We are on the second half of this course and I need to share this: this course has changed me. I feel a legal digital citizen now. (Not native yet) But I feel much more confident working with several windows at the same time. It reminds me a little of when I learned how to drive. Gear, windscreen wipers, lights, driving wheel, they were too many things at the same time, I felt much the same when I started this course.
Now I have to focus my energy on the project. Motivating students to do assignments more enthusiastically through the web. I must say I have not been able to see all what my classmates have created (this is part of what I have had to change, I used to read everything, now we have to select as there is too much information at hand simultaneously) However, while reading the discussion thread on the creation of a website or exercise, I found Hassan is doing something similar. I am still shaping mine so I will see if Hassan helps me inspire. I believe in synergy.
Hi Andrea,
ReplyDeleteMe too, still working on the project. Some of my students have posted their work on Facebook, the place I am learning from them! By the way, I do agree with you that there are much information to read. This week, I could not access some websites such as the one providing HotPotatoes or SMILE so I decided to give up and tried out others. I enjoyed trying creating instructional materials like a child and his new toy...Wonderful!
Best,
Moo
Hello Andrea,
ReplyDeleteI liked your expressed idea about the professional transformation. For us teachers, benefiting from this very course has so far provided a different challenge, that of becoming facilitators of learning who are able to handle effectively utilizing and incorporating technology in our classroom and online activities. Working with ANVILL particularly this week has let me see how online teaching will increase opportunities for independent learning, as well as for metacognition and reflection.
It seems we share many teaching interests in common and that’s why we are very close in our project thoughts, Andrea. When I discovered Edmodo, I felt that more of my time is likely to be spent supporting individuals, less on whole class teaching. This was a sort of mix between educational psychology and ESL teaching: meeting students learning styles as individuals is the key for any effective teaching. I see that you agree on this too.
Best,
Hassan
Hi Andrea,
ReplyDeleteI share the same sentiments with you about professional transformation.When we started this course,I had scanty computer knowledge,in fact I was hesitant to register but now I am so different.I keep asking myself what I had been waiting for.I have not yet implemented what we have learned but immediately the necessary tools are aquired, I will be the first one to jump into the ship.Great work by Robert.
I agree with you and Moo that the work this week was too much.I also could not access some sites but I hope to do that in future .
see you next week
mbatia
Hi Andrea
ReplyDeleteEveryone has their own way of dealing with "information overload." I think your idea of having a tech drivers license for teachers is a great one. When teachers apply for positions, you could simply point to some sort of certification you have for a high level of tech proficiency. Nice idea.
Robert