A change in perspective

As I was sitting here listening to Dr. Monaghan, I was thinking about my first class in ETEC. My first class was video editing with Dr. Monaghan. This was back when he was in charge of the ETEC program and Dr. Leh hadn’t come to CSUSB yet. We started making animated gifs using MS paint and a free program named Giffy. After that we started video editing where we had to create a lesson using a VHS camera and bring in the tapes to practice editing. We would load the tape into a VCR that connected to the computer and saved on a Zip Disk. As we edited the video we discussed how the videos could be packaged so that other people could see it. At that time the Internet was very static and there was not much on it. I couldn’t have imagined 12 years later that I would be listening to Dr. Monaghan discuss how teachers could connect with students online.
As I listened to Dr. Monaghan, I was impressed with the structure of support that the professors have from the school now. As we move more towards online classes, there needs to be a structure that allows teachers to have support to coordinate, provide structure and have direct support for the technology and get the best out of the class for the students and instructors. It is important to have that set up so that teachers can be willing to create classes and provide a structured meaningful curriculum for the students. I had a teacher sit down with me this week and look at a class I created on Moodle. We talked about the structure of the class as well as the materials that were posted. He thought it was great but he was unsure how he could use it for his Language Arts class. I told him that I would help him set up his class when he was ready because I know he could do it with support.
It was very insightful when Dr. Monaghan was talking about the future of online classes because of the changes that online classes will cause. The research states that the results show that the material and structure is better than face to face classes. I am currently reading the report that was mentioned to see what else was said. The use of asynchronous structure works well for college students but how well would it work for students that are used to the traditional classroom? I think the use of social networking and continuing the class work long after the class is done. Researchers discuss how teachers and students need to create their own Personal Learning Network (PLN) to share and discuss topics. As an instructor, you are always thinking about how to make it better and share ideas. I know I have signed up for a Twitter account that has me following 190 teachers and professors that talk about the different tools that are out there and discuss current trends and research. It is very insightful. I have also joined several Nings which are groups that allow people to have discussions and share different ideas. It is great. As you learn more from people you find that you have more in common with people and find it easier to share ideas.
Talkshoe was a great way to conduct the discussion. Thank you Dr. Newberry for being the moderator of the discussion asking our questions and contributing your insight. Talkshoe was a great format for the night with the phone discussion recorded and a chat on the computer. It was nice not having to drive up to CSUSB and fight the parking and blah food at break. It was great to hear Dr. Monaghan discuss how classes have changed since my first ETEC class and show us what the future will look like. I wonder what people will think when they look back at this class in 12 years and see how things have changed.

Link for 25 Social Networks for Teachers and Students