Interview with a Practicing Online Educator

When the opportunity to attend a conference in Vegas arose I jumped at it.  Who wouldn't?  A chance to ride the Manhattan Express; take in the view from the top of the Stratosphere; attend a performance of Cirque du Soleil; and participate in professional development.  It was too good to be true.

What I wasn't expecting was the chance to chat with a practitioner in my field of focus for my graduate studies.  I am new to the world of online teaching and learning and overwhelmed by the wealth of resources and educational theories that exist.  When I had the opportunity to engage in dialogue with someone currently working in the field of online education I felt an adrenaline rush not all that different from when I did the loop-the-loop on the roller coaster at New York, New York.

I constructed some questions that addressed the current areas of study in the course I was taking and equipped myself with a pen and notebook (roaming charges precluded me using my smartphone as a recording device) and waited for an opportune moment to get an exclusive.   I imagined this must have been what Lois Lane felt like interviewing Superman.  I was excited and nervous all at once.

The first question I posed was whether or not she felt there was a difference between online and face-to-face teaching and learning.  My expert addressed the benefits she experienced as an educator, such as the convenience of being able to work where and when she opted, thus freeing her to be more available for her family.  I agree that is a benefit for both teachers and students but it didn't really answer my question.  What I really wanted to know was how the planning process differed.  What considerations must an educator take into account in order to move from a face-to-face teaching environment to an online or blended environment?  Lesson number one for this fledgling journalist....construct your questions carefully.

Next I asked if her teaching was influenced by any particular learner theories.  My response was a vaguely puzzled expression.  I clarified by asking if she applied more of a bahviourist, constructivist or connectivist approach.  I could see the neuropathways lighting up as she recalled some of her earlier formal studies.  She cited all of them as shaping her program.  Lesson number two for this inexperienced interviewer - don't assume prior knowledge.

My third question addressed learning styles.  I wanted to know if she felt that online education was better suited to one style of learner than another.  While she acknowledge that it is possible for all learners to be successful, kinesthetic and visual learners likely struggle more.  Lesson number three - include icebreakers at the beginning of an interview because the subject will likely need time to feel comfortable and get into the right mindset.  My subject seemed much more at ease now and her answers were more thoughtful and confident.

Finally I asked about the challenges posed by introducing online or blended models of instruction in primary classrooms.  She agreed that this was challenging.  She directed me towards a tool called Zoom.  I was pleased to have a tangible takeaway from the interview; something I could go and explore and maybe utilize in my own practice.

My quasi-ambush interview may not have been peppered with "aha" moments but it was by no means a disaster.  I realized that while I had not previously given much conscious thought to which learning theories influenced my practice, I was not alone.  I could move forward in my ongoing quest to become a more effective teacher and stop beating myself up.  I also realized that I made the right choice in pursuing teaching rather than journalism.  I will leave that to Lois Lane.

Grow dendrites, grow....

The thing that I like best about pursuing my post graduate studies is being introduced to new things.  Along with the expected professional reading I have also had the opportunity to play around with Wordle, infographs, SmartArt and google docs.  These are probably familiar to many of you but to me, they were new tools to complement my learning.  Some took lots of trial and even more error to master but in the end I was rewarded with a sense of satisfaction at having mastered something new and even had a little fun.

Brain research tells us that to keep our neurons healthy we must exercise our brain by challenging ourselves to learn new things.  I am proud to say that my brain is tired but likely healthier for being pushed harder than it has in a while.

So take my advice.  Challenge yourself.  Keep those neurons healthy.  You'll thank yourself later.

Squirrel!

     I admit it.  I am a fan of animated movies.  Among my favourites is the Pixar classic "Up."  I am particularly partial to the dog, Dug, who is easily distracted by anything that moves, especially squirrels.

     Now that I have begun my post-graduate studies I don't expected that I will have much time to indulge my fondness for animated movies.  But the characters, like Dug, are always with me.

     Yesterday I sat down at my shiny new laptop/tablet to begin my assigned readings.  I armed myself with a beverage and snacks and made myself comfortable on the couch.  The television was off.  I had created an ideal, distraction free environment for studying.

   Or so I thought.

     Within five minutes I was squinting at the computer screen and immediately decided I needed an extra pair of glasses so I had a pair at home and at work.  Half an hour later I had successfully ordered a pretty purple pair online, scheduled for delivery in two days. (squirrel)

    I refocused myself on the assigned reading.  It was quite engaging but before long that beverage I mentioned having at my work station had found its way through me and I needed a bathroom break. I was back in front of my screen before long, trying my best to absorb the wisdom being transferred to me via today's most recent technology. (squirrel)

     And then my dog needed to go out.  He is old and his bladder isn't what it used to be so I obligingly escorted him out to the yard so that he could do his business.  My legs had needed a stretch anyway so it was all for the best. (squirrel)

     As I sat truly entranced by the evolution of educational technology I was reminded of the website I had created for my class some six years ago.  I had put a lot of effort into it and it had been very useful.  The parents had liked the links to educational websites that I had included.  I decided that it was time I tried to find the URL of that website and see if the links still worked.  There were likely some links that were obsolete and new links that should be added.  Before I procrastinated and neglected this important task I toggled to another window and successfully found the site and tested some of the links.  (squirrel)

     Satisfied that once tech support got back to me with my password so I could edit the site and use it as a valuable tool in teaching program again, I toggled back to the screen with my assigned reading.  It wasn't a heavy assignment but it was taking longer than I imagined to get through the first pages.

     Proud that I had avoided distractions such as music and television and phone calls I continued to scroll through the pages.  I continued to make connections with the content of the articles.  There were references to blogs and I was reminded about the blog I had begun years ago and suddenly abandoned.  I wondered if I could find it.  After all, I had successfully found my old website so there was a good chance I could find my blog as well. (squirrel)

     As luck would have it, I was on a roll.  My blog was still active!  I quickly created a short entry, reinspired to record my experiences and thoughts for posterity.  Brimming with satisfaction I returned to my reading.  I made a mental note to reserve more time for my readings in the future as they were proving to be more time-consuming than I had anticipated.

     Finally I came to the last paragraph.  Done!  Week One's readings were complete.  I was proud of myself for my dedication and ability to avoid distractions.   It hadn't been easy.  Other people might have been tempted to raid the fridge to procrastinate.  Others might have picked up the phone and reconnected with a long lost friend.  Some  might have felt the urge to plug in some upbeat music and take a dance break.  Not me.  I had been focused.

     I can hardly wait until next week.

     Hey, did anyone else just see that squirrel?

Signed,
 Dug

   









   

Every long journey starts with a single step

     Last spring, after participating in two online courses, I decided to pursue my dream of working on my Masters degree.  I carefully considered the many options available and eventually decided to enroll in an Online Learning and Teaching program.  As the material; would almost exclusively be delivered online I tested my commitment to the process by registering for a couple not for credit online courses on a subject that interested me.  I was excited!  I completed one course in two weeks and another in three.  (I am still working on another...)  The platform seemed to suit me.  Armed with a new $1300 device and a great deal of enthusiasm I was prepared to begin my post graduate studies.
   
After months of anticipation the first online session was about to begin.  I had practiced accessing the university website that contained the course material and discussion boards and felt prepared for the big day. I was taking that first step forward.
   
 Then came the proverbial two steps back.
 
   I typed the URL given to the students by the professor into my web browser more than twenty minutes prior to the session and....nothing.  I tried downloading the required java updates.....nothing.  I tried accessing the site on a different device....nothing.  Frustration grew.  Frustration turned into anger.  Anger turned into tears.  My enthusiasm had waned, replaced by despair.  If this was the world of online learning, I was convinced it wasn't for me.

     It is not within me, however, to quit.  Taking several deep breaths (and a sip of the sugary, caffeinated soda I had given up eight months ago) I decided to try one last time on my old laptop.  I crossed my fingers.  I crossed my toes.  I probably even crossed my eyes.

     And......success!

    With a few additional clicks I was live on the interactive site, viewing the professor's slide show and listening to her explain how the first week would unfold.  I felt the tension dissipate from my being and a sense of relief washed over me.  I could do this!

    What did I learn from this experience?

     First,  life-long learning requires passion and genuine interest in a topic.

     Second,  persistence is a virtue that will reap rewards in the end.

     And finally, along with "My dog ate my homework" I will now always accept "I experienced technical difficulties" as a legitimate excuse when my students hand in assignments late.