Running smooth…

I’m struggling with the exact role of a teacher, but I have a few descriptions…

Leader

Mentor

Friend

Educator

Teachers are playing so many different roles I can’t list them all. Not every child has an ideal home life or surrounded by the perfect environment. Teachers do so much that is above and beyond their job description. Teachers need to do whatever they can to assist with the development of their children in the classroom. I get irritated when people underestimate the work and various hats that teachers must wear.  

FYI: I’m not a teacher in the school system, but I understand how difficult being an educator can be.  

When designing courses I typically use all of the tools that I have available. I have to know how to use each tool correctly or I won’t be using it. My students are typically impressed with the tools that I incorporate and they enhance the material tremendously. I’ve never limited my use or overshadow the lecture. Whenever I start developing my course design I’ll defiantly be using some tools we use in this course. Method of delivery will also be a determining factor.

While I was browsing my reader tonight I found this post which caught my eye. 

http://remoteaccess.typepad.com/remote_access/2008/09/yes-i-do-grade-blog-posts.html

Before starting a class or any project you have to create an objective. Course objectives are a fact of life. Your objectives can’t be confusing they must be clear and precise. The problem with the system is nobody can agree on acceptable course objective. In the school system parents disagree on the amount of material their child is presented with during the school year. Sometimes objectives cause unneeded stress, but typically the end result wasn’t that bad.  

We all know the “best learning” doesn’t always take place in a classroom. Learning styles are changing and we all need  extra reinforecemnt at some point. The majority of undergraduate students are probably trying to avoid going to class and having responsibility. This technology gives students more flexibility they may not be ready for. We use technology so we can enhance the learning experience and so many students would abuse this. Surveys can be manipulated very easily, so I would take this data with a grain of salt.

This class has defiantly been an experience so far! Engagement is hard to achieve regardless of the way educators present the material. I’m constantly thinking outside of the box in our class, because I’m never sure how to approach the prompts. I’ve always felt safe and secure when learning something new.  I’ve finally realized…

True learning has to take us out of our comfort zone.

 Just like the online classroom most things when used properly can be successful. Technologies tend to enhance the experience for students, but resources are limited especially in Kentucky. Each classroom in Louisville has a Smart Board, but only a few teachers know how to use them.  That isn’t fair to the students, but it shouldn’t be used if can’t be used properly. I think it could defiantly do more harm than good.

Since video blogs wouldn’t go so well….Maybe in the future webcam chats…. Just a thought… Maybe online classes could use them in the future.

Video is beneficial no matter what environment you’re teaching in. I would like to see video and voice used in online courses via webcam. Instead of writing in our blogs we could record our thoughts and post our recordings. Instead of reading blogs we could listen and make notes.

My advanced toolbox would defiantly enhance the experience for students by using Google Apps for class. One application gives you access to email, chats, maps, and documents. Unlike other applications this is free and accessible anywhere. With Google Apps you can edit files, and coordinate homework for students. Of course, you’ll use Google maps, scholar, blogger, email, mobile, calendar and groups. I know a lot of my tools are also in my basic toolbox, but I really like using these services by Google. I would like to incorporate visual/audio into chat sessions. I think it would be great if we all had a webcam & microphone during our chat sessions then we could all see each other. Webcams make the chat sessions a lot more personable and enhance the experience. A wiki would be another great tool so all students could express their feelings. All of students could collaborate together on one project like online group work.