Teaching, Learning, Technology & Reflection

Last night I spent a lot of time working on the activity I will use for Word today in class. I also spent a lot of time on improving the job aid of Word created by JL. I still feel that there are so many things in Word and I so much wish to teach all the useful things to my students. However, in today's class, I could only finish activity one. When I was having lunch, I was thinking, yes, it is impossible for me to teach all of them. I still need to think of ways to more effeciently suit each student's special needs for learning. I also need to think of ways to really engage them in learning technology, instead of just passively following. In that case, they will continue learning even outside classroom. There are so many things I want to do. But I feel I lack experience to enjoy the "freedom" in teaching. In Chinese, I cannot do it 游刃有余. There is still a lot of inconsistency between my belief in teaching and the way I really teach. I spent a lot of time preparing for...

Today, I have done a lecture on Internet Use and related concepts. I argue with myself if I should do this. Students do not necessarily know these concepts to browse the Web, to use Email, etc. However, they will be able to use Internet more informed and would be able to achieve more tasks and achieve tasks they know more efficiently. They will also be able to transfer their knowledge to later tasks we are going to fulfil. For example, understanding URL components will help them understand the structure of a website, which they are going to create, and the way a website is published and located on the Internet. However, it is too much lecturing. Based on my observation, some students are very engaged from their eyes, from their nods, from their posture. But there is also low talking around, which makes me feel those are not engaged. One belief I got from Dr. Carspecken's class is that the instructor should assume the responsibility for unengaged students and confused students. So I...

Before the class, I thought OnCourse is very easy to teach and learn. However, in class, I found that students do not follow the steps at the same step. Why some students cannot follow the speed? Have I overestimated the speed? Is there anything that impedes certain students from following? I am thinking of four possible impeding sources: low prerequiste and skills with computer, lack of confidence, inadequate listening skills, and lack of concentration. I realize that I can prepar for the first impeding factor by providing more help before and after class. However, it is difficult for me to deal with the other three. At the same time, I am facing the dilemma of helping each individual student and finishing the tasks for the lesson in limited time. One approach to solve the problem will be to create tutorial beforehand and give chance to students who are relatively slower to follow up a chance to do it in advance and come to class more prepared.

This is the second class of the semester. The activities for the class are: Asking students to take pictures for each other (with pre-designed Digital Camera Job Aid) Apply for Network IDs Self-introduction Chatting Game (purpose of this is not only to have introduction, but also give students a chance to have an experience of how computer-based communication can be used in class, so that they can comment on this activity) My plan was to do No. 1 first. But it turned out the camera I brought use up battery fast. So I charge the battery and at the same time ask students to work on No. 2. However, due the heavy use of university network, it is extremely slow and students are stuck. Then while students are facing the "world wide waiting" situation, I take the camera off the charging and make students begin to take photos again. Battery went off several times. So next time, make sure the battery is full! Also, my brain turns too slow, only at the end of the class, I realized I c...