"Blogs Give Students an Audience"

Based on Blog by Elan Aguilar on 1/13/09.

I thought this article was interesting as it written by a new instructor who was inspired by another new instructor’s blog. The author’s main inspiration appeared to come from an 8^th grade teacher, Jesse Thaler, who introduced blogs to her students to help motivate them to write poetry and online journals.  What Jesse did not expect was that her students were making supporting comments to the each other’s student blogs in the class and these students were finally getting a voice for their school efforts.  I think this story about blogging is inspirational for me to read as I can see how having a voice heard can be important for students at such young age.  Also, I think acceptance is an important piece to a young person’s identity.  I do think that responsible blogging should be taught at an early age as kids can be pretty cruel sometimes, so that is why I think that responsible blogging should be monitored by a responsible adult.  I am learning that blogs can be used more and more for learning and I thought this article highlights how blogs can be used for learning at a pretty early age.  Also, this article demonstrates that both teachers and students can be inspired from blogging.

Aguilar, E. (2009, January 13). Blogs Give Students an Audience (Web Log Message). Retrieved from http://www.edutopia.org/blog-teaching

Adults and Learning

Based on “Traits of Adult Online Learners” article by JaynB written on 1/29/2011

I liked this article because you can compare the information presented in this article with the previous blog article I wrote about the adult learner.  Adult online students are more open to changes than a traditional adult student and are generally good at time management skills.  Adult online learners are able to recognize they are ultimately responsible for their own learning. These were the three main points that I took from this article as the other traits mentioned were essentially the same characteristics for all adult learners.  I do think many of these traits could be applied to any student.  Time management is an essential skill for taking an online course and I have definitely learned to manage my time more effectively while engaged in an online course.  Also, I do think that I have opened my mind to different ways of thinking by taking more online technology based courses.  Personally, I do feel responsible for how much I learn when taking an online college course and I can see how my own efforts have had an impact on the quality of these learning experiences.  Hopefully, the future will continue to improve my skills in these areas.

JaynaB, (2011, January 29) Traits of Adult Online Learners, retrieved from http://community.elearners.com/all_blogs/academic_advice/b/enrollment_advice/archive/2011/01/29/traits-of-adult-online-learners.aspx

Adult Learners

Based on “Characteristics of Adult Learners” by Connie Malamed  June 27,2011.

This online article talks about many general characteristics of an adult learner.  Some of the main points mentioned are that adults are self-directed and like to reach goals.  Also, adult learners have accumulated a great deal of knowledge from a lifetime of experiences.  Adult learners like to have a purpose and like to know what the final outcome of their learning is all about or to see what the “big picture” is all about.  Also, mentioned was that adults want results and may withdrawal from learning if results are not achieved to their expectations.  I thought these were the main motivational points to take from this article about the adult learner.  I do not teach in a traditional classroom, but I have taught many adults and I do agree that adults carry a great deal of knowledge with them.  Also, I could see how adults would want to see a purpose to the learning as many adults do not want to waste their time learning something that they would not use.  I often feel this way when I engage in learning a new topic and I could see how many adults may withdrawal from learning if they are not aware of the final outcome.  Adults are by nature are more independent than younger students and I could see how adult learners would want to direct their own learning.  For example, I have done self-directed learning on my favorite hobbies by participating in online blogs to learn more information from others about these activities.

Source: Malamed, C. (n.d.), Characteristics of Adult Learners, retrieved Jun 27, 2011 from http://theelearningcoach.com/learning/characteristics-of-adult-learners/

"Blended Learning: Combining Face-to-Face and Online Education"

Based on Blog posting by Heather Wolpert-Gawron, 4/28/11

This blog talks about the advantages of blended learning and I personally believe that this is a great idea.  The article talks about how face to face learning or at least real-time learning can help bring a face to your online learning experience. This article highlights the fact that online students may want to learn with different teaching methods.  For instance, some students may enjoy learning from a PowerPoint, while others may want to have a real-time conversation from their instructor.  I think a lot of the ideas presented in this blog make sense. For instance, keeping the class size limited for an online classes would help improve the quality of your student’s online learning experience.  Also, often different teaching methods to deliver the subject matter would be ideal as well.  I think the points presented are mostly common sense, but the article does make you think how you can make your online teaching experience better for all your students. I have experienced both blended learning and totally online learning classes.  I do agree that blending learning puts a face to who you a learning from.

Wolpert-Gawron, Heather (2011, April 28)  Blended Learning: Combining Face-to-Face and Online Education (Web Log Message) Retrieved from http://www.edutopia.org/blog/blended-online-learning-heather-wolpert-gawron

"Six Scaffolding Strategies to Use with Your Students"

            Based on Blog posting by Rebecca Amber 5/24/11

I thought this write up was a good reminder of how a teacher can help their student learn easier. One point presented was to remind us that we learn better by seeing rather than hearing, which can be done with the use of visual aids or having your students watch other students.  Another reminder was for a teacher to pause to allow your students to process the information and this will also give students an opportunity to ask questions if needed.  The six main points covered were all good teaching techniques, but were applied in the context of scaffolding or assisting your student with more difficult learning.  This is why I thought this blog article was most interesting because it puts good teaching ideas to use when you have to teach your students more difficult tasks or idea.

Amber, R. (2011, May 24)  Six Scaffolding Strategies to Use with Your Students (Web Log Message) Retrieved from http://www.edutopia.org/blog/scaffolding-lessons-six-strategies-rebecca-alber

"Teachers Helping Teachers: Eight Ways to Prevent Burnout"

Based on blog posting by Katy Farber written on 6/15/2011.

I thought this article was intriguing because of some of the offered suggestions.  For instance, collecting funds to offer a yoga class at your school was one suggestion to improve the workplace.  Also, offering a new mother friendly environment at school was another suggestion by making accommodations to help out with breast feeding.  Other suggestions included forming a running or walking group for those teachers who may have an interested in these activities.  I was happy to see that these healthy lifestyle changes were offered as suggestions for improving your feelings while working as a teacher. The last part of this article talks about how isolated a teacher can feel at times and I do think the other suggestions offered in this article would help make teachers feel less isolated.  I do think that teachers should try to support their fellow teachers in different ways to help alleviate these feelings of isolation.  I am kind of a health nut, so I was happy to see that wellness was important on the list to alleviate burnout.

Farber, K. (2011, June 15) Teachers Helping Teachers: Eight Ways to Prevent Burnout (Web Log Message) Retrieved from http://www.edutopia.org/blog/preventing-teacher-burnout-katy-farber