I’m sharing some of my thoughts and reflections after the first week of Creative Calm. Setting up the structure for live video broadcasting for a physically based instructional learning activity I am made aware that there is definitely a lot more things I need to consider in this initiative.
There are obvious differences from previous experiences of delivering Video Podcasts and Online CPPD e-learning programmes. Deciding which latest apps to use was my first decision, having researched and tested a number of what is currently available in the Social Networking Media, I decided on Periscope and ZOOM.
Periscope is a new adoption for me as I have been using ZOOM for delivering online action learning CPPD programmes. Periscope was chosen based on ease of access for members of the public who may not have the confidence or familiarity with the more complex communication app like ZOOM.
Here in Periscope I am assuming that there will be those cross continental viewers who wish to just drop-in and drop-out anonymously at will without having their need to engage with the presenter or socialised with other participants in contrast with ZOOM; where such opportunities are consciously encouraged and cultivated to grow a more discernible social community around a number of “well-being” interest and issues.
Periscope as an app, limits its broadcasting via the mobile phone which means having to clumsily set up my mobile phone with less options and control to record the 3 hours of live video every Tuesday and Thursday. I have to be mindful of the location of the where it can be connected to a power source, having a long enough lightning charging cable, a suitable view angle etc.
Creating a chronological sequence or narrative was the other thing I had to give some thought to after the first session to the event. This resulted in posting a pre-session notification and screen share the notification during the first half hour before the formal qigong session.
My intention was re-create a virtual social ‘waiting area’ digitally where participants are welcomed and introduced into the space, with information about ‘room’ protocol, and anticipated events about to take place. It also invites and encourages arriving participants to engage with each other, starting with ‘lead-in’ structures and suggestions until hopefully, ‘norms’ will be developed as the group get to know each other.
I thought of marking the transition of one activity to the next by sounding the bowl giving a clearer demarcation of the chronological sequence from one activity to the next and of rest breaks. I felt to end the session needed a warming-down/closure period thus using of the post-session posting like the pre-session posting and time to engage in interacting with the participants who may wish to remain just to connect and a sense of social closure even if it’s just to say goodbye.
I note that the sound quality on reviewing the video upload onto Youtube is poor and with a bit of lag. I am not sure what options there might be to improve on them.
Decide how best to archived and post the videos of the session, seems Youtube to be most viable and in terms of ease for upload and download. Initially I had set upon using the Whatsapp group as the main platform for sharing and posting links, resources, handouts, etc and for participant to do likewise with their suggestions, queries, question and resources. I have reconsider and have change my mind and have instead chosen to use Google ‘Blogger’ generally communicate and archive the links to the Youtube videos and the sharing of various media resources.
I set myself certain reminders for next week’s practice sessions.
· Alert participants in Malaysia of the British Summer Time which means it will an hour earlier (+7 hours GMT) meaning the ZOOM room opens at 8pm.
· The Tuesday instructions to offer front, back and side view as each exercise of the ShiBaShi is being introduced and demonstrated. Focus on a specific principal theme of the practice.
· Set ZOOM video settings to ‘mirror’ helping participants to follow my movements and orientating their left/right side easier as if they are observing themselves in a mirror when they are viewing my movements in the video.
· Announce that the WhatsApp Group will be now defunct and invite participants to use ZOOM chat group instead.
· Announce I will not be streaming from Periscope after Tuesday and will only stream from ZOOM.
I hope by sharing my thoughts and reflections, you may be inclined to engage and offer your own thoughts, views, feedback, comments, make enquiries etc in ZOOM group chat room.
Many thanks, best wishes & stay healthy, sane and safe
Namaste Alex
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