IT 6140 Observations

It is interesting to hear what the other classes are doing and the issues they are having every week. I am glad that the requirements for the course we are observing have slowed down. We originally had blogs to monitor and respond to, as well as giving feedback and evaluating student assignments, such as PowerPoint games and Productivity tools. It was interesting to see some of the tools students were asked to use and the different ways in which they could apply them in their classrooms. For example, students were required to create a game using a PowerPoint template and add their own content and modify it to fit into their classroom and meet their class objectives. We had to critique the games the students were creating part way thru their completion and offer advice and ways to better meet the requirements of the assignment and in turn their students’ needs. This served as a sort of formative evaluation. At the completion of the game we were asked to use the rubric the professor provided to give our assessment of the game. He reviewed our feedback and we were allowed to review his assessment. We were also asked to use his rubric and assess the use of Microsoft tools such as Word and Excel to create classroom aids such as attendance rosters, newsletters, calendars, seating charts, certificates, and other tools. As I said, the requirements have now slowed down – we are just monitoring and responding to blogs. Each student is required to blog on assigned topics and readings and respond to one another’s blogs – I am not sure of the exact requirement on how many or who they have to respond to (if they are in groups or have to read 4 different blogs each week) but it appears there in not much interaction in the response in the blogs. This is something that I will have to find some strategies on how to encourage the interaction in my own classes.

Thank you Classmates

As I was planning what to write, it got me thinking about online versus face to face discussion. I asked for help in how to plan, require/expect student participation, and/or assess that participation in classroom activities. Not only did I receive some EXCELLENT suggestions, but it also got me thinking about the loss of that and other face to face discussion opportunities – now don’t get me wrong I firmly believe in online instruction (as long as it is done right) and believe that robust discussions and excellent suggestions can be shared in an online environment, but I don’t know if it would give the same results.
I completely appreciate the suggestions that were given in class, but still have questions that need answers as I convert my class. For example, I asked about those in-class activities like the quiz that Wali gave or the poem Sue has us write – you do those in class because you are there, you’re expected to participate and it adds to the dynamic experience (jumping on those “teachable moments”) but would you do them in an online environment. You wouldn’t have the immediate feedback, you wouldn’t be able to easily break into groups and discuss – I know you CAN, but would you, as an online learner (especially if there were no credit/requirement)? The instructor has to plan and set up a lot more, as compared to “OK let’s break into groups and take 10 minutes to discuss this.”
I also had questions about missing assignments. If a student drops out for a week or so, how do you handle that – Is it my responsibility to hold her hand and make sure she learns (you can bring a horse to water, but can’t make it drink), do I have to nudge her or let her (or him of course) take the reins? I am already a parent to two children – do I gain 15 more every term??
Regardless – I thank you all for your suggestions!!