One of my most memorable project don't was incorporating LMS in a course, when I did not fully understand what I was
doing. I was the only technology teacher in the school and was trying to integrate
technology into the lessons. I really did not want to lose valuable classroom
time (and test-prep time) by adding more unnecessary content about how to use
the technology. After days on YouTube and other tutorial trying to learn the LMS, I formed several lessons of content to integrate into our class
time. I had an information page, syllabus page, notes, surveys, quizzes and
links to other resources. Being that we were in a computer class, I felt the
technology can somehow handle itself. I was sure it would work out fine in the “technology
class”.
The
class I used was favorable to the new technology. They students had a positive attitude
about the LMS at the start. The biggest problem we faced was accountability. Many of the
students were not used to keeping up with their assignment online. Student were
so accustomed to having paper in hand, so searching for information online was
new and to some just weird.
Using
the new technology in the classroom to enhance learning, was a requirement in
the class. I ran into barriers with not knowing how to use the LMS, and not anticipating the student resistant . As most
teachers are, I was sure that I will make the best of my tryout in using our
LMS and hope the future will be even better.
Great post. There's nothing better than learning how to do things without having any background knowledge or support. I was being sarcastic, but the truth is I think I do some of my best work that way. It forces me to push harder because 1, I have to present it to people and 2, I don't want to look bad. But it sounds like you did a great job because from what you mentioned, you were able to add quite a bit of content.
ReplyDeleteOne thing you can't always control is student participation. You mentioned that many of the students were not used to keeping up with their assignments online and there was a bit of student resistance. I think that these things are simply par for the course and when designing the next course you can implement rules for engagement as well as various activities and at enhancing student engagement. Additionally, if this was their first online learning course, it may take them a little time to get used to this format. To combat this, I think that there's nothing better than a group assignment to encourage student participation. For some students, if they feel that they are accountable to someone else, they will also work a little bit harder. They also end up making good peer connections as well. I have also had not so great group projects, but have since learned how to navigate those issues in the beginning. It's a 50/50 chance as to whether they will become more engaged by working group projects, but with the success I have had, I will continue to implement them into my courses.
LF
I completely relate to your post! Our school went to a one-to-one school, where each student received a netbook to take back and forth from school to home. I was also surprised by the student resistance. Some just flat out refused to do work if it wasn't on paper. I was surprised, and that is something that I did not plan for. There were many trials and failures for me that year as well. Thank you for sharing your experience.
ReplyDeleteGina D.