The first part of this class has ended and it seems like the time went by very fast. In a short amount of time we covered a lot of useful information. This blog entry is going to list a few of the things I felt was very useful. Also included will be some short reflections on reading assignments that enhanced my understanding through participating in online activities.
During the first week of class I learned how to communicate on a voice board. The voice board was a very good way to introduce new online technology to individuals. When I first read the assignment I thought it was going to be a difficult task. However I found out that there were great instructions given on how to use the voice board and it was not difficulty at all. The main thing is following the instructions step by step. After using the voice board I know it will be something that can be utilized by many facilitators.
The reading assignments during the first week assisted me in putting together a very good comparison between online verses fact to face instruction. The main objective of this was to get an understanding in knowing if there really is a difference. Many things are obviously different, like being at home teaching instead of in the classroom. However there are quite a few differences between the two settings. For example, online instruction will need to have strategies in place to assist student involvement in the online environment oppose to the f2f. Accordingly, there were seven principles given for effective learning for both online and f2f learning.
The second and third week reading assignments and resource materials covered topics such as facilitating a class online and the changing instructor and student roles. Some specific information that I found interesting and useful was the instructions on how to conduct a Wimba classroom discussion with a power point presentation. Now this particular assignment seemed like it would be fun to do. At least I wanted it to be fun because learning new technology can be fun. I also want it to be very informative and useful.
During this week everyone had to choose a week to facilitate a class. I am glad that everyone in the class will have the opportunity to facilitate a class in Wimba. However, I will need to start getting a lot of practice time scheduled. The key to be successful in many things for me is through practice.
During the third week there was a chart given out with at least 10 different roles listed about the student and the instructor’s role for the online environment. The chart along with the resource links that were given for supporting first time online instructors to help with getting started was excellent. It is good to know that there is such a host of support available for first time online instructors.
The final week of the first session gave even more information and resources on support for online students and instructors. This week gave some specific on resources for pedagogical, technical, social and managerial aspect of an online class. Again, there were so many resources available. I am now in search of how to organize my online files to keep all of these wonderful resources online. I also look forward to obtaining even more knowledge and online recourses in the remaining of this course.
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