"Aha!" Moments
Where do I begin with the “Aha!” moments? I will start with Alan November’s article, Creating a New Culture of Teaching and Learning assigned in the first week. I actually wrote the words, “Aha! Article” on the top of the article printout. Although, Mr. November’s article mirrored some of my current beliefs such as the importance of teaching critical thinking skills and not everything on the Internet is true, I did not consider the fact that many students believe, if it is on the Internet it is true and what the impact of that assumption may mean.
November’s discussion on how to deconstruct and map relationships of Web sites was extremely enlightening. So, week five’s critical analysis activities were full of “Aha!” moments. Being informed researchers builds a foundation of informative teaching and learning. I learned something during every activity of the Mapping exercises, from examining Web site’s authors, history, purposes, to the number and types of search engines. I can say the activities for this particular week will forever change how I conduct research and how I educate future students.
Mr. November’s automating vs. informating analysis was another point of clarity in this course. Although I knew just because a course is online did not mean learning was taking place, his definition of the difference between automation and actually informing and creating learning gave a clear picture of what typically happens when the discussion of technology occurs. What should be happening is information communication and building capacities that translate to the home.
His thoughts on connecting people and building learning communities spoke to a major tenet of my educational technology philosophy and that did not change. Connecting students, particularly those without unlimited access to technology is an important part of my philosophy. Educational institutions are given a great opportunity to create information community environments that not only informs but also to build communities to connect students of all socioeconomic backgrounds.
However, through completion of this course I am able to visualize and incorporate technology in the goal of connecting students to resources in informative and impactful ways inside and outside the classroom. Being equipped with the tools to help students learn in creative, collaborative ways, and empowering them to construct and be active participants in their learning, that translates into uses in other parts of their lives, is the greatest reward of all.
I must say thank you to each of you. I learned a great deal from each of you. I must also give a great big thank you to Dr. Wickersham for a great course! This course is an example of creating the type of learning environment touted in the research.
Hattie
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