It is just past the halfway point of EC&I 831 and I thought I would take some time to reflect on what has happened thus far. To sum it up in one word…”TONS”. This class continues to surprise me on an ongoing basis. The first surprise was the format. I have taken online classes through the U of R in the past and assumed that it would be the usual WEBCT version. I am glad that it is not. The use of Adobe Connect, Elluminate, and U-Stream provide a level of interaction that was missing from my other classes. I also find that the blogs provide a much more interesting and convenient way to deliver postings.
The second was the absence of a major paper which I am extremely grateful. This is my last class and frankly I have had enough of writing papers. I really appreciate the originality of the digital project and collaborative wiki as assessment tools. It breathes new life into what is usually a very predictable and dull form of assessment. It is a very good reminder to not fall into the same trap with the classes that I teach.
I am really enjoying the guest speakers thus far. Each has brought a unique perspective to the area of technology in education. Their enormous amount of knowledge within this area is clearly evident. It is not difficult to find many “light-bulb moments” to take away from each presentation.
The last point is what the class topic. When I read the title for this class I expected to learn about computers and their use within the classroom but how this was to unfold I was unsure. I couldn’t think of a way that classroom computer use was going to fill an entire semester. In fact the biggest appeal was that I wouldn’t have to travel to campus to attend class. Wow was I wrong and this is a time I couldn’t be happier about that. I am slowly understanding the power of an online network. I always knew that having a network was essential to becoming a successful educator but I hadn’t really considered the online network. Combined with the resources that we are being exposed to has made this one of the top classes I have taken within my graduate program.
That’s it for my report card thus far. I’m not anticipating any drastic changes so the second half of this class so my steep learning curve should continue but that is fine. If nothing challenges a person in life then one needs to get off the couch.
I think it’s good that we are at a place where we don’t have to take “computers in education” courses as there is just so much more to it. I am trying my best to put the emphasis on the people and the network connections, rather than have the focus on the technology itself. For instance, Twitter is a neat tool but absolutely useless without people. Content is king. Connections are paramount.
Good to have your thoughts.
Thanks for the summary, Dean. I agree 150% with you about how exciting it is to not have a final paper that ends up being thrown in the box in my storage room marked “grad class stuff” and forgotten. This project is SO much more involved, as is the wiki project. I am taking another class right now through WebCT and find it difficult to stay enlightened when it too is on technology, but we have a final paper and aren’t using any technology other than emails and posting discussions. I also find that the blogging, chatting and speaking weekly in Alec’s class builds a stronger community with fellow learners. I too see the power of the online network.
I’ve been talking to other people about this class and how valuable it is to my teaching. The speakers, topics connections that I’ve made will allow me to grow as a teacher who integrates technology in the classroom.
I also agree with you. This has been by far the most useful grad class I have ever taken. I’m not saying that the others have been useless but with what I have learned so far in this class I am now able to bring everything together. The networking has been fantastic. I have learned so much from others and they provide a sounding board for questions and issues. It’s been great!
You’re on the money, Dean. I certainly won’t be able to “shelve” this class neatly in a binder in my office, now will I?
I have to admit, though, that while I was initially thrilled that we didn’t have to write a paper, I’ve had a twinge at times wishing for that very thing, just because I’m pretty good at it. This class has forced me to do things I’m not very good at…which is, of course, frustrating and tiresome at times. Funny to me…the very shifts we’re encouraging our teachers to take, I’m struggling with as a learner.
Dean, I can’t agree with you more. Like most of my classmates, this particular class is one that has definitely shaped my thinking as it pertains to education. I have enjoyed experiencing the new web-tools and their potential. I too look forward to the remaining time left in this class . . . the lack of a paper is also good!!