At the beginning of LRNT 528 in my first blog post, I posed a question. That question was, what can I do to better reflect and truly observe my own work without bias and have a better objective view? Is that possible? I now know the answer is yes, but it takes effort, time and risk taking. The facilitation weeks helped me better understand this. Teaching every day and reflecting on it is not always the best way to observe one’s work. Working in a team of co-facilitators as well as participating and observing in other facilitation group’s sessions allowed me to better understand what worked and what did not work as I was in the role of learner. As facilitators it is important to regularly step back into the role of learner now and then. 

In my facilitation group we really delved into the pros and cons of using cameras in digital learning environments. I really considered how I was using cameras in class and realized I was not using them to the full advantage. In addition, in group 4’s facilitation week, the use of the platform Hypothes.is inspired me to take some chances with recent technology and new platforms in my hybrid and digital learning environments to facilitate better communication between synchronous in person learners and my online learners (a Hyflex model). Taking risks and allowing for errors on my part, created a sense of risk in the classroom yet the results of this risk taking had more learners turn on their cameras and participate.

The technology that I decided to use was the Meeting Owl by Owl Labs. (It even hoots when you turn it on!) All of the instructors have rejected this technology (myself included at first) due to technology fatigue. However, when I started to use it, I was able to create an immersive hybrid meeting experience in my classes with the intelligent device with multi 360° camera views, mic, and speaker which got smarter over time. What I realized was that if students online could see what was happening in the class, they felt more included and part of the class. There was less of a divide between the two groups and slowly cameras came on, overall, there was more participation. I realized that I cannot always play it safe and that the use of new technology is particularly important as there is always innovative technology being realized. To sum up, to create educational experience, a facilitator shouldn’t underestimate the role of technology and the setting of climate in digital learning environments. I think I have to continue to try to improve engagement, encourage collaboration and promote risk-free expression in the classroom yet as a facilitator I must occasionally take risks.