So, I've really been intrigued this week with the discussion revolving around the debate as to whether or not online education is for everyone. It reminds me of the debate about using stem cells for research - the issue is so more complex than all or nothing and I fear that the asynchronous discussions about online education is fostering some slight misunderstandings as clarifications and explanations are minimal. I plan on taking this into consideration when asking students to participate in forums and discussions, noting that they cannot replace the need for synchronous opportunities to revisit some of those discussions.
As for the interchange regarding online education, I believe that any educator worth their salt is already incorporating online components into their classrooms. I really think that so many educators are using tools, lessons and interactives in the classroom, making us teachers that informally qualify as "blended" ed teachers. This isn't to say that the incorporation is utilized on a regular basis much less always as a best practice. I'll be the first to admit that I've used activities like this for my sub plans occasionally instead of worksheets. The activities are directly related to my curriculum, but I'm not sure that they're being utilized at their best potential.
This brings me to the point that I've found running through so many of my previous blog posts - there just doesn't seem to be enough time to complete and set up units of curriculum that are stellar - and that's what I think educators should strive for or we may be doing a disservice to our students. I mean - I'm still trying to get my "death by powerpoint" lectures and presentations cleaned up. I really think that if given a dedicated block of time every day (prep doesn't count!) where I was expected to do some of this work, I'd really be able to pull together all of these elements together so that I'd be able to teach in an online or distance learning venue in the near future.
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You hit on something that I have been thinking about as a teacher also. I am asked to do so many things, Directly instruct, tutor, return communication, grade, provide detailed feedback, self-educate, formal professional development, attend meeting, be a part of PLC's, model curiosity,respect,professionalism, build student skill, support student morale, build daily curriculum, course curriculum, differentiate instruction, differentiate assessment and use incorporate best practices and integrate new technologies traditionally with what one prep?????????????
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