ED636 - Fall 2006: ED636 - Fall 2006

Thus far I have learned that there is too much I do not know. My thoughts about the use of technology and visuals in an instructional setting have not changed, but I am still overwhelmed at the processes necessary to produce certain items, especially those involving the use of the Internet to construct a webquest. I have finally decided on a topic, but I still don’t know where to really begin. I think that part of the problem (besides the fact that I have an old brain) is that we have not met enough times to go over the material that we need to learn. I know that the professor is always available via email, but it is difficult to know even what to ask. I think that if I were to reschedule this program in the future, I would not have three classes running simultaneously, but do each class much more intensely over a three over four week period, so that the students could concentrate on one subject at a time. I think that when you have a cohort of St. John’s teacher, many of whom are already overworked, three classes at one time can be just too much to handle.

The assignments that we have done from the book have reinforced what I already knew about the importance of visuals in the classroom. Having started my teaching career at the elementary level, and having taught kindergarten for many years, I have learned first hand the importance of visuals. I think this experience has been an advantage for me as I teach upper school students, because it also enhances my instruction in these classes. Many upper school teachers have not been trained in this area and it sometimes shows in their teaching. I remember past classes at the university level that were even more devoid of anything other than a professor standing in front of students and lecturing. Many might say that this has been the tried and true method of teacher since the time of the ancient Greeks, but does that mean we still should walk to work every day rather than use our cars….just because it’s what was done way back when?

As far as new things I have learned, I feel that I have failed here to accomplish what I had hoped. I am beginning to understand the webquest, but I am still baffled when it comes to even start setting one up. This will be my primary focus after we meet this week.