1.6 Assignment: Critical Reflection Journal/Blog

1.6 Assignment: Critical Reflection Journal/Blog

What is new to my thinking or learning this past week? 

As I reflect on my learning this week, I realize that while I am a user of technology and a student of online learning, I have much more to learn to be an effective teacher of online students.  As an enrollment advisor, I taught two online courses, the first two courses that Associates level students took in their program.  The courses were an introduction to online learning, and most students did well and demonstrated a basic understanding of the concepts presented in the course.  After the first week of this course, I realized that I could have engaged the students in the learning process as an instructor. Reflecting on this time, I facilitated the material but did not “teach.”  After reading the assigned material this week and completing the various activities, I am looking forward to learning more about effective methods to teach online truly.

How has this new information challenged me?

            This week's learning has challenged me to become more familiar with the various technologies available to educators to become a more compelling online educator.  For example, while I have used social media, I had never used Twitter before and found it challenging to navigate the site while establishing an account.  I hope to learn more about using this form of social media and best use it in an educational setting.  I am also looking forward to learning from other educators, including those in this course.

How has this stretched my professional growth and development?

            I am, by nature, a lifelong learner.  I enjoy learning new things and applying them accordingly in whatever setting I am in.  Learning more about online teaching through this course will benefit me as I endeavor to fulfill my desire to teach online in a full-time opportunity.  While I have attained two master’s degrees and most recently my Doctorate, I have not had any formal instruction on the most effective methods to teach online.  Learning more about online teaching methods will help enhance my professional development. 

What are the implications of this week’s learning on my professional practice?

            The more one learns the more effective one can be. As a lifelong learner, I am always seeking to learn new things that will help me be more effective.  By learning new things throughout this course, I can be a more effective educator. By becoming a more effective educator, I can inspire students to do the things that inspire others to change the world together.

How can these new learnings impact my personal faith journey and my impact for the Kingdom?

            Whether in a physical classroom or a virtual one, my role as an educator is to be the ‘salt’ for my students.  I have come to an understanding throughout this week and over the last several years during my educational journey that where I am today is a result of so many people who invested in me, poured their life into me, and helped me.  I must remember that no matter how successful I become or what I can accomplish, I must never forget that I didn’t get where I am today by myself.  I hope to not only bestow my wisdom as a lifelong learner to my future students but share my faith by showing them Jesus through my words and actions.