REFLECTION

When I think of blogs, the first thing that comes to mind is the expression of personal views. While it is sometimes difficult for some people to express themselves in the face to face environment, expressions online offer a sense of anonymity. I believe that this activity was an excellent opportunity to have the free exchange of views necessary to have a discussion of the concepts presented in the material for this course.

An activity like the blog assignment was an excellent way to have classmates express their views guided by the coursework. As discussed in a previous post, I am not a fan of the type of online interaction that allows a user to become someone else. While I believe that there is a place for the 2nd Life type of online interaction, I believe that it can be detrimental to people actually, truly expressing themselves. On some level, I believe that becoming an alter ego online inhibits self expression. This assignment offered just enough anonymity that should have made it easy to express personal views. 

I believe that the readings for this course are interesting and relevant. They offer a side of online education that I believe is very important. The readings express the fact that you can’t throw away theory. Every aspect of learning should have educational theory as a foundation. This blog assignment was an excellent way to explore views on educational theory and technology in education.

 

Theory and practice of online learning

The Anderson and Elloumi chapter was also quite interesting. Being that I am an educator accustomed to traditional, face to face instruction, I am glad to see that the practice of education is a focus. While I believe that online education is an important, viable advancement in the field of education, we have to be sure that pedagogy is not set aside for the technology used to deliver instruction. The seven principles discussed in the chapter help the online educator to realize that the same pedagogical standards that are in place in face to face instruction also need to be present online.

Developing Infrastructure

I really enjoyed reading chapter 4 “Developing and Infrastucture For Online Learning”. I think the piece pulled together the aspects of online learning. I mean, the piece clarified the roles of the technology and the pedagogy necessary for a successful online course. I think that too often, when we think of online teaching and learning, our first thought is of the actual technology and equipment needed for a course. The article makes it clear that learning outcomes and pedagogy have to be an integral part of the foundation of an online course. I also liked the fact that the Davis made it clear that there needs to be a team approach to developing the course. That way educators and technology specialist can share and collaborate during the development process.

Second Life

I found the Second Life worlds kind of creepy. I understand that they may be great tools, however, the avatars totally remove any social interaction that may have occurred. It is bad enough that we are already communication via text message and email, now avatars?! That really takes any personal touch out of the social process online. The avatars don’t have to be themselves, they can choose to be anything they like. I am not sure about this as a serious academic tool. It may be fun as a game though.

My Philosophy

I thought it would be a good idea to start with a statement of my philosophy of education. So here I go…

I believe that every student can learn. I believe that, as educators, we are responsible for developing instructional methods that apply to all students not just to students who “get it” right away. Our methods must support learning not detract from learning. Our methods must make every student, regardless of race, creed, color, or academic level, feel welcome in the learning environment. Every student under the care of an educator must know that an education is the great equalizer. The student must know that no matter how rich or poor he/she may be, an education is the most valuable thing we all will ever possess. 

Michelle

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