I quite honestly have not attempted much in regards to online teaching. The only thing I could count that some might qualify as "online teaching" would be using E2020 as a remedial tool for students. However, given that it is not much different than handing them a worksheet, I would not constitute this as any form of online teaching or even online learning for that matter.
I do not have a great plan for my future in regards to online teaching. I assume that I will be transitioned back into the classroom as a teacher at some point, especially given the current budget cuts each district faces. My vision will focus on my classroom teaching. I do not anticipate that my district will offer fully online classes separate from using a resource such as E2020. I would then hope to offer at least a few online lessons to students. I was very overwhelmed when attempting to work with my moodle account a couple of weeks ago and after exploring Google sites, I feel this may be a better platform for me to use at this time. Unless of course I am able to attend one of the moodle workshops offered by the KISD, then I quite honestly might feel more comfortable using moodle. The atomic lab videos are awesome resources but I feel I learn much better actually doing something as it is being explained. I like that google sites offers the option of starting with a "blank slate" allowing me to build and customize my own website. I know that moodle will allow me to customize many things, but there are a LOT of buttons to click. Google sites seems very simple! I would also want to use a tool that my students could use as well. Google sites would be an awesome way for students to create their own website someday.
One online tool that I also would want to engage students with more frequently is Geogebra. It is a free online (simpler) Geometers Sketchpad-like tool. Students can explore various features of functions as well as construct polygons. I prefer to allow my students the time to explore concepts and work on projects versus the typical lecture-test cycle. I currently have only used Geogebra as a demonstration in class. If I could move several lessons online, then students would not feel lost or disconnected if they have to miss school.
I feel that the largest barrier that I face currently is my role as an interventionist. I work with students at varied levels of mathematical ability and I do not see the same students consistently. If I were in a classroom my biggest barrier would be the amount of content I am expected to cover in a very limited amount of time. It is difficult to not lecture-test when you are given 8 sections of material, 1 test and 1 quiz to cover in 5 class periods!! It takes additional class time to set up and support the online learning initially. I am looking forward to the Common Core Curriculum which will incorporate more of the project based learning in which I feel I can use more online resources.
"However, given that it is not much different than handing them a worksheet, I would not constitute this as any form of online teaching or even online learning for that matter."
ReplyDeleteI've been making that argument to anyone who will listen for some time now. I almost find it offensive that people lump it in with online learning. But I am preaching to the choir here. Heh.
I hope you can take some Moodle courses through your district because it's really a nice full featured tool. With Google Sites, you would still find yourself needing to supplement the teaching and learning with other tools. You know, I could almost see using Google Docs to create your content and share as even easier than Google Sites. Hmmm.