Skyping with Mike Gwaltney and Students

This session really taught me a lot.  Two concepts were especially significant for me:

The differences between online discussions and classroom discussions really surprised me.  I had always focused on the negative drawbacks of online discussions, as I really love grand discussions in a live classroom.  But these girls taught me that there are actually many benefits of online discussions!  Students have an opportunity to form more complex arguments.  Moreover, the discussions are entirely student-driven.  Teachers are almost forced to stay out.   If you’re anything like me, you’ve definitely experienced the professor who promises not to talk for the discussion, only to pipe in more than anyone else.   The other super great part of online discussions the girls brought up is that there are virtually no off-topic diatribes.  In my adolescent lit class, it seems that we spend approximately 10-15 minutes each class talking about the Hunger Games movie.  Those conversations (although incredible enjoyable!) would not happen online.

The other thing I took from the session was that, although counterintuitive, the Internet is actually humanizing.  Yes, it allows teachers to differentiate more easily and it allows people to connect across great distances.  This I knew and understood.  But what really stuck with me is the amount of effort Gwaltney puts in to reach his students.  I went to a very small college, with classes no larger than 20 students, and that kind of personalized attention was rare.  Although more common in high school, it still was not at Gwaltney’s level.  I think online teachers are forced to make these kinds of effort to make up for lost “face” time...but what people don’t understand is that being in the same room does not add value intrinsically.  If that effort isn’t put forth, then a brick and mortar classroom is no better than a virtual classroom.  However, brick and mortar teachers are less motivated to make those efforts because they think being physically present adds value.

What do you think?  What was your experience as an undergraduate/high school student?  What do you see as the pros and cons of virtual learning?

Ciao!

Some Thoughts

How Technology Is Changing Schools - Curtis Bonk

As technology expands and permeates our society, more learning is offered virtually.  I am a lover of learning, so if online learning is more convenient for certain individuals, well, then, hooray!  It is certainly better than no learning at all.  In cases of natural disaster or debilitating illness, I can see only the positive.  However, I do not sanction virtual learning in cases of laziness.  Do you think that is a rational fear?  I firmly believe that the social aspect of school is just as important and valid as the academic aspect.  I believe that it is only in extreme circumstances that we should accept virtual learning.  There is much to be learned in a classroom with other real, live, breathing humans. 

 

Teaching with Author’s Blogs – Denise Johnson

As a writing tutor for undergraduate and graduate students, I witness writing anxiety every day.  I think that, for many students, blogging can alleviate this pressure and anxiety.  There is a stigma attached to word processing and printing that simply does not exist in blogs.  Yet, students are equally (if not more) motivated by the accountability that exists when they publish their work for others to see and read online.  In your experience, do you notice less anxiety when you blog?  I sure do!

 This particular article inspired me to visit authors’ blogs in my classroom.  Often, authors blog about their writing process, and it would be awesome to expose emergent writers to that!  They can see that even successful writers struggle, and they feel less alone.

Ciao!