This site is a class blog space for new Career and Technical Specializations and Heathcare Science teachers enrolled in the New Teacher Institute (NTI) at Georgia State University in Atlanta, Georgia.
Saturday, November 22, 2008
On Line experiences
Overall, I have appreciated the opportunity to work online via the NTI courses. It has expanded my knowledge as to how much of education is performed in society today through the internet. I have learned how to blog, complete assignments "on-line", and interact with others and my professors on the computer. It has been a challenge for me to do this independently, since I am people oriented and an audible learner. It has encouraged me to be consistent and self-disciplined, since the only reminder to do the work is myself. I like the online assignments because they are convenient and flexible to my busy schedule as a mom, coach, teacher and videographer. I also like the fact that I have been encouraged to become more interactive with the computer and with people on the computer. The NTI experience will help me as I pursue further extended education online. Now that I have had several weeks of practice, I am not as intimidated with the assignments as I was the first week. My initial fears included... were my blogs posting ? Did I complete all the work that was required ? Did I reach the midnight deadlines ? I was glad when the assignment deadlines were switched to Sunday rather than Friday. My children's sports schedules sometimes kept me away from a computer until Sunday morning ! I liked the option for audio on the online sessions. Although I could read the assignments, I always listened to the audio as well. I retain material better when I hear the instructor, as well as see the written materials. There were several times that I had to call "tech support" for help. I am glad that they were available. I wish that the passwords would be updated yearly, rather than whatever it is. I can't recall all my passwords ...I know that I have at least 10 between NTI, the school and the bank. I have to write them down. Those of you in your 20's might laugh....but did you know that when I was in college....computers were JUST coming out ! So when you hear me state that I just learned to text, or that I just gave my first powerpoint this week....pat me on the back (as well as the rest of my generation) and say "you go girl". Great credit is due to anyone in their 40's (plus) who make the jump to attempt to catch up with our kids or grandkids with technology ! Thanks to NTI for helping us get there. In the future, I prefer the mix of online and face to face meetings that GSU has provided. Thanks.
Lori, I've heard that technology is our future, but when I hear someone like you struggling with technology I sometimes ponder the notion. Technology is supposed to make our lives easier not more complicated. Don't worry though, there is a lot of research and emerging technology to make technology accessible to even my grandmother. You see Lori when this whole computer thing as we know it started, only engineers could understand most of it! But what if you were not an engineer, good luck! But a lot has changed since that time we were in college and its only getting better for regular users such as you.
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