Technology has become part of most learning environments whether it be with the teacher using the SmartBoard to present PowerPoints or more extensive where the students are using IPads to access their text book. As an educator, I try to utilize technology on a daily basis, allowing my students to use the technology they already know while introducing them to new technology. This makes the learning environment interactive for the learners and in my opinion, makes my job easier because the learners are so much more involved in the lessons.
In an online environment I am able to work at my own pace and when the times are convenient for me and my schedule. If I were part of a face-to-face learning environment I would have to work around the scheduled times the class meets. This makes it difficult when I have a full time job, a four-year old son that is active. Online learning allows me to comment, voice my opinions and feel more freely to "speak" where as if I was in a face-to-face learning environment, I am typically the student that sits back and takes in what every one else says without ever voicing my opinion or sharing my knowledge.
With all of this said, I believe online learning isn't for everyone due to the discipline it takes to get the work completed and turned in by the due dates. I have seen a lot of learners that aren't successful with this type of environment because of the freedom it allows.
As a student of online learning, I believe this is the best setting for me. Sure I miss the face-to-face interaction of my instructor but I love the freedom I am allowed more than anything else. As a middle school teacher, I don't think online learning would work for many of my students. In my opinion, they aren't mature enough to take on the responsibility of that freedom. However, I do manage my classroom using a lot of technology--my students don't raise their hands when they have a question, they instead send me a IM message asking me the question. If it is one I am able to address from my IPad while walking around the classroom, then that's how that student receives their answer. If I need to address it by going to their work station then I do that. This helps eliminate a lot of "hand popping" as I call it........this has made my teaching experience so much easier and less demanding. Plus it allows my students to utilize a tool they all love!!
Brandy
Brandy, I also enjoy the freedom that the online learning environment provides. It definitely helps me to manage my time and save gas from driving to the local university. Reading the discussion posts and meditating on what is said gives me time to think about and process the thoughts of the class members, before responding. As one who has travelled with the US Air Force for years, online learning was the key to getting my education completed. I have been involved in online learning for a long time and I thoroughly enjoy it. I am most thankful for it.
ReplyDeleteHello Brandy,
ReplyDeleteLike you I try to utilize technology creatively on a daily basis. Technology is severely limited at my middle school and no cell phones are allowed.
I agree that the online learning environment allows me to work at my own pace and yes, it does require a degree of maturity and self discipline.
Thank you for sharing.
Roger
Brandy,
ReplyDeleteI love how you teach middle school the same way I teach college. I think it is great for motivation, and to empower them for the future. I teach face-to-face mainly, but occasionally teach hybrid and online courses. I have had the same students in all 3 of the course types, and the ones that succeed in one, generally do well in the others. The big difference, and you mentioned it, is that the students that cannot manage their time, do horribly in the online courses. For them, the hybrids are a nice compromise, where we meet once every other week, and communicate online otherwise for the remainder of the coursework. Meeting just once every couple weeks, keeps them on task. It is unfortunate that this is necessary for college students, but I understand and will continue teaching these hybrids.
I enjoyed sharing ideas and concepts this semester. I hope to see you again in future courses.
Best,
-Marc Boese
Hi Brandy,
ReplyDeleteInteresting post. I like your 'hand popping' intervention... it allows for individualized support. Do you think that your face to face middle school students could also participate in blogging about the topic they are learning?
Soraya
Brandy,
ReplyDeleteI think your strategy of allowing students to use the technology they already now and introducing them to new tools is an excellent one. It is a simple way to effectively integrate technology on a daily basis. Nice job.
Adam
I agree that an online learning environment does not work for everyone. I also have found it very liberating. I kinda wonder if that makes me a tad antisocial? :) How do you have the students IM you with a question? Do you teach in a computer lab? If so, what software do you use?
ReplyDeleteThanks!
Jan
Brandy,
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed reading your post. Although the technology that I have is limited, since this course I’ve started using it in a variety of ways. I recently got an elmo projector for my classroom and the students are even more engaged in my lessons when visuals are displayed with it. I’ve discovered new activities that the students can participate in and they love them. A Smartboard would be welcomed addition. Hopefully in the near future.