Using Technology Tools and the Virtual Classroom
Description: This morning, I logged onto the Virtual Classroom
session in the Tech Support Room for a class session with Robert Mace.
Other than the class meeting that we had last Sunday, this was my first
time meeting virtually for any class. During the session, Robert
discussed the Praxis exam, test taking strategies, and levels of
learning with us.
Feelings: I feel relatively confident about using the Virtual Classroom. I have not had any large technological issues yet, which was one of my biggest fears about starting the program. It felt a bit odd to be in a session with no one I had seen before because I had so recently met my cohort. I hope we get more chances to get to know each other soon. I feel a bit disconnected with them right now, which is not surprising to me because we have only met once. I just hope that I am not the only one feeling this way.
Evaluation: Robert did a great job making the session very engaging and interesting. The hour kind of flew by for me. I think this assignment was a great way to get some practice using the Virtual Classroom outside of our regular meetings. I feel like I learned a lot of valuable information, both about how to function in a Virtual Classroom and about what to expect when it comes to the Praxis.
Analysis: Getting used to being in an online classroom is going to take me a bit of time. I have always liked face-to-face classes for the personal interaction, but the convenience of online classes has also always appealed to me. I like that Teach-Now combines elements of both types of class in that we have a set group of people who we will see every week. The hardest part is going to be actually getting to know my classmates. There is not a lot of time for us to talk to each other during our weekly meetings, so I think that is going to be a challenge.
Conclusions (general): Teach-Now operates on a platform that is relatively easy to learn. The VC environment is welcoming, and it encourages active listening. The technology we are expected to use in this program outside of the VC is straightforward enough so far, and there are plenty of ways to get help if things ever do become confusing.
Conclusions (specific): For me, the biggest challenge of the virtual environment is figuring out a way to forge relationships with my classmates. We all live in different places, so meeting up for a quick cup of coffee to discuss what we learned in class is out of the questions. I need to find ways to make use of the technology that I have at my disposal to get to know my classmates. Other than that, I need to continue practicing with the technology we are expected to use. The more I am in VC sessions, the more natural it will feel.
Personal action plans: Next time, I would like to take more notes during the sessions. I know that is not something that we are required to do, but that is always something that has helped me learn in the past. Despite the VC sessions being recorded, I think it would be helpful for me to write down the most important details as class is happening. In addition to that, I am going to start brainstorming ideas of ways to get to know my classmates. Our cohort is going to be working together for the next nine months, so we all need to be comfortable with each other. I will start by making sure I am connected with each of them on social media. From there, I am hoping we are able to start forging connections by learning more about each other’s lives.
Feelings: I feel relatively confident about using the Virtual Classroom. I have not had any large technological issues yet, which was one of my biggest fears about starting the program. It felt a bit odd to be in a session with no one I had seen before because I had so recently met my cohort. I hope we get more chances to get to know each other soon. I feel a bit disconnected with them right now, which is not surprising to me because we have only met once. I just hope that I am not the only one feeling this way.
Evaluation: Robert did a great job making the session very engaging and interesting. The hour kind of flew by for me. I think this assignment was a great way to get some practice using the Virtual Classroom outside of our regular meetings. I feel like I learned a lot of valuable information, both about how to function in a Virtual Classroom and about what to expect when it comes to the Praxis.
Analysis: Getting used to being in an online classroom is going to take me a bit of time. I have always liked face-to-face classes for the personal interaction, but the convenience of online classes has also always appealed to me. I like that Teach-Now combines elements of both types of class in that we have a set group of people who we will see every week. The hardest part is going to be actually getting to know my classmates. There is not a lot of time for us to talk to each other during our weekly meetings, so I think that is going to be a challenge.
Conclusions (general): Teach-Now operates on a platform that is relatively easy to learn. The VC environment is welcoming, and it encourages active listening. The technology we are expected to use in this program outside of the VC is straightforward enough so far, and there are plenty of ways to get help if things ever do become confusing.
Conclusions (specific): For me, the biggest challenge of the virtual environment is figuring out a way to forge relationships with my classmates. We all live in different places, so meeting up for a quick cup of coffee to discuss what we learned in class is out of the questions. I need to find ways to make use of the technology that I have at my disposal to get to know my classmates. Other than that, I need to continue practicing with the technology we are expected to use. The more I am in VC sessions, the more natural it will feel.
Personal action plans: Next time, I would like to take more notes during the sessions. I know that is not something that we are required to do, but that is always something that has helped me learn in the past. Despite the VC sessions being recorded, I think it would be helpful for me to write down the most important details as class is happening. In addition to that, I am going to start brainstorming ideas of ways to get to know my classmates. Our cohort is going to be working together for the next nine months, so we all need to be comfortable with each other. I will start by making sure I am connected with each of them on social media. From there, I am hoping we are able to start forging connections by learning more about each other’s lives.
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