ORMS Module 1 Reflection

After reviewing the readings for the first module, I have realized I should listen more to my students. I should take their actions and make them dictate some of my own. If I am teaching them, I should probably listen to what moves them.

In reading O'Byrne's, Teaching Online and the Time of Screencasts, I was surprised, yet, not surprised by the fact that most students are done watching a video after a minute. Even more are done with the video after 5 minutes. He also discusses how Prof. Reis found in a study that kids are most attentive for the first 5 minutes of class, and then again, once you mention the word, "finally!" 

While I was surprised to read these facts from the study, I was really not surprised at all once I thought about my own class. I replayed these moments in my head and they seemed pretty accurate to what occurs. 

This makes me happy that my tutorial I just made was under 5 minutes! When I thought of making screencasts, I originally liked them but thought it may be redundant if everything I do is through screencasting. However, I realize now, that not only do I not have to make a million screencasts, I can make them shorter than 5 minutes to get the most out of them!

Navigating the C's of Change" was my English class - just for the 21st century! The idea of students becoming more and more responsible for their own learning is the ultimate goal. While utilizing reciprocal teaching on the internet, students can accomplish this AND develop and utilize online collaboration skills needed in today's world. I have already started kids on this process. It takes lots of modeling and scaffolding at first, but to see the development of students is very rewarding. Watching them collaborate online and discuss with others is a process.

I was pleasantly surprised to see what students think it "digital literacies" are. In the "What are Digitial Literacies?" article, students developed a list. "Incorporating technology efficiently and wisely into a specific classroom or work environment" and "Using the superior expertise of a peer to extend my own knowledge" were two of my favorite they came up with. It gives me hope that students DO want to learn how to use the internet effectively in the classroom, and life!

Overall, this first module has reminded me that I am on a good path to helping my students succeed! That makes me feel good!