Something “clicked” for me through this weeks readings and videos. I feel like I am “figuring this all out,” “seeing the big picture,” “it’s all coming together.” While at the same time, I realize that the more I learn, the less I really know. Where am I at right now? I am excited and eager to jump into this further. About 4 weeks ago, I was frustrated, not really seeing how the online environment could benefit my students, and not really seeing how I could possibly enjoy the process of teaching online. So, what I walk away with this week is the beginning of “the big picture.” I have more clarity in terms of what I feel is really a recipe for success in my f2f classes. I enjoy the concept of the flipped classroom. While previously, I have relied heavily on my students to read material from the class textbook, I am more open to and aware of other sources in which they can gather their information (videos, online articles, research…). Then, once they have gathered their information, we can assemble in the class to apply it in some meaningful way (less lecture, more active involvement). One thing that I have been missing is this element of reflective learning. I have them reflect on what they think about material before coming to class, but I have forgotten to have them reflect afterwards. I just assume the exam or paper takes care of this. However, I think they would benefit significantly from class time dedicated to reflecting – whether it is on the topic, assignment, class activities, etc. My background is in clinical psychology and I have been teaching for over 15 years. To me, the process of blogging or even twitter is a bit like what we would call peer supervision, which is an important professional activity in clinical psychology. Through blogging or twitter (or whatever medium you use), you are able to think about your processes in the classroom (both your successes and failures) and rework them, make them better. Just by spending the time thinking about it in an effortful manner will be beneficial. Then, to get positive encouragement and support, and guidance, makes the process that much richer.
Now, I need to start to think about ways that I will act on these new insights….
For my presentation, I would like to focus on the online material available to enhance our classes (in both online and f2f classes) and/or the role of reflective thinking in learning (in both online and f2f classes). These are 2 different things that will certainly change my teaching. For this class, week 6 is “Coming Together: Student Activities” which includes a focus on multiple learning opportunities and the importance of reflective learning.