So, I have finished the podcast and the website and I must say that I learned a great deal. Being an online class, students must really learn to fend for themselves and dig for information. I really appreciate all of the information provided in the course management system (which I now know what that means), but I found myself digging beyond that into other sources of information. Fortunately, I have some friends that have done and continue to do the website building. They were a fantastic resource, but I suppose that not everyone has that luxury.
As far as MOODLE is concerned, I am actually picking it up quite quickly. We use moodle in our district, so I am familiar with some of its quirks. While it may not be the most user friendly, I can be a powerful tool to bring multiple forms of information together, such as documents, audio, video, discussion, etc. My experience with LEARN is limited and only from a student perspective. I like Vista much better. LEARN seems sluggish and the user interface is not very intuitive. Perhaps the instructor utility is much better. As far as a CMS in my classroom goes, I don't think it's there yet (or at least my understanding isn't).
Keeping up with the blogging and discussions was actually tougher than I thought. The few times a week requirement is simple enough, but I kept putting it at the bottom of my list thinking "I'll just get to it later." I put my priorities on the other big projects and my typical forgetfulness stepped in. I can see the value in blogging as a form of journaling, but not in my classroom just yet, although maybe in the future. The website and podcasting are on the top of my list for implementation. I can see them going into effect this next school year. I've been meaning to keep an updated website for some time, but my district's website provider leaves me wanting. Now that I've played with WEEBLY, I think that the user interface no longer hinders me and I can use the website as a regular part of my instruction. Well, today's blog was a bit long, but that's what's going on in my head lately. I suppose I'm in the homestretch now?
Ah yes, the homestretch! My experience has been similar to yours. I have had to spend a lot of time searching for the information I needed to be able to use all of the technology required for all of the assignments and I was thankful to be able to ask our tech guy some questions through email when I completely hit a brick wall. Less than a week to go - I can't believe June is already gone!
ReplyDeleteI found myself searching for information as well, but I feel that it is along the lines of a constructivist approach. In a sense we are being challenged to become better learners and as a result look what we have been able to accomplish in such a short amount of time. Overwhelming and frustrating at times, but the end result is worth it! Just a few more days. :)
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