Week 6

There are a couple big take-aways for me from this class.  One is how many awesome resources and teaching platforms are out there.  I went in knowing how to use Google Docs and that was pretty much it.  Now I've become pretty good at Diigo, Evernote, Blogger, Blackboard Collaborate, Google Hangouts and more. On the flip side, the about of resources out there is very overwhelming.  I plan on selecting a few that suit me best and attempt to master those, while dabbling in others in order to become familiar and perhaps somewhat proficient.

The other thing I've learned from reading about it is that online courses require a lot of "behind the scenes" prep work.  Sure you don't have to deal with naughty and disrespectful students face to face, but the trade off is having to be extremely organized and on the ball.  Would I ever like to try it someday? Definitely!

Week 5

What I have found useful from this class, is that it's landed me a new position at school :)  I requested a transfer within my school from at-risk back to regular classroom teaching, and thanks to my new-found technology skills, I'll be doing the science and social studies curriculum for the 6th and 7th grade Next Gen houses.  Gotta go....I've got lots to learn!

Week 4

Oops wrong picture.

Okay that's better.

So no, that's not me sleeping during class. But it COULD be. But it's not.  But it COULD be....

Let's face it.  In front of the internet, I have a severe case of ADD.  Whenever I....oooohhhh I can't believe she just posted that as her status!....

As I was reading the blogs of my fellow classmates, it seems that the majority prefer a synchronous class experience.  I would have to say I'm the opposite.  Newsflash: Yes, I'm a teacher,  but I'm a BAD listener.  Bad.  And the internet ADD thing too..... (Wow! 50 likes on the new pic I posted!)

To be honest, I prefer an asynchronous online class.  One of the main benefits of a synchronous class is that it "forces" you to do what you need to do. For me, I enjoy the flexibility that asynchronous classes have to offer.  I can log on at a time that works best for me, work at my own pace, and stop, fast forward, rewind as I need to. I need breaks too, otherwise I get too antsy and have a hard time paying attention.  I like working at my own pace, even if it takes a little longer.  I really don't have a procrastination problem which I know is a reason why many people like the synchronous experience.  For a person like me, I think frequent checks during a synchronous class are important to stay motivated engaged.  Things like green checks, raising your hand, or being put into small breakout rooms.  The point is, every learner is different and OOOOHHH sparkles!!