Week 7. My role as a teacher

Well this week was really a great challenge.  I had a couple of personal issues, and was really struggling to meet the deadlines. 
As always I find the readings insight full.  This week my reflection has been on how important my role as a teacher is.  More than meeting deadlines, more than covering all the units of the textbook, more than having good results on grades my main objective should be to have students learn for life and enjoy doing so.
I feel the need to make sure I’m giving students all the tools, strategies, skills etc.  So they are well equipped.  And truly become autonomous learners.

Week 6

This week was a lot of fun, getting to see everyone´s PPT.     And the discussion on Large Classes is something I can definitely relate to.   When we have conferences with teacher from other places here in Nicaragua that are not the capital, having large classes is always a hot topic.  The discussion go on as who is at fault, why it doesn´t improve, teachers are tired, students are not learning……and do on.  But in the end all those teachers attended these conferences because they wish to improve as teachers.   And during breaks you will hear conversations between them, on tips and ideas to engage and motivate such a numerous group. Jajajaja
My bump on the road this week was my lack of high tech knowledge or practice.  My PPT usually were not even animated, and because of my poor knowledge would seldom do PPT.      But now, it’s a challenge I’m willing to undergo.  

Week 5 A personal note

I can’t believe we are half way there.  It seems time just goes by so quickly.    My favorite part of the week was the Rubrics.  They are completely useful.  Creating a rubric was a new experience for me.  The benefits of allowing students to know ahead of time the criteria’s of their evaluation and the specifics on each point offers a better result.  Student’s outcomes are much better.
On a personal note.  One of the reasons I took this course was because of the alternative of working/studying from the comfort of my home.  Not having to sacrifice my job or family to study some course that would have physically removed me from everything.   For example, if I would have studied abroad for 2 months or studied 3 times a week in a University here in my country to study, that would have been time away from my family.  But most definitely studying through the web in this course is not less demanding.  Actually I feel it’s harder because life goes on, and I actually have to find the time to do my homework, which most of the time it´s when everyone is sleeping.
The first weeks where overwhelming, but I´m getting used to the routine.

Week 4 Not confused, but GRATEFUL

Hi everyone.
I feel a bit more comfortable this week.  I guess because we did things we are used to doing on an everyday basis; planning and reflection on issues we as teacher want to improve. 
The readings were very useful this week, and on a personal note motivating.  Reading about the many benefits of the web.
1.  Topics seem related to the present day.
2. Students have the whole world at their finger tips
3. No obstacles or cost.
This according to Warshaver and Whittaker, which I agree with.
Teachers always play a crucial part in any class, but it seems that when it comes to computers we have to be extra prepared.  Even with minor technical problems, as teachers we have to be equipped to solve.
I feel Delicious.com came in the just the right time, because so many of my classmate have shared great resources. 
I feel much better this week, not confused or overwhelmed.  But actually well-informed because of the content of the course and the sharing of all the classmates.  This week especially the common problems we have as teachers and the different lesson plans have been useful information.
I feel like I need to thank everyone this week, my teacher and classmates you have taught me a lot.  Thanks