Everything we have been learning in this POT certification class is really coming together for me. In realistically evaluating my current online classes, I can see that there is so much I could improve upon. I appreciate that in Pilar’s video she explained that she made changes to her online classes gradually. If I attempted to implement all of the recommendations I’m reading about, I would have to give up sleeping in order to find the time! But I’ve given up perfectionism. The goal here is to not to overwhelm myself by completely re-creating my classes but rather to improve my classes bit by bit and make changes that will make my teaching better and make the class more attractive and enjoyable for students.
Ko and Rossen describe numerous technologies that instructors may wish to consider as they build their online classrooms. I feel so behind the times as I don’t use any of these tools! I may want to use VoiceThread, wikis, and eventually avatars and virtual worlds. How cool would that be?! I admit, though, that I’m not sure where to start and I feel like I don’t have any time to train on these tools. But as Ko and Rossen explain, “it is necessary to find a way to keep up with the appearance and availability of these tools, as well as to take advantage of critical commentary on such tools from an educator’s perspective so that you can quickly evaluate their suitability for your needs” (pg. 169). Ko and Rossen also make it clear that instructors should be comfortable with the technologies they implement before they expect students to use them. As an associate faculty teaching at multiple schools, where can I find the time? POT teachers, may I request that you offer some flex workshops in the spring on VoiceThread, making videos for your class (maybe this will be part of this class later down the road), etc.?
With regard to the other readings/videos we were assigned this week, I found the “manifesto” video interesting and thought-provoking. Some of the quotes that stood out to me were the quotes about the important of aesthetics in online classes and how online teaching should not be downgraded to facilitation. Based on how I currently run my online classes, my role does indeed seem to fit that of a facilitator rather than an instructor, but from everything I’ve learned in this class my perspective is changing. I also now see the value of a visually-pleasing online course environment, and I loved Jim’s sample syllabus! Upgrading my syllabus is something I can definitely do for my classes next semester.
I also enjoyed Lisa’s blog on seven things a new online instructor would want to know. She reminded me that although my course is accessible on Blackboard, the materials I create are my intellectual property and I need to make sure that my materials are safely stored. Lisa also brought up the issue of publisher-created content and how merely plugging this into our courses doesn’t make it a class. I use the publisher-created materials as a foundation, but I modify the content to fit my class. Nevertheless, I can improve upon this by creating text-based lectures rather than Power Point presentations. Can part-timers take sabbaticals to update their materials and their technology skills?