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.
Saturday, November 21, 2015
Monday, September 28, 2015
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.
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.
Monday, September 14, 2015
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
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
Sunday, September 13, 2015
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.
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.
Thursday, July 15, 2010
Life Is NOT a Box of Chocolates
I hate to contradict the profound words of wisdom given to Forest Gump by his revered mother, but life is NOT like a box of chocolates. No. It is more like a game of Poker.
Life deals everybody a different hand. Some are better than others. Too often people focus on the cards in their hand. They lose sight of the reigning principle of Poker.
At the end of the game it isn't always the person with the best hand that walks away with the pot. Frequently it's the best bluffer, the person who convinces others that they have the winning hand.
So believe in your hand. Truly believe in it. And convince others that you believe in it. That is the key to success. That's how you walk away a winner.
Life deals everybody a different hand. Some are better than others. Too often people focus on the cards in their hand. They lose sight of the reigning principle of Poker.
At the end of the game it isn't always the person with the best hand that walks away with the pot. Frequently it's the best bluffer, the person who convinces others that they have the winning hand.
So believe in your hand. Truly believe in it. And convince others that you believe in it. That is the key to success. That's how you walk away a winner.
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
I Can Imagine
I was not there,
but I can imagine.
I can imagine the tears running down a mother's cheek as she hugs her son good-bye.
I can imagine the anxiety of the young man touching ground on foreign soil, not knowing what to expect.
I can imagine the deafening sound of artillery fire.
I can imagine the damp cold that seeps right into the bones of the young man huddled in a muddy trench.
I can imagine the terror of looking into the eyes of an enemy and knowing it may be the last thing you see.
I can imagine the pain and sorrow of watching friends die horribly and painfully.
Thankfully,
I can also imagine a world of peace.
I can imagine a world where the human race no longer fights over arbitrary borders, power or beliefs.
I can imagine a world where guns are silenced.
I can imagine a world where all children grow up in peace.
I can imagine a world of cooperation and not conflict.
I can imagine a world where love is more powerful than hatred.
I can imagine a world without war.
Yes,
I can imagine.
but I can imagine.
I can imagine the tears running down a mother's cheek as she hugs her son good-bye.
I can imagine the anxiety of the young man touching ground on foreign soil, not knowing what to expect.
I can imagine the deafening sound of artillery fire.
I can imagine the damp cold that seeps right into the bones of the young man huddled in a muddy trench.
I can imagine the terror of looking into the eyes of an enemy and knowing it may be the last thing you see.
I can imagine the pain and sorrow of watching friends die horribly and painfully.
Thankfully,
I can also imagine a world of peace.
I can imagine a world where the human race no longer fights over arbitrary borders, power or beliefs.
I can imagine a world where guns are silenced.
I can imagine a world where all children grow up in peace.
I can imagine a world of cooperation and not conflict.
I can imagine a world where love is more powerful than hatred.
I can imagine a world without war.
Yes,
I can imagine.
Saturday, September 12, 2009
Just Whistle While You Work...
You may recall that a few posts ago I mentioned that I was still awaiting employment for the year. I may have said that I don't dwell on it; that I just wait for the roulette wheel to stop spinning and take advantage of the free time.
Perhaps I lied.
I must confess that yesterday I was a little stressed. Yesterday was the day that the school district was expected to have reviewed any requests by administrators for additional classes based on increased enrollment. I had it on good authority that I was VERY high on the recall list (maybe as high as second) so once those classes were approved I was pretty much a shoe-in for getting my pick of jobs. So while I waited for the phone to ring I did what I do when I am stressed or have nervous energy to expend.....I cleaned.
Odd, I know. I don't binge eat. I don't pace. I don't bite my nails. I clean.
This is an especially odd habit as I do not profess to be the world's best housekeeper. With two long-haired animals living in the house I have given up the battle against pet hair. I vacuum once - perhaps twice - a week and try to ignore the loose clumps of hair lying around the rest of the time.
So yesterday I attacked the build up of dust, dirt, hair and clutter with a vengeance. You kow those knick knacks that reside above your cupboards? I cleaned all those with Lysol wipes and dusted the tops of the cupboards with my Swiffer duster. I pledged my wood cupboard doors. I removed everything from my kitchen counters, wiped everything off and disinfected the counters before returning everything to its place. My kitchen sparkled. It would have been an excellent night to come for dinner.
Next I tackled the bathroom. Ugly job but when you live alone there's no one to delegate it to. I tried delegating it to Tucker once. Instead of cleaning the toilet bowl he just drank from it.
So, donning my rubber gloves, I removed everything from the windowsill and counter, wiped them off just as I did with the kitchen clutter, disinfected the counter and returned everything to its rightful place. I even sorted through my jewelry and organized it in the beautiful wooden jewelry box I never use. It now has a place of honour and maybe I'll get into the habit of wearing some of the nioce pieces I own (not likely but I tend to be an optimist).
So a few hours later I had a sparkling kitchen and a sanitary bathroom....but the phone had not rung. All was not lost. I still had a mountain of laundry to fold. That would keep me busy for another hour if need be.
At 5:15 the phone finally rang. I don't know if my feet even touched the ground as I raced to answer it. As expected it was the staffing officer for elementary schools. I'm sure I was beaming. A job! At long last...a job! What would be? I could hardly wait the curiouslity was eating at me.
She offered me a grade 4/5 class (full-time) and mentioned that there were also two 1/2 Kindergarten classes available. I would still have to apply to be in the class permanently but I didn't care....I was going to be teaching!
I accepted the grade 4/5 position. I had been hoping for something younger (grade 2 or 3) but anything below grade 6 was bearable. I could hardly wait to get into the class and set it up and start planning.
That was when she broke the not-so-great news to me.
There were only the two full-time jobs and I was THIRD in line. I had been offered the position temporarily until it was filled because she hadn't been able to get through to one of the people ahead of me. Two jobs....third in line. I wasn't liking the math.
Ever the optimist I am choosing to believe that a) another even BETTER job will surface in the next week that I will be the successful candidate for or b) One of the people ahead of me will choose not to apply for some reason.
In the meantime, I have a very clean kitchen and bathroom and at least a week of full-time work.
Definitely could be worse :-)
Perhaps I lied.
I must confess that yesterday I was a little stressed. Yesterday was the day that the school district was expected to have reviewed any requests by administrators for additional classes based on increased enrollment. I had it on good authority that I was VERY high on the recall list (maybe as high as second) so once those classes were approved I was pretty much a shoe-in for getting my pick of jobs. So while I waited for the phone to ring I did what I do when I am stressed or have nervous energy to expend.....I cleaned.
Odd, I know. I don't binge eat. I don't pace. I don't bite my nails. I clean.
This is an especially odd habit as I do not profess to be the world's best housekeeper. With two long-haired animals living in the house I have given up the battle against pet hair. I vacuum once - perhaps twice - a week and try to ignore the loose clumps of hair lying around the rest of the time.
So yesterday I attacked the build up of dust, dirt, hair and clutter with a vengeance. You kow those knick knacks that reside above your cupboards? I cleaned all those with Lysol wipes and dusted the tops of the cupboards with my Swiffer duster. I pledged my wood cupboard doors. I removed everything from my kitchen counters, wiped everything off and disinfected the counters before returning everything to its place. My kitchen sparkled. It would have been an excellent night to come for dinner.
Next I tackled the bathroom. Ugly job but when you live alone there's no one to delegate it to. I tried delegating it to Tucker once. Instead of cleaning the toilet bowl he just drank from it.
So, donning my rubber gloves, I removed everything from the windowsill and counter, wiped them off just as I did with the kitchen clutter, disinfected the counter and returned everything to its rightful place. I even sorted through my jewelry and organized it in the beautiful wooden jewelry box I never use. It now has a place of honour and maybe I'll get into the habit of wearing some of the nioce pieces I own (not likely but I tend to be an optimist).
So a few hours later I had a sparkling kitchen and a sanitary bathroom....but the phone had not rung. All was not lost. I still had a mountain of laundry to fold. That would keep me busy for another hour if need be.
At 5:15 the phone finally rang. I don't know if my feet even touched the ground as I raced to answer it. As expected it was the staffing officer for elementary schools. I'm sure I was beaming. A job! At long last...a job! What would be? I could hardly wait the curiouslity was eating at me.
She offered me a grade 4/5 class (full-time) and mentioned that there were also two 1/2 Kindergarten classes available. I would still have to apply to be in the class permanently but I didn't care....I was going to be teaching!
I accepted the grade 4/5 position. I had been hoping for something younger (grade 2 or 3) but anything below grade 6 was bearable. I could hardly wait to get into the class and set it up and start planning.
That was when she broke the not-so-great news to me.
There were only the two full-time jobs and I was THIRD in line. I had been offered the position temporarily until it was filled because she hadn't been able to get through to one of the people ahead of me. Two jobs....third in line. I wasn't liking the math.
Ever the optimist I am choosing to believe that a) another even BETTER job will surface in the next week that I will be the successful candidate for or b) One of the people ahead of me will choose not to apply for some reason.
In the meantime, I have a very clean kitchen and bathroom and at least a week of full-time work.
Definitely could be worse :-)
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