Reflections on Online-Teaching and Learning

Module 3 pt.2

I am reflecting for the 2nd time this week on my experiences with online teaching and learning.  My course is coming along actually easier than I would have thought.  Effective pedagogy is actaully easier online.  You take away so many varaibles that make inquiry-based learning hard when you teach f2f.  I do not have to worry about buy-in or behavior problems, I don’t have to worry about differentiating.  I wonder if that’s a good thing?  I have found the “flow” of my course.  each module will open with a reading from the text.  the students will then answer some key content questions to ensure that they are understading the actual content.  The content is the basis for doing well in the course.  you must use content in your image discussions and multi-media presentation.  Then the students will locate an image that symbolizes the era they studied.  (is one image enough?)  They will then ask a question of their peers. (how will i be sure they ask critical thinking questions?)  They will do this on Voicethreads. (how will this work? and is the lack of interactivity offered by Voicethreads an issue?)  Because I am asking students to do a multimedia presentation at the end how will i ensure that they wil be doing it all along?  I also wonder how I am going to teach students to keep a reflection blog?  These are all issues that i am hoping I can figure out next.

I feel empowered as a result of this class.  I have tried things I would have never thought of trying unless forced to (blogging, twitter, social bookmarking, highlighting online text, tagging, creatinga voicthreads presentation, ….)  i was definetly pushed out of my comfort zone and i am still working there.

I would like to be judged with compassion for my novice attempts.  i am really enjoying this.

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