My days are full as it were. I have been working for 24 years now. Been a teacher for over 16 years - teaching basic computing skills, programming, database managment, applications development, project management and quality management. For shorter periods I have worked as a programmer, a systems analyst and a manager. Yet, teaching is what I love to do. Teaching here at the HCT has been rewarding because of the way we deliver education - very hands on and closely related to the local industry. This has kept me totally abreast with advancements in technology and businesses in the region.
As a teacher, my style is very classic - explain concepts using examples that students can relate to, set problems for them to solve in class, create projects for them to demonstrate their learning etc. I am also very comfortable using Respondus and BBVista for online assessments. I have sporadically used online discussions and social networking tools in class. All this makes me successful teacher, going by the usual indicators. But now I would like to do things a little differently while keeping to my core strengths. Which is why I decided to enroll into THE PGCTHE.
Having practiced the art of teaching, I would now love to explore the science. The prospect of studying online, using all these new tools is very exciting. Being a learner in such an environment will give me ideas that can be used in my courses. It would also expose me to the challenges and benefits of online learning. Studying with peers extends my own circle of learning and I am looking forward to it.
A few hours a week seem to be worth it.
As a teacher, my style is very classic - explain concepts using examples that students can relate to, set problems for them to solve in class, create projects for them to demonstrate their learning etc. I am also very comfortable using Respondus and BBVista for online assessments. I have sporadically used online discussions and social networking tools in class. All this makes me successful teacher, going by the usual indicators. But now I would like to do things a little differently while keeping to my core strengths. Which is why I decided to enroll into THE PGCTHE.
Having practiced the art of teaching, I would now love to explore the science. The prospect of studying online, using all these new tools is very exciting. Being a learner in such an environment will give me ideas that can be used in my courses. It would also expose me to the challenges and benefits of online learning. Studying with peers extends my own circle of learning and I am looking forward to it.
A few hours a week seem to be worth it.
Hello Sharmila,
ReplyDeleteThanks very much for your introduction. It's interesting to me that you mention hands on and project-based learning that integrates IT. I hope that this course will allow you to learn about web-based applications and how they can be used to support effective learning. I think what is interesting about this course is how it embodies the principles of its learning.
When teaching, it is easy to fall into routines and not challenge ourselves - we often do not have time to do so. So, like you, I hope that reading, thought and reflection might refresh our work somewhat.
Thanks Sharmila for adding me. Now I can comment. I tried many times before but couldn't .. I think by time we will be able to use this technology much smoother.
ReplyDeleteHi Sharmila,
ReplyDeleteI am happy that not every day is a 24 hour working day, or is it?I am sure we all have a passion for the use of online tools for all the benefits they bring to students and teachers. The problem we have all faced is how little time we have to develop a course that can be delivered wholly in an online or at least blended environment. You described your use of some tools as sporadic. I think this more or less is an accurate description for most of us.