Difficulties:
Some of the students were better prepared and more organized than others. I was surprised to find that there were times everyone in the group had come unprepared. I’ve learned to have back up material just in case.
In some groups communication between students was poor. It was a good skill for students to learn by working together.
Some of the speakers had to cancel at the last moment, luckily with enough of advance time for me to come up with an alternative. Going forward I would like to plan for a back-up just in case.
Some of the technical difficulties were unanticipated. I’ve learned at times to go with the flow and lower my expectation of a perfect video recording. As time went on, I’ve also learned how to use the equipment better to accommodate for poor or interrupted connection with the virtually visiting artists.
Successes:
Students started to seek out more information about the visiting artists, became much more proactive in getting to know more about artists and art related events. Some continued following the artists and their career. Students felt proud that they’ve met an artist like Dana Younger who contributed to creating a relief at the Bullock Texas State History Museum. Many downloaded the iphone app designed by visiting artist Laurie Frick and started using it on a regular basis. Overall I found that student participation increased dramatically.
Unexpected Outcomes:
After having composer, Yevgeniy Sharlat, visit our class one of the students got inspired to go back to writing music and performed a brand new piece for us at the end of the semester. Having a diverse group of visiting artists have been a great asset to the class.
After working together on assignments, some students who never talked to each other developed friendships and continued working together.
Your learning and growth:
I’ve learned that it is much easier to come up with a solution by working in a group of fellows. Each of us has a broad range of experiences and various ways of solving problems that could benefit others.
SoTL questions:
Yes, I would like to design more assignments with student initiated learning.
Impact on others:
The library I am creating would be useful for other students and faculty on campus, especially in the Fine and Performing Arts. Lectures are easily accessible and have synopsis written by students.
