Let's talk about the virtual class .....
What are the benefits of distance learning like this? What are the drawbacks? Who's in their pajamas? i just finished a 1/2 piece of lasagna. I think that this a good change of pace but prefer to meet in person. I hope that this was beneficial to everyone especially those that drove far. I passed 2 accidents on way home and it seemed to be getting worse.
If we have the opportunity to reschedule, I would like to. The snow is supposed to continue into the night and possibly turn into sleet. Not excited about driving in that.
ReplyDeleteErin
I'm also concerned about driving IF we really get the weather they are calling for. I am currently in a cast on my right foot and drive with me left, which is already akward. Is it possible to meet via the Internet tonight? Discuss via blackboard or something? just a thought!
ReplyDeleteLisa
I would love to reschedule especially if the weather is going to continue to get worse. When would we reschedule? Would it be on a different weekday?
ReplyDeleteMegan
Keep it and we can watch the weather. It may be worse another day!
ReplyDeleteAt 3:50 it is sleeting in New Lenox.
ReplyDelete--Annette
I'm confused about when these comments were posted?
ReplyDeleteAnyway- I really like online discussions- not just because I get to be "leisure." I like this format in my classroom because you hear from everyone- even those quiet kids who NEVER speak up. However, I wouldn't want this to be the only way to have class- I like knowing the person behind the post.
I agree that this does let the "quiet kids have something to say. I have found that the chat room environment levels the playing field and allows kids to speak to others that they might not have.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Michele. I love being in my pjs right now! But I think I would easily get lost in the shuffle if this was my only way of learning.
ReplyDeleteJen Ferrucci
I agree Michele (as one of the quiet ones). I think this is really cool. My dog is loving that I am home considering the husband is out of town for a few weeks. It is neat to see everyone's posts and to do it in the comfort of your pajamas :)
ReplyDeleteErin
I think a benefit of learning like this is getting students that would not normally speak up to participate in class without making them feel embarrassed.
ReplyDeleteI feel like I am back in my first Masters program which was all online! Jammies are comfy!
ReplyDeleteI really like this! I think it gets the conversation rolling..more so than in class. I don't think that this would work EVERY week, but for discussions this is perfect. It does take some getting used to though!
ReplyDeleteLorelle
A huge beneift is that we are all at home safely. I think this is a great tool to use on occaion, but I don't think virtual learning is for everyone. This would be a great tool for those students who have great comments and ideas but do not feel comfortable talking in class.
ReplyDeleteStephanie
It seems that we all have the same idea here. I just didn't see yours because I was typing. I also realized that I posted under "The Arnolds" blog. It's Lisa :)
ReplyDeleteI like being at home but it is rather distracted with kids, etc.
I'm in my pajamas and eating pizza right now! However, being home and having to do work poses too many distractions for me. I can't seem to stay by the computer. I just switched my laundry over:) I like being in class because it allows me to focus more. However, I like that we are still getting work done instead of just cancelling class. It is definately nice to have the ability to have a virtual class if we really need to.
ReplyDeleteMegan
I do not think it is for everyone. I am a slower reader and too many posts at one time is overwhelming. I like this better that IM with all of us. That can be tricky to read and respond in a timely fashion.
ReplyDeleteI think it is a great alternative when the weather becomes hazardous...instead of just postponing class.
ReplyDeleteLorelle
Cute kids Lisa! My profile is blocked because this is the account I use for my classroom.
ReplyDeleteHow do you use this in your classroom?
ReplyDeleteI have a sick toddler here at home, so I am extra distracted! My husband doesnt seem to understand that I am still in class, just not physically! :)
ReplyDeleteJen
I post my daily agenda and links to assignments. For some posts, I open up comments. Kids get discussions points for commenting appropriately. This is my 7th grade blog. Pretty basic. http://mjhslab.blogspot.com/
ReplyDeleteThis is neat, but don't think I could do it every week! I think it keeps the conversation going and everyone is responsible for contributing to the coversation. Erin, my dog is also loving that I am sitting here with him right now!!!
ReplyDeleteJenny T
Do all of your students check your blog daily?
ReplyDeleteI would also rather do this then have to reschedule class!
ReplyDeleteJenny T
Jen I could have wrote that exactly. I have been home 2 days with a whiny toddler. My husband is trying ... but I want to jump in because it is not up to my standards :)
ReplyDeleteDo you require students to check your blog? We have several students without computers or internet, so I feel guilty doing computer things at home since they cannot participate.
ReplyDeleteStephanie
I really liked this. I think that the conversation is more meaningful because you have to read and then think about what you want to reply. I think that it kept me more alert than in class. I don't have kids and sent my husband to his mancave so I was not distracted at all.
ReplyDeleteAileen
Yes, because it's a computer class they all have access. It's the first thing they do when class starts.
ReplyDeleteI was still refreshing the discussion thread and luckily someone redirected me to here. THANKS! This is actually the same website my out of state family uses to keep the rest of the family updated. My mom is even a pro blogspot which means that pretty much anyone could use this resource.
ReplyDeleteLindsey
I was having the same problem until Lisa told me we were changing places. If we are moving on to something else, it may be helpful for someone to post that on this spot first.
ReplyDeleteStephanie
okay, this kinda sucks! Ed, I am here now. there is no pencil on my screen by the way. thanks Lisa for calling!
ReplyDeleteI do agree that people are more responsible for the reading and participating in the discussion. at least those of us who are here.
although my husband keeps thinking he can talk to me. it was helpful when my son came in to help me text. :0
I have posted the next steps in course documents in the virtual folder class. Everyone that continues participating will get full credit for both participation segments today.
ReplyDeleteStep 3 is posted on Blackboard.
ReplyDeleteI think that if we do anything like this again i would like to see it first in class, so i know what i am doing.
ReplyDeleteare we supposed to do something different now?
Nice blog Michelle!
ReplyDeleteKim, go back to course documents and read Step 3. -Lorelle
ReplyDeleteYour doing fine Kim. I knew there would be some drawbacks but overall I think this is better than cancelling class or having to reschedule over XMAS break.
ReplyDeleteStep 3 Step 3 Step 3 in Virtual Class Folder in course documents....
ReplyDeleteI think that this is a very cool way to hold class. I think if my district found out they wouldn't give me credit for class though - haha - but really, they are totally against online classes and won't recognize one of them. I was going to enter U of I's LEEP program and couldn't because it was mostly online. This is a great experience for me, especially because all of this technology is new to me. I am in my bed, in my pajamas, with my laptop on my lap - very cool!!! -Kim P
ReplyDeleteI will be a literacy coach next year in my district. I think having a blog is a great way to reach 202 teachers in my building! I could just post, but advertise this of course, different reading strategies and how to implement them across the curriculums. Ed, I am embarrassed to say that this is the first time that I have ever blogged! - Kim P
ReplyDeleteI think blogs can be an extremely useful tool for commuincation. Whether sharing ideas or just documenting a blog is a good way to organize and complie information. This is alos the first post to a blog for me, as I typically do not participate in thes types of forums. This is easy to use and may encourage me to use a blog in the future.
ReplyDeleteJeff