My e-learning experiencing really challenged me, but was one
of the most inspiring courses I’ve taken in my graduate studies. I’ve been
teaching for four years and each year I have an internal conflict about whether
or not I should return to the classroom. The education industry is my passion,
but I feel I have more to offer to education than just classroom instruction. I
think classroom instruction is essential, however there are so many
organizational challenges within education that has trickled into the classroom
and making it quite difficult for teachers to be effective.
I think e-learning is the new trend and opportunity for K-12
education. It has already been wildly successful in postsecondary education. I
have one more course left in my certification for Organization and Decision
Making until I complete my internship. I am already planning what I would like
to do for my internship. I wanted to work on writing curriculum for blended
learning. This course has given me the foundational understanding of online
platform and various tools available to start planning curriculum for online
and face to face instruction. At this point I think there are disadvantages
with sole virtual classes and sole face to face classes for k-12 education. I
think some monumental changes could be make with public education if curriculum
was created, of course aligned to Common Core, that includes the appropriate
time to supplement with e-learning and the appropriate tool. I also, would be
interested in revising the format of professional development for teachers and administrators.
There is such as disconnect between educators and students with technology. For
example, I am a digital native, however I struggle using technology for direct
instruction and assessment. In my personal life I am savvy, but I have not
effectively mastered how to incorporate it in my teaching. Our instructional
coaches and instructional leaders are not providing opportunities for teachers
to learn it either. It’s one of those scenarios where it has to be a hobby. So,
you always have the quintessential tech person in the building while everyone
else is obsolete.
My perception of e-learning has always been positive and
open minded. However, now I am excited about the career opportunities I can use
to help classroom teachers be more successful at their jobs. I am truly grateful
for this experience.
Alicia,
ReplyDeleteAs always, your comments and in this case reflection, demonstrate keen insight. What resonated with me especially was your reflection about being a digital native - being tech savvy in your personal life, yet not really knowing how to make that connection to your professional teaching career. Admittedly I am continually amazed at how this rings true for so many young teachers. What I find disconcerting is that the teacher prep programs - often at the undergraduate level - are still not addressing the ways in which technology can support and enhance teaching and learning. And, like you noted, for those in school, at the instructional support and/or administrative level, great strides are not yet being made to make significant progress to engage those at that level with the tools needed to support teachers.
It is my hope that through classes like this, educators of all levels can begin to make some progress even on a small scale, bringing change and leadership to the schools in which they serve.
Best of luck to you Alicia - it's been a pleasure having you in the course, and you have brought some wonderful ideas to our collective learning experience.
Donna