2 Responses to “#11 - Fireside Chat”

1. Mary Jean O'Reilly Says:
   December 27th, 2006 at 8:28 pm

   Jonathan,
   Thanks for the focus on simplicity in your Fireside Chat. As I develop my skills as an online instructor it’s easy to get overwhelmed and feel like I need to master lots of fancy special effects. I was glad for the reminder that at its heart, online instruction is all about connection and communication. That, I know how to do!
   M.J.

2. Jonathan Finkelstein Says:
   December 28th, 2006 at 5:29 pm

   Mary Jean,

   Thanks so much for your feedback! Some of the most meaningful learning moments I have experienced online have been the simplest to foster.

   A quick, somewhat related story: When I was 9 years old, my grandfather introduced me to my first professional magic trick, and I began entertaining as a magician at parties and events shortly thereafter. One of the things I learned very quickly was that the best illusions — the ones enjoyed most by my audiences — were usually the ones that were the simplest to perform. (And despite my love of gadgetry, and behind-the-scenes, inner workings / mechanics, the tricks with the greatest audience impact are also the ones with the most elegant, simple operation.)

   The same concepts are often true with online learning — an elegant and simple approach can sometimes be the most powerful! More advanced approaches can result from combining one or two simple techniques. Simple + Simple should still = Simple.

   Thanks, Mary Jean!

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