As Shane Koyczan poetically states, “Don't let your luggage define your travels, each life unravels differently.” We all have our different reasons for participating in the OLTD program and my objectives were simply to explore new ways of doing things. I aim to satisfy my curiosity, to develop a new understanding about teaching and learning, and ultimately, I relish the idea of venturing off into the unknown—beyond my comfort level. Nearing the end of the first OLTD course, I am satisfied knowing that this program is where I want to be.
Initially, I had many preconceived ideas about the course, perhaps based on an outdated methodology in online learning. I chose the course thinking that I would be learning asynchronously, at my own pace, providing me the flexibility that I need for the demanding job of teaching, while also allowing me to enjoy life with my family. Truthfully, I am pleasantly surprised by how the course unraveled my misguided ideas. The synchronous nature of the course keeps me on track and motivated to learn. The course is truly a model for best practices in online learning; it has facilitated a deeper understanding of theories of teaching and learning and made me reflect on and question my own teaching practice, and how I envision online learning. I struggle with the requirement to make continuous reflections, this pushes me beyond my comfort level, but I see the value as a learner and as a teacher. Reflections force us to rethink our original objectives, and to create new ones. Finally, as a classroom teacher I am always looking for online tools that will enhance and benefit student learning and success. Throughout this process we have had a variety of opportunities to apply practical technology tools to our own learning, many of which have shown to be engaging with my own students. There is satisfaction in knowing that what I am learning is feasible, workable and effective in my classroom practice.
Question for this point in my journey: With the current cutback of Learn@Home support blocks in our school, I wonder about the future of the Learn@Home program in our district.
Initially, I had many preconceived ideas about the course, perhaps based on an outdated methodology in online learning. I chose the course thinking that I would be learning asynchronously, at my own pace, providing me the flexibility that I need for the demanding job of teaching, while also allowing me to enjoy life with my family. Truthfully, I am pleasantly surprised by how the course unraveled my misguided ideas. The synchronous nature of the course keeps me on track and motivated to learn. The course is truly a model for best practices in online learning; it has facilitated a deeper understanding of theories of teaching and learning and made me reflect on and question my own teaching practice, and how I envision online learning. I struggle with the requirement to make continuous reflections, this pushes me beyond my comfort level, but I see the value as a learner and as a teacher. Reflections force us to rethink our original objectives, and to create new ones. Finally, as a classroom teacher I am always looking for online tools that will enhance and benefit student learning and success. Throughout this process we have had a variety of opportunities to apply practical technology tools to our own learning, many of which have shown to be engaging with my own students. There is satisfaction in knowing that what I am learning is feasible, workable and effective in my classroom practice.
Question for this point in my journey: With the current cutback of Learn@Home support blocks in our school, I wonder about the future of the Learn@Home program in our district.