Very Mini MOOC

So now, I'm expecting to teach a class called Distance Education: Methods and Tools.  It isn't really a distance class, it's about setting up a distance class.  It may not happen because currently, there are only 3 students signed up.  But I'm intrigued by the thought that even in small volume, and even in a hybrid class, there are so many online options.  When we are in class we can explore them together.

During the third week of fall classes, I will be in Brazil.  What are the possibilities?

• Give the students a day off - but, hard to justify when there are only 14 classes.
• Give the students projects to complete and present when I return - well, yes, but hardly a testimonial to distance education.
• Find a way to have a virtual class in which I can participate - good idea - but sometimes my internet access in Brazil is spotty.
• Use a new tool - one that I haven't used before and guess that my students wouldn't have used it either- why not?

So, today I'm installing SpeakPipe on this blog.  As I understand it, I will e able to leave a message and students will be able to respond.  A trial balloon.  If it doesn't work, I'll try something else.