Activity 2.5 - Sharing the Experience

• This is my blog task re reflecting upon my feelings and considering my role in the discussions.
  Initiator-Contributor - Yes I did both, I initiated the conversation about Jones Limbs as I posted a picture about the 'name'
  I contributed to a number of discussions - Some were about the remoteness of being on line compared to the closeness of Face to Face. Jennifer shared the same feelings with me so I added to hers. I also tried to connect with other group members by sharing personal details about my life and joined John's and Jennifers authenticate with mine. We come from England but not from the same parts. (similar but different) Helen and I had a conversation about music and types of. I feel at the end of the first two weeks part of the 'culture' The main themes I contributed in were:
• Introducing oneself
• Feelings of isolation, remoteness online
• Body language and tone of language taking precedence in an on line learning environment
• A heated discussion about creating a safe place
• Creating a group Persona
• Trying to get the feel of the community - re drinks, coffee.
• Offering assistance to Deb re creating blogs
• Offering assistance to Gordon re emails

I felt that at first it was a real struggle to feel part of a community where half the people of the community were silent. It had a sureal feeling to it.

What did go well was the on line discussion- man I had to read fast to keep up and also type fast. It was evident that there were a few major league contributers on the discussion board. I felt a little overpowered.

I certainly was not a dominant part in the discussions. I kept coming up with the idea that John was being deliberatelt provoking - positively and also negatively. I went homeafter one particular discussion - Safe Place- feeling like I was on a different planet than him. He was so negative in his comments. My emotive response was to defend my cause - like a shield straight up 100% protection. He fired back with a super fast, clever, volley which dissolved my shield. I went home with morbid thoughts. It wasn't until I had time to cool down I started think why he did this. It brought about a deeper response which I emailed to him privately. I know why he did this, to puch the nice cup of tea feeling away and to expose real matter.

I felt a conspiritor when I met up with Kerry last week to take some photos to post on this blog. We had a co-operative two hours sharing ideas and also thoughts about this course. I do not think it will deter our learning from the community to be creative. We did however have a problem with publishing photos onto the blog.

Well Kerry it is time for you to let me know how you think about what I have reflected on.

- Maryanne