would be able to be part of the chat, but you can still check it out in the archive. You will find the link to the archive at the bottom of the left column of the Home Page, or under Live Chats on the Connect page. Clicking the room name will open Elluminate and let you see the entire presentation including sound and video. You can use the Save icon to save the chat or whiteboard presentation, Print, take Notes, and download media, everything you could do during a live session. The only thing is you will not be able to participate in the live question and answer time. A thread in the Discussion board will always be available for questions and I'll make sure to pass those on to the presenters for their answers. If you have to miss an evening due to time or schedule conflicts, this is a great way to keep up with the chat!

Some students have asked about points. No points were given for attendance at the chat. We have developed an idea to award points that would be fair to all students whether they attend the chat live or by archive. More on this plan will be announced next week.

Our next chat is scheduled for next Thursday, September 9, at 8:00pm CT. It will be with Khaled Ali, an engineer with the Mars Exploration Rovers (Spirit and Opportunity) at the Jet Propulsion Lab in Pasadena, California. To make sure everyone has the capability to sign in, I'll open a test room for Tuesday and Wednesday night next week so you can check you connection. Watch for it to open around 7:00pm CT (you'll see the room with time listed on the Live Chat room list linked from the Connect page). I'll drop in to answer questions and help when I can.

Thanks for your patience as we work out these issues, and thanks for your willingness and desire to participate! Our community will only be as strong as our participants and we look forward to a great year!