I will use what I learned in this course over the next 30 days by . . .
getting my Ning up and running. I think I have a much better understanding of the power of online learning, and I feel more comfortable offering components of online learning in my face to face classes. My confidence in facilitating lessons has grown to the point that I know what I want to do with my classes this year.
I will use what I learned in over the next year by . . .
continuing to develop what I have learned in the course. Just like my knowledge has grown considerably from the start of my graduate work until now, my knowledge from the beginning of this course until now has shown considerable growth. I will continue to look for ways to involve online content in my current classes. I believe that in a years time my students will have a much more fulfilling experience because of the addition of online content that was developed in this course.
After completing this course I would like to learn more about . . .
what I would need to become an online teacher. My school has started an online program through Kaplan, but the plan is to have Bay Port teachers take a more active role in teaching some of the online offerings. I think the timing of this course works well with the implementation of the online course at Bay Port. I am not sure if I would be the right guy for the job, but this course has enlightened me as to the possibilities of teaching some online classes.
Friday, March 12, 2010
Thursday, March 11, 2010
CEdO 550 Post#5
I am currently spitting mad. :) I have finished my synchronous lesson, and it didn't run quite as smoothly as I had planned. I went against my usual delivery style and spent significant time practicing my lesson. I usually spend my time preparing the material without running through the delivery. Be doing so, I am more flexible in dealing with issues that arise. For this lesson, I spent my time in a Vroom practicing the delivery of information, and I got an idea of how everything would run. When I delivered the lesson to the class, something happened that didn't occur during practice, and it really threw me off my game. I wasn't sure how to fix the problem, and it put my timing out of whack. My mind had a practiced idea of how things would happen, and I was somewhat bound to that plan. Although I am hoping the lesson wasn't as bad as it seemed to me, I am still disappointed in the delivery.
At the same time, I have to understand that it was my first lesson with the Elluminate tool. Now that I know that the issue that I encountered could happen, I will be a stronger presenter the next time around. I do like the tools that are available, and I can see how students would have a great experience in Elluminate. Teachers should also feel comfortable with the available tools, and the flexibility that Elluminate provides. In the back of my mind, the lesson further developed my interest in teaching some classes online in the future.
At the same time, I have to understand that it was my first lesson with the Elluminate tool. Now that I know that the issue that I encountered could happen, I will be a stronger presenter the next time around. I do like the tools that are available, and I can see how students would have a great experience in Elluminate. Teachers should also feel comfortable with the available tools, and the flexibility that Elluminate provides. In the back of my mind, the lesson further developed my interest in teaching some classes online in the future.
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
CEdO 550 Post#4
This week involves the creation of a synchronous lesson concerning Internet safety. From what I have seen so far, the fifteen minutes alloted for the lesson moves extremely quickly. I know that I currently have too much information, so I will have to pare that down to a manageable amount. The biggest unknown factor will involve class discussion time. Discussion should be an important factor in the lesson, but the delivery of content is also important. A proper blend of both will be the key to the lesson. I have enjoyed our time using Elluminate for this class, and taking over the driver's seat will an interesting challenge. Elluminate provides so many tools, but fifteen minutes will limit the amount of tools utilized during the lesson.
My topic of Internet safety is one that has special meaning to me. My boys are at the ages that they are starting to explore the Internet, and I want to make sure that they are safe while exploring. Being aware of tools that are available to protect my kids are important to me, but knowing what I am protecting them from is also important. There are so many possible safety threats created daily, that it can be a dizzying task to stay informed. This class has gotten me thinking more about the safety threats in an online environment. At the same time, this environment can present positive experiences for my kids and students. As teachers, we are in a great position to teach students how to behave in an online environment. We cannot assume that this education is happening at home, but my hope is that schools and homes are providing an adequate education concerning Internet use.
Through facilitating the asynchronous discussion, I have concerns about whether or not I could teach online. From what I understand, online teachers often have larger classes. Feedback is always important in my classes, but it takes significant time to offer what I think is adequate feedback. To be in a position where feedback is limited because of time constraints is not something that is of interest to me. With that said, perhaps I am wrong concerning online class sizes, but it certainly is an area that I want to learn more about.
My topic of Internet safety is one that has special meaning to me. My boys are at the ages that they are starting to explore the Internet, and I want to make sure that they are safe while exploring. Being aware of tools that are available to protect my kids are important to me, but knowing what I am protecting them from is also important. There are so many possible safety threats created daily, that it can be a dizzying task to stay informed. This class has gotten me thinking more about the safety threats in an online environment. At the same time, this environment can present positive experiences for my kids and students. As teachers, we are in a great position to teach students how to behave in an online environment. We cannot assume that this education is happening at home, but my hope is that schools and homes are providing an adequate education concerning Internet use.
Through facilitating the asynchronous discussion, I have concerns about whether or not I could teach online. From what I understand, online teachers often have larger classes. Feedback is always important in my classes, but it takes significant time to offer what I think is adequate feedback. To be in a position where feedback is limited because of time constraints is not something that is of interest to me. With that said, perhaps I am wrong concerning online class sizes, but it certainly is an area that I want to learn more about.
Saturday, February 20, 2010
CEdO 550 Post#3
One of the assignments this week is to create an asynchronous post and place it on the class discussion board. I will be in charge of monitoring classmates responses, and to hopefully facilitate a solid conversation concerning my topic. Since my synchronous class lesson involves Internet safety, I thought it wise to look at a Website called Chatroulette. This site allows individuals to instantly see an interact with other individuals in a chat room setting. It doesn't take long to identify some concerns with this type of interaction. Although supposedly governed by some appropriate use restrictions, there doesn't seem to be any enforcement of behavior at this site. In theory, the ability to connect with users across the globe has excellent educational value, but I suspect that most users are not accessing the site for an education to be used in a classroom setting.
My discussion involves classmates reading an article related to Chatroulette, and then responding with their thoughts from the perspective of a parent or educator. The biggest idea that I want to get across involves being informed about sites that our children might be interested in visiting. To trust our kids online is a tricky undertaking. I certainly want my kids to utilize the Web because the world will be at their fingertips, but I also acknowledge that there are many potential dangers in this world. By keeping watch over what our kids are doing online, we have a much better chance to keep them safe. The bigger issue involves educating our kids concerning the dangers found online. I think everyone would agree that keeping our kids safe is of paramount importance, but it is easy to be lulled into a false sense of security. By being vigilant in our study of sites that are available for our kids and students, I think that we increase our chances to keep everyone free from harm.
My discussion involves classmates reading an article related to Chatroulette, and then responding with their thoughts from the perspective of a parent or educator. The biggest idea that I want to get across involves being informed about sites that our children might be interested in visiting. To trust our kids online is a tricky undertaking. I certainly want my kids to utilize the Web because the world will be at their fingertips, but I also acknowledge that there are many potential dangers in this world. By keeping watch over what our kids are doing online, we have a much better chance to keep them safe. The bigger issue involves educating our kids concerning the dangers found online. I think everyone would agree that keeping our kids safe is of paramount importance, but it is easy to be lulled into a false sense of security. By being vigilant in our study of sites that are available for our kids and students, I think that we increase our chances to keep everyone free from harm.
Monday, February 8, 2010
CEdO 550 Post#2
This week we had the opportunity to grab the reigns during an Elluminate session. In one sense, it is amazing at how fast time passes when participating as a students in a session, but the pace quickens when and individual tries his/her hand at leading an activity. I enjoyed the opportunity, although I wouldn't hang my hat on my performance. I think that as teachers, it is easy to have confidence in what we do in the classroom. This experience left me rather exposed, and I feel that I learned a lot in a brief period of time. I do not like feeling that I am not in control when I am leading an activity, so my fumbling around prompted me to perform a few practice sessions in a Vroom. I know it will take time to get the hang of the Elluminate controls, and I also know that this class will help me continue to develop my skills.
My initial contact exercise left me somewhat befuddled. I know that we looked at some examples, but I was trying to find the right structure for my style. I wonder if the initial contact should simply be a hello and welcome, followed by some information about me. A quick follow-up contact could perhaps delve into content related to the course. Having both on a page seems a bit overwhelming, but it is probably the most efficient way to get started. Thinking more broadly, I have started to wonder if I would like to teach in the online environment. I like the fact that the class would not have the same interruptions seen daily in the traditional classroom. At the same time, I would wonder about the opportunities to really get to know students. I think online learning provides ample opportunities to be in contact with students, but the lack of the physical contact is intriguing. Being able to put a face to a name is a nice feature of the traditional classroom, and I am not sure that online learning could ever achieve the same level of contact as a face to face classroom. But this musing is coming from someone who is new to the online classroom. Perhaps strong relationships with students could be forged in the online environment. I will need to revisit this line of thinking at the completion of the course. :)
My initial contact exercise left me somewhat befuddled. I know that we looked at some examples, but I was trying to find the right structure for my style. I wonder if the initial contact should simply be a hello and welcome, followed by some information about me. A quick follow-up contact could perhaps delve into content related to the course. Having both on a page seems a bit overwhelming, but it is probably the most efficient way to get started. Thinking more broadly, I have started to wonder if I would like to teach in the online environment. I like the fact that the class would not have the same interruptions seen daily in the traditional classroom. At the same time, I would wonder about the opportunities to really get to know students. I think online learning provides ample opportunities to be in contact with students, but the lack of the physical contact is intriguing. Being able to put a face to a name is a nice feature of the traditional classroom, and I am not sure that online learning could ever achieve the same level of contact as a face to face classroom. But this musing is coming from someone who is new to the online classroom. Perhaps strong relationships with students could be forged in the online environment. I will need to revisit this line of thinking at the completion of the course. :)
Saturday, January 30, 2010
CEdO 550 Post#1
This week we have embarked on a totally new journey, one in which our perspectives have changed. We are now asked to view online learning from the perspective of a student, parent, and educator. I really think this class will be meaningful for me and give me some ideas concerning my future as a teacher. I could see my focus in education changing throughout this course from classroom instruction to online instruction. The possibilities of online learning have gotten me thinking about whether or not I could teach classes online, but it is too early to make that determination.
My school district has rushed into the online learning environment because students were leaving the district to pursue online offerings at other schools. The concern I have involves the speed of the development of online courses at my school. I am of the mindset that we should take the necessary time to make sure we are offering the best possible experience for students seeking online learning. By currently moving at a blistering pace, I wonder if the online program will be available before it is ready, and the initial students will be cheated in the process.
My boys will be attending a small, Lutheran high school, and I like the possibilities of online learning to fill any gaps in their education. With school budgets shrinking, I don't see more class offerings becoming available when my boys enter high school. Being that I have eight years before high school will become a reality in my house, the evolution of online learning will be interesting to follow. Whatever the future brings, I look forward to seeing the increased opportunities for my students and my children.
My school district has rushed into the online learning environment because students were leaving the district to pursue online offerings at other schools. The concern I have involves the speed of the development of online courses at my school. I am of the mindset that we should take the necessary time to make sure we are offering the best possible experience for students seeking online learning. By currently moving at a blistering pace, I wonder if the online program will be available before it is ready, and the initial students will be cheated in the process.
My boys will be attending a small, Lutheran high school, and I like the possibilities of online learning to fill any gaps in their education. With school budgets shrinking, I don't see more class offerings becoming available when my boys enter high school. Being that I have eight years before high school will become a reality in my house, the evolution of online learning will be interesting to follow. Whatever the future brings, I look forward to seeing the increased opportunities for my students and my children.
Sunday, January 24, 2010
CEdO 540 Post#5
It is amazing the wealth of knowledge that can be obtained through a few simple keystrokes. I think back to high school and how I searched for information by going to the library and finding hard copies of information. Now, individuals can find all the same information and more by connecting to the internet.
The annotated assignment revealed sites that offered information and data specific to searches, and sites that linked to resources that would provide the information. In many instances, significant time was needed to find what was being searched, but the process was still easier than physically taking a body to the information. As a parent, I like to know that my kids are in the best schools, and now that information is brought to me. I digest that information before making travel plans to visit the schools that my boys will attend. I like the fact that I can enter the walls of a school to see the culture and academic performance while sipping coffee in my pajamas. Although not the only means to finding information, many sites provide the starting point for gathering information about an area of interest, and provide additional outlets for further study.
The Google Trends assignment provided a analysis of a tool that could be a great starting point for research. Although the data lacks specific numbers indicating the scale of searches, it does provide numerous links to additional information about a subject. For instance, Trends can identify when searches increase in intensity (by year), and also shows the impact this information has in the media. Geographic data can be analyzed to show the frequency of a search specific to location. An event overseas may not get much attention in the U.S., or more specifically, Sheboygan, but data would show geographically where this event was important to users and when it became important. As I said, Trends provides a great starting point for information retrieval, but the vagueness of the data provided are somewhat limiting for serious use.
The annotated assignment revealed sites that offered information and data specific to searches, and sites that linked to resources that would provide the information. In many instances, significant time was needed to find what was being searched, but the process was still easier than physically taking a body to the information. As a parent, I like to know that my kids are in the best schools, and now that information is brought to me. I digest that information before making travel plans to visit the schools that my boys will attend. I like the fact that I can enter the walls of a school to see the culture and academic performance while sipping coffee in my pajamas. Although not the only means to finding information, many sites provide the starting point for gathering information about an area of interest, and provide additional outlets for further study.
The Google Trends assignment provided a analysis of a tool that could be a great starting point for research. Although the data lacks specific numbers indicating the scale of searches, it does provide numerous links to additional information about a subject. For instance, Trends can identify when searches increase in intensity (by year), and also shows the impact this information has in the media. Geographic data can be analyzed to show the frequency of a search specific to location. An event overseas may not get much attention in the U.S., or more specifically, Sheboygan, but data would show geographically where this event was important to users and when it became important. As I said, Trends provides a great starting point for information retrieval, but the vagueness of the data provided are somewhat limiting for serious use.
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