Irwin T
1/26/2016 04:46:18 pm
My benefit is also a problem. I use text messaging in my program continuously and it is a very good way for me to stay in touch with my students. The benefit is that I can use it to reconnect with a student whose attendance is falling, or I can keep in touch with a student who is working part-time and is doing most of the school work after hours and needs help with a concept that they are having trouble with. It is also beneficial when they have severe anxiety or depression and reach out to me when they are in crisis and need to hear from a supportive voice. All good reasons for using text messaging with students and my job comes with a district provided cell phone to enable these things to happen.
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Lindsey W
1/26/2016 07:05:25 pm
One of the things I thought would be a challenge for me and was quite concerned about when enrolling in this program was that I would feel disconnected from the class. In the past I have enjoyed meeting as a group and being able to discuss ideas and concepts face to face. Mary had reassured me that I would feel just the same as in any classroom setting. My initial class experience did leave me feeling a little detached from the group, but when we had our first assignment and I could see my partner on Skype, I felt the immediate connection. Once I had the opportunity to get to know the group better I felt just as connected listening to voices. Now I can focus on the amazing benefits that I appreciate so much about an online program. I have to say my favorite is the flexibility of participating in a course that I can take part in while being in my home. The hour of travel saved is put to good use and I don’t need to leave my kids.
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Felipe
1/26/2016 07:45:48 pm
Thank you for your thoughts. I was also a little disconnected when I joined the cohort. Everyone had already been together for one semester and I was the new avatar on the block. I felt that everything that I might have to say would have been covered previously and wouldn't relate to the cohort members. I am feeling much more connected now that I have participated in a couple of assignments. Online learning can be a great boost or a great let down if things swing one way or another. For example, say if you post a comment and everyone joins in and replies and a lively discussion ensues, how happy will you be. On the other hand, if you put a lot of effort into what you think is a great post and not a single person comments, how would you feel?
Felipe
1/26/2016 07:48:40 pm
Thank you very much for your reflection Irwin. I completely agree with both sides of your situation. I am used to being in contact with everyone at all times as well. My family often give me looks of scorn when I pull out my iPhone to respond to the 100th text or email that day! In your situation, I think that you are doing your students a great service by being accommodating, but they need to know boundaries as well. Your (our^^) situation reminds me of a video we watched last semester called "Freedom Writers". If you haven't seen it, you should check it out. I hope that our family situations don't end up this way, but the students we connect with do.
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Irwin T
1/26/2016 07:55:22 pm
Felipe, Sometimes I feel that I interrupt the flow of family time and I feel very uncomfortable when that happens. I have a rule - no phone during dinner, or other activities where my children and I are interacting. I feel that they are more important than the text message, and if someone wants to communicate with me that badly, all of my friends know to call. I will check out "Freedom Writers", where did you see it?
Marieke H
1/27/2016 04:57:09 pm
I fully empathize with your benefit that is also a problem. My cell phone is provided by the district and doubles as professional and personal as the thought of having two cell phones is too much for me. I have parents who will text me evenings, weekends, and holidays. While I love the ability to text and it allows me to respond quickly, it does interfere with my family life at times when I feel that I "have to" respond immediately.
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Felipe
1/26/2016 08:57:01 pm
That's a good rule to have Irwin. We need to have our own self-regulation if we expect our students to do the same. Freedom Writers is available on iTunes, Youtube. We watched it as a screening at VIU. It's a 2 hr movie, but well worth watching for a teacher.
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Stefanie
1/27/2016 09:20:35 pm
A challenge that I've encountered and I've spoken to in previous courses, is personalizing the learning for my students in a very diverse classroom. While the composition of some classes is alright, it can be quite a challenge to find a way to meet the needs of all the students in classes with a more difficult composition with the resources provided to us. Since beginning OLTD, I have found a number of ways to help me to personalize the learning for my students so that they are all gaining more from lessons. Looking at planning using Universal Design for Learning allows for more opportunities for all students in the classroom. I find myself thinking about how each component of a lesson can look in different formats. There are a host of different online tools that have also been introduced to me that will enhance the education of my students and allow for more individual choice and personalization. I'm looking forward to learning about many more as we continue this journey, so that I can more effectively teach each of my students.
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Felipe
1/27/2016 10:16:15 pm
Thank you Stefanie. UDL is a great resource for differentiated learning. Having the tools and apps available to assist each student to success in their goals is invaluable. It does, however, take a lot of time and effort on the part of the teacher to find and implement the appropriate tools.
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AuthorThe author is a recent graduate of the VIU Post-Baccalaureate Education Program. He did his undergraduate degree in Music and has been working in a teaching capacity for 20 years. Archives
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