unit 3 and unit 4 reflections

Yes, this will be my reflections for unit 3 and unit 4. I will be on the road or at meetings next Tuesday to Friday (I chair the Western Regional Articulation Commmittee Annual Meeting in Terrace -- a great way of exchanging ideas with colleagues).

The blogs this week helped me to reflect on my own practices. I like the web Sally showed in her blog, Stephen's insight that on-line never can substitute the skill of a good teacher (which is also supported by the readings for unit 4). I have some difficulties following Tony's thought about getting rid of academic journals. There are problems with those ... I know ... still, I love my early morning hours immersed in philosophical thoughts reading the Review of Metaphysics.

This brings me to unit 4. I am overjoyed that the readings make reference to Dewey (my absolute hero for my development as a teacher) and Peter Senge, whom I just discovered recently ... and I am a great believer in his theories around learning organizations.

Well, I really enjoyed this course and try to follow it until its end ... but there are some problems with this next week.

All the best,

Erich

Unit 2 reflections

Hello all,

I like all the blogs! For the two I should mention, I select Irwin's and Carrie's.

What impressed me about Irwin's post is that we need to consider technology in its use and its ease to use. For on-line learning, there are so many new tools available and they are wonderful for the learning journey. However, I must remind myself of Irwin's caution that I also need to reflect whether the use of technology might distract learners.

Carrie's detailed recommendations for on-line classes impress me and I shall follow them. On-line learning is markedly different from f2f and old assumptions about time lines for assignments, participation, etc. need to be re-addressed to be sensitive to the learning needs and circumstances of learners (it is amazing how the world of a professor has changed in just the 20 years since I practice).

For this week, I most enjoyed the team work with Irwin. He is a true master with wikis. Still, I never had the impression that I am just dragging along. This motivated me and I tried my best to complement his wealth in experience. I had fun (so, I am still wondering the technical aspects ... but I will figure it out).

What I now wish to have is to actually meet all of you! I find it hard to just deal with names and pictures in order to establish a learning community ...

first week progress report

Hello everyone,

So far I really enjoy this course. There is a problem, though, with my scheduling. We had German MBA learners last week on campus and I tried to make them as comfortable as only possible. For many of them, it was their first time in North America and hospitality is important to me. Barbara and I did a good job showing the beauty of the Island and of our nation (even the weather cooperated). We were also both astounded that most participants were surprised that we in Canada were different from our neighbours to the south (they thought that we are all Americans). Oh well ...

However, this comes at a cost. I was more of an observer last week than an active participant. Still, I really enjoy the presented materials, the observations by the participants and the analysis presented. I took away a lot. I practised voice over PPT (though I could not post it -- time for a new computer!), but it works and I am excited to use it for my classes. Also, I started using blogs. I am now marvelling about the power of wikis and Irwin's mastery in the use of this tool.

My regret up to now is that I like to have more energy/time to be more involved. Also, I am so grateful that Irwin is taking a leadership role in our small team. I wish I could help him more but I certainly learn so much from him. Maybe that is a good lesson as well from this course: that is, that I can be weak and still be part of a great endeavour (still, many, many thanks Irwin for being such a great person to work with).

All the best,

Erich

my first blog

Okay, hope this works!
I was busy this week but I am now catching up. This is my first blog attempt -- so, I start with a simple posting.