Did the results of your TPI fit your image of yourself as a teacher? Do you think the TPI results are different for the same person teaching online and face-to-face?
I guess I wasn't that surprised once I looked at the results. I am very focused on content and skill mastery in my class. Many of my students will not pass their Regents Exams to graduate (standardized tests in NY state) unless we do major preparation in class - many are behind in reading and don't do much studying at home. So when my highest section was Transmission that fit my ideas.
My lowest score was social reform which makes me a little sad but it is probably true. I want to work with my students on social reform but there just isn't enough time in the day! I like to add in pieces of real world reform but I rarely spend whole lessons on it.
As far as the middle ones I like to think that for a high school teacher I am nuturing and I care about the social, emotional, and intellectual development of my students. I spend a lot of time with my students working on issues other than just the content - from study skills to things going on outside the classroom. Even though these were "middle" I still think that I am "high" on these topics.
I think the results might be different if I were an online teacher. A lot of the nurturing and developmental aspects might be different online. How do you nurture a student online? I also think that the social reform area should be higher. When a class is online you can do so much with current research and social issues on the internet! I hope that online classes are using this more than I do in the classroom!
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Week 4 Reflection
What did you learn about the design of online courses this week that will affect how you think about this form of instruction in the future?
I was much more optimistic about these online schools before looking at the classes. I was really disappointed in Virtual Virginia's classes. I would never, ever, want to offer those classes to my students. These classes were like reading a bad textbook. There is so much information out there on how kids learn - and VV seems to take none of it into account. On the other hand, I thought Aventa's classes were engaging and well designed - if you are a high level student. I think that if a student is looking for enrichment beyond the regular curriculum a class through something like Aventa could be an answer. If a student is looking for extra help I have not yet seen a class that would suffice. The state schools (not including FVLS) should not have to always make new courses. If Aventa and other big curriculum designers are actually making good classes - other places can benefit!
I still feel uneducated on whether virtual charter schools are a good answer for homeschooled student. I don't have a lot of knowledge on homeschooling and I don't feel I can make a true judgment yet.
I was much more optimistic about these online schools before looking at the classes. I was really disappointed in Virtual Virginia's classes. I would never, ever, want to offer those classes to my students. These classes were like reading a bad textbook. There is so much information out there on how kids learn - and VV seems to take none of it into account. On the other hand, I thought Aventa's classes were engaging and well designed - if you are a high level student. I think that if a student is looking for enrichment beyond the regular curriculum a class through something like Aventa could be an answer. If a student is looking for extra help I have not yet seen a class that would suffice. The state schools (not including FVLS) should not have to always make new courses. If Aventa and other big curriculum designers are actually making good classes - other places can benefit!
I still feel uneducated on whether virtual charter schools are a good answer for homeschooled student. I don't have a lot of knowledge on homeschooling and I don't feel I can make a true judgment yet.
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Week 3 Reflection
How has your thinking about online schools and online schooling changed since the first week?
After looking at the Virtual Charter Schools I definitely see virtual schools as a viable option for students who would normally attend home school/tutoring (if you are a working actor or athlete). However, I now think that students who don't have unusual circumstances (those who work, health issues etc) shouldn't entirely enroll in virtual schools. The socialization factor is still a major issue in my mind for these students. I don't think that "regular kids" who just enroll in online classes will have the needed social skills to attend college.
As far as online courses, my mind hasn't changed too much. I still think that it can be a good option especially when a school doesn't have the resources to offer certain classes. On the other hand, after looking at a few of the virtual courses I am not convinced that they all provide enough interest and support. Some of the school seem to provide both ... but when I was investigating Virtual Virginia I was not convinced of that. Overall, I still like the idea but I am not sure if all the programs are worth it - yet.
After looking at the Virtual Charter Schools I definitely see virtual schools as a viable option for students who would normally attend home school/tutoring (if you are a working actor or athlete). However, I now think that students who don't have unusual circumstances (those who work, health issues etc) shouldn't entirely enroll in virtual schools. The socialization factor is still a major issue in my mind for these students. I don't think that "regular kids" who just enroll in online classes will have the needed social skills to attend college.
As far as online courses, my mind hasn't changed too much. I still think that it can be a good option especially when a school doesn't have the resources to offer certain classes. On the other hand, after looking at a few of the virtual courses I am not convinced that they all provide enough interest and support. Some of the school seem to provide both ... but when I was investigating Virtual Virginia I was not convinced of that. Overall, I still like the idea but I am not sure if all the programs are worth it - yet.
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Week 2 "Paper"
Write a tweet-length paper (140 characters) that describes what you would be thinking if you were a parent choosing a school for your child, or if you were a student looking for an online school.
If I were a parent I would want an online school that maximizes teacher-student interaction - in multiple forms. I would want the teacher consistently checking for understanding and if my child needed any clarifications.
If I were a parent I would want an online school that maximizes teacher-student interaction - in multiple forms. I would want the teacher consistently checking for understanding and if my child needed any clarifications.
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