I find myself in an odd teaching position. As Academic Developer I 'teach the teachers' and have a motivated, 'opt in' group each semester. I am less often involved in going into the real university classrooms of my academic colleagues, but am about to experience total immersion when I visit three different classes in three different faculties to introduce, explain and co-opt engagement and use of an ePortfolio platform we are trialling.
My mission is to create a sense of value in the use of the platform, by knowing and explaining where it fits in the program/s, why we are choosing their classes to trial, and how this relates to their future professional lives. I need to convince them of the authenticity of the program and why it is a 'better' way of interacting with each other (group work and collaboration), their lecturers and their future employers; in other words, individually, socially and into the future. I need the three student groups to actively use the platform throughout the semester, and be prepared to complete a short survey before they begin use, and at the end of the subject. Also need to convince them the extra effort in Webinar training will be worthwhile and achievable.
Seems I have to hit most of the variables for Value and Relevance, and Belief in Success just to get them Motivated ... and they are not even my classes that I have an ongoing chance to build relationships with.
So 'First Impression always Counts ...' and wish me luck!
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