Elluminate as a participant and future moderator

I have viewed the ipod Learning Community recordings, and have participated in a PDCC (Professional Development Coordinating Council) and Teacher Development Unit elluminate sessions. Reflecting on the effectiveness of the participants' learning and preparing to moderate in the future, I am increasing my comfort zone regarding elluminate sessions.

Even though some of points below have been published in the elluminate website, I have learned from my own experiences as a participant. The moderator's effectiveness is increased when:

1. The content of participants' response is acknowledged by a specific praise, reiterated, summarized, or strengthened by an extension of an idea rather than only a general praise
(e.g. wonderful).

2. Activities are prepared in which all participants are encouraged to share rather than only those who volunteer and/or feel confident with the technology, process, or the content. From a direct messaging or poll, the facilitator can encourage a participant to elaborate on their message.

3. Facilitator increases the encouragement of all to share.

4. Participants are engaged through: speaking, direct messaging, writing on the whiteboard, and polling.

5. Participants speak to a neighboring participant (know who is a neighboring participant) for a few minutes or phone another participant (know phone number for those not physically close) for a pair share prior to sharing input to the entire group. This is especially important when the numbers of participants are high. Some will be more comfortable to share after a pair share.

I will be moderating a session soon even though I am hesitate to attempt this challenging task of moderating. However, practice will improve my skill and confidence as a moderator.