Now that spring term is over and summer faces us, I encourage my friends who teach (foreign languages) on the college level to consider an online component to your class. And, I encourage my students to consider taking a technology-based class. If you’re in my blogging neighborhood, this is what I do.
I never teach my students. I only attempt to provide the conditions in which they can learn.” Albert Einstein
I love design, art, architecture, putting things together with some sense of style and presentation. This way of thinking even carries itself out in my teaching.
A supervisor once told me “Everyone pays attention to what everyone is paying attention to.” In this case I see teaching colleagues, administrators and students paying attention to technology. I have chosen to incorporate an online learning system called ANGEL in the courses I teach. It is used for online and hybrid courses. However, I have found it to be a great resource for a general face to face class. Whether you use ANGEL, don’t use ANGEL or are unfamiliar, I invite you to consider the benefits for teachers and learners.
Visualize a course…
1. that students come to the first day filled with anticipation.
2. where students arrive the first week with the right textbook.
3. where students write you successfully using the correct e-mail address.
4. where students’ fingers will automatically take them to the course online finding the home tab, lessons tab and MyGrades for up to date grade posts.
5. where students can access the syllabus, notes, powerpoint presentations, handouts, activities, games, worksheets, or important guidelines if they lose them or are absent.
6. where students can find flashcards or tutorials.
7. where students can check announcements to remind them of what’s coming up next or any unforeseen changes.
8. where students can check their grades 24/7 within hours of the instructor having finished grading.
9. in which the instructor does not need to bring a flash drive that he/ she may lose, forget or infect in the classroom computer.
10. and for the students, a place where many kinds of learning as outlined in Fink’s Taxonomy of significant learning are addressed.
•Foundational knowledge: At the Home page students can review the basics.
•Application learning: Through practice websites, descriptions of dialogs/scenarios/oral presentations and journal writing assignments students can receive support in managing their projects.
Georgette Sullins and Georgette Sullins’s Blog©, June, 2011. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Georgette Sullins and [Georgette Sullins's Blog] with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.
follow me on Twitter, @springsully http://twitter.com/springsully
I’m not an educator or an instructor, Georgette. Still, I read this entire post. And after reading the post, I read more about Blackboard learning and the ANGEL program. Very interesting. ~ Lenore
Thank you for reading and commenting. Yes, Blackboard is another option; our college uses ANGEL. There are so many opportunities online. My face to face students are totally engaged, totally get it and are generally more successful… Yay! I put this post up because I will be taking a business trip soon and wanted to be able to refer to it handily.
btw I enjoyed your post about the dress code at church. You’re right. In effect you have to just pick your battles in that regard. How nice your husband took them and you had a bit of time to yourself. Question: Now who is Adventure Girl?
Adventure Girl is my niece. Though Adventure Girl is not her real name, she is my real niece. Because she is committed to thru-hiking the AT, she’s a super hero in my eyes. Hence, she is Adventure Girl.
I am glad your students are thriving. Moreover, I’m glad you -as the teacher- are tuned in to what works best for the students. Good for you!
I thought she was your niece. She is adventuresome and is accomplishing an amazing feat. I have enjoyed following her trek on bicycle. Amazing girl! I’ve been following my Christine too, therefore the “Sevilla” post last week.
Dear Blogging friends, if you made it this far, thank you for reading. This is what I love and this is what I do.
I loved reading this and seeing the care you take to ensure your students are really equipped with the tools/environment they need to learn. I should clarify that this is not because it’s surprising (it isn’t!), but because it’s always uplifting to see people doing what they love and doing so consideredly. I had some fabulous profs throughout undergrad and law school . . . and others for whom the experience was something they had to endure to continue their research and/or seeing paychecks.
I have always known what my career path would be. When I see folks undecided or floundering I want to rush in to lift them up, break things down into small steps and lead them to success. I am privileged and do not take it for granted. In that regard, I am the daughter of an immigrant and a naturalized citizen. Thank you, Deborah for reading. I like the way you think. Just as you wrote your book that had to be written, I have taught the classes/courses/lessons that had to be learned. However, the comparison stops there because amazingly you are a mom, creative writer and practice law. I could only manage two things during my 30′s…mom/wife and teacher. I am honored that you read and engage in conversation.
I also read your entire post, and found it interesting. Teachers, at any level, don’t get nearly the credit they deserve!
Thank you for reading and commenting Dianna. I must apologize for not dropping in this morning. I have enjoyed the luxury of visiting as we were between terms. Despite no classes, I still get up early. I’m back to my summer schedule and am challenging myself to stay in touch.
If only all educators could be tested for “heart.”
Interesting. I guess…we are….every day and just keep coming back. What’s the saying? “The hardest job you’ll ever love!” Thank you for stopping by to read and comment.
My wife is a school librarian and is constantly learning new technology to enhance her skills. I’m sure she’ll be interested in this post.
She may be more familiar with Blackboard which is similar to ANGEL. The main thing is the kids/students succeed using it…noticeably higher retention and grades. Thank you so much for reading and commenting. I am honored that TGG dropped in.