Wow, that was easy! I think I might actually be getting the hang of this technology thing. Of course, every time I start getting a little cocky some glitch appears to set me straight about who (or what) is really in charge. Since starting the Intro to On-Line Teaching course at Governors State University two weeks ago I have taken many baby steps towards becoming a successful on-line learner. It will take many, many more before I can start thinking of myself as an on-line teacher.
I've been an adjunct instructor for nearly five years and have run my classes with a traditional format. I hate to admit it, but until starting the class I'd never even accessed WebCT (truth be told, I still haven't sent a text message from my phone either!) But on-line courses are a growing trend that can expand opportunities for students who might not be able to take classes otherwise. It also allows teachers to expand their offerings well beyond the classroom. Afterall, we can only do so much in a 2.5-hour class once a week. I really want to take advantage of the technology so my students get even more out of their classes with me. But figuring out how to best deliver all the necessary information while creating relationships on-line will be quite the challenge. And it will be especially challenging for me, a person who enjoys books without a Kindle, my newspaper on paper and writing on a manual typewriter.
Oddly enough, as a journalist I've been using my computer as a tool for my job for decades. I can find just about anything or anyone on the Internet in a matter of minutes. As a freelance writer my entire business is done on-line through e-mail and the Internet. But that use has always felt a little superficial to me, like I've only scratched the surface of what my computer and I could really do together if I'd just try. Well, I'm trying.
Now if I can only figure out how to publish this without losing everything I wrote. One more little step on the long road to on-line teaching.
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