As we near the end of OLTD 501, Introduction to Online Learning, I look back on what I thought I new about online learning and how it has developed and I am surprised (although shouldn’t be) how my beliefs around online education have developed. Originally I thought, as many teachers do, that online teaching was the delivery of materials in a format easily consumed by someone in an alternate environment, sitting at a computer; I was wrong.
I have always applied an approach within my classroom that has supported group work, guiding students in a manner that allowed them to lead. I have always found that students learn best when provided a direction and opportunity to find their own way. I always felt that allowing students to work together and play on their own strengths supported those around them and allowed them to develop a deeper understanding for themselves, or simply learn something altogether new. I see that online education can be utilized in the same way. Using the technology tool available allows student to connect with peers and experts as well as a wide variety of resources so that they can make connections and create their own understanding. Online education, with its access to the wider world, can provide opportunities that, one could argue, are not as easily achieved in the traditional classroom.
I feel that I am at the start of my online journey. Like when I was traveling, I have many avenues to explore and challenge to meet. My map, being the program itself, acts as my guide with my colleagues and instructors helping direct and support me through a huge array of materials. I feel confident that I have found myself in the right place to take advantage of the evolution of online education and am ready for this new challenge.
I have always applied an approach within my classroom that has supported group work, guiding students in a manner that allowed them to lead. I have always found that students learn best when provided a direction and opportunity to find their own way. I always felt that allowing students to work together and play on their own strengths supported those around them and allowed them to develop a deeper understanding for themselves, or simply learn something altogether new. I see that online education can be utilized in the same way. Using the technology tool available allows student to connect with peers and experts as well as a wide variety of resources so that they can make connections and create their own understanding. Online education, with its access to the wider world, can provide opportunities that, one could argue, are not as easily achieved in the traditional classroom.
I feel that I am at the start of my online journey. Like when I was traveling, I have many avenues to explore and challenge to meet. My map, being the program itself, acts as my guide with my colleagues and instructors helping direct and support me through a huge array of materials. I feel confident that I have found myself in the right place to take advantage of the evolution of online education and am ready for this new challenge.