As I sit in my living room and think about the last few weeks assignments, all the information that we have taken in, and the thought of this semester coming to an end I become a little overwhelmed inside. My first thoughts are that if this semester is coming to an end so is my summer break from teaching. My sweet time home with the kids, traveling, sleeping late, junk food eating because I consider this MY three month vacation, and catching up on family time. This includes visiting those in laws/family members who I give my usually excuse throughout school year. For me this excuse usually starts off, “if I didn’t have so much work to grade I would stop by maybe next week.” My next thought that goes through my head is that school will be starting back in the next two weeks. I am excited for some reason or another to get back to work. I very seldom return after summer break ready to work. For those wondering no I am not sick or anything just bored. But hey, in eight weeks or so I will be saying when is Thanksgiving break and how many days until Christmas. One thing for sure I have obtained a lot of knowledge over these past few weeks. Some of which my not be useful to my age group but I am considering tweaking it just a bit so it would be a little more appropriate.
Thirteen weeks have gone by and I think about all the information I have taken in and what I have found to be the most useful, what I liked the most, and what I found to be not so good. Then I think will I be able to teach a class and live up to the expectations that have been stored upon me by other students or good I even be as half as good as my instructor over time. I think the answer is still forthcoming. I want to say yes because I am one of those people who may be considered arrogant. But then again I know my limits and have to so no (for now). So I ask myself what do I know now and what do I need to learn. This is what limits me from saying yes I can. I know as an educator I must have respectable knowledge of applications of the learning theory and instructional strategies needed for online learning. I also know that my teaching should include the seven principles for good practice in undergraduate education.
1. Encourages contact between students and faculty
2. Develops reciprocity and cooperation among students.
3. Encourages active learning.
4. Gives prompt feedback.
5. Emphasizes time on task.
6. Communicates high expectations.
7. Respects diverse talents and ways of learning.
I am confident that I can teach online and still adhere to the seven principles just as if I was teaching face to face. Of the seven principles I think number #7 respect diverse talent and ways of learning is often left unaddressed unless the class included some type of group project where different minds were able to come together. This is one that I would pay close attention to and try to include throughout the semester. I must always learning experiences, and learning styles to the classroom.
The biggest adjustment for me would be moving from face to face to online learning. This requires a teacher to adapt his or her teaching style to a more learner-centered approach. Coming from teaching younger children for seven years I am very familiar with this approach. It can be the most difficult because everything is outlined around the student, such as, the lesson plans, teaching, and testing. With this in mind I must pay close attention to what topics are covered weekly because this could reflect my student’s participation. One of the benefits of student centered because then the student is responsible for what is learned. Most students thrive off of the thought of having more say so in their education and the classroom which in terms increases participation, curiosity, and grades. The biggest benefit of this approach is that it is designed for any student despite their learning style.
What was the biggest and most memorable subject that I had in the course? Umm, this is a hard one but I’ll have to say that is was wiki. Wiki is a website that allows individuals to edit information. It served as a wonderful online tool for communication within a group. Wiki is setup by one individual but can be edited by anyone with the password. Wiki would be very useful and helpful at the upper education level for students who are assigned to a group project in any subject. Wiki is definitely something that I am going to use in my future with older students. However, I am in the process of trying to create a wiki to use for communication between me and my parents now. I want to be able to link it to the school website or my classroom website for announcements, questions, etc. We currently use the email to communicate but I find this to be much better and just a little more personal. Not personal in regards to who is seeing it but the site would be designed so that it is a continuation of my classroom.
All in all like most students I am definitely ready for the semester to come to an end. Unlike most students in college I will walk away with fifteen weeks of wonderful knowledge. What I have gained in the last few weeks I don’t have to wait until after graduation to use and can always build upon to make better.
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