Comments for Beth Cougler Blom

Comment on An upcoming transition, and projects galore! by Elaine Cougler

Elaine Cougler — Thu, 02 May 2013 14:34:51 +0000

Whew! It’s a lot but it’s awesome. Your enthusiasm comes through in the word and writing style. Way to go, Beth!

Comment on Work-Life Balance When Facilitating Online by Elaine Cougler

Elaine Cougler — Tue, 02 Apr 2013 20:43:12 +0000

Excellent points, Beth, which tie in to all sorts of areas, not just facilitating courses. I’ve heard of teachers who are expected to interact with parents at night and on weekends, not to mention the student interacting needs. We do have to take a step back and remember that computers were supposed to help us in shortening our working hours, not lengthen them into all-consuming monoliths!

Comment on Facilitating great activities takes some planning by Elaine Cougler

Elaine Cougler — Wed, 13 Feb 2013 13:03:51 +0000

I like the moving forward aspect of this, taking people from where they are (their fears) and showing them how to move forward and come out with positive outcomes. It occurs to me that I could use this with my writing where negative birdies often sit on my shoulder threatening my success. Well done, Beth!

Comment on One great idea to engage Generation X (and more) volunteers by Beth Cougler Blom

Beth Cougler Blom — Fri, 08 Feb 2013 15:30:57 +0000

You’re so right Clint, this is an excellent point. I think those of us who have a comfort level with this type of technology need to expect a little resistance at first when we suggest meeting virtually or using technology to replace other typically manual tasks, but perhaps some light education on how to use these tools to bring down the “scary factor” for people who haven’t used them before could work really well. Thanks for posting!

Comment on One great idea to engage Generation X (and more) volunteers by Clint Lalonde

Clint Lalonde — Fri, 08 Feb 2013 15:01:13 +0000

Great idea! In my experience (as both a Gen x’er and a volunteer), small, short and specific tasks are an easy way to engage others.

One other thing that I appreciate from organizations I volunteer with is when the occasional meeting can be done virtually. While face to face is valuable, I think we tend to overvalue the monthly f2f meetings (which are often just status updates anyway). There are so many great tools these days, like Google Hangouts or Skype, that can really reduce the time commitment for meetings. I find it much more convenient to be a virtual participant from home than have to trudge to a physical location once a month.

Comment on 2013, I expect great things from you by Marcellus

Marcellus — Wed, 06 Feb 2013 14:13:21 +0000

Really liked what you had to say in your post, 2013, I expect great things from you – Beth Cougler Blom, thanks for the good read!
— Marcellus

Comment on Oh, the people we know! by Elaine Cougler

Elaine Cougler — Sun, 13 Jan 2013 22:01:41 +0000

So positive, Beth! Love it.

Comment on 2013, I expect great things from you by Aimee

Aimee — Sun, 06 Jan 2013 17:54:10 +0000

It sounds like you are taking another stab at ENJOY. A lesson may be that it’s the kind of word to live by for a lifetime!

Comment on 2013, I expect great things from you by Amanda

Amanda — Sun, 06 Jan 2013 15:19:30 +0000

Nice post Beth. I love that your goals include doing more FUN things! I often think that when we get so busy in our lives we put aside the things that matter most… we think what matters most is to be busy and productive when in reality our happiness really derives from having FUN and being with family and friends. On that note, have you seen the documentary “Happiness”? You would really enjoy it!

Comment on Self-reflection as an online facilitator by Terri

Terri — Fri, 16 Nov 2012 16:29:22 +0000

Hi Beth,
Thoughtful post. Finding that balance between being supportive and being oppressive in online discussion can be a difficult one. Sometimes the subject matter can influence the facilitation too. If you’re trying to teach some kind of foundational theory or equations that the rest of a program might be based on, it’s probably harder to guide from the side.
I think demographics play a role in how facilitators are recieved too. Younger students have different expectations – I think they may expect more two-way communication. We had particpants in ISWO last year who felt that no one was really ‘instructing’ them despite the collaborative nature of the course. I guess we just can’t be all things to all people. It won’t stop us from trying though will it?