Blog Journal #9

 

1. This semester, I was a distance learner. Aside from this course, I had three other online courses, and one course in person. Due to the fact that I had one class in person, I am able to draw conclusions about the differences between online and in-person classes this semester. Personally, I really enjoy distance learning. I never had any online classes prior to COVID, but now, I actually find them more accommodating than in-person classes. I enjoy the flexibility of distance learning, and the ability to be able to work at your own pace, within reason. Something I dislike about distance learning is the accountability that you have to have over yourself to stay on track. Sometimes, if my life gets very busy, I do not sit down and watch lecture videos on the schedule I like to follow. With the flexibility of distance learning, also comes great accountability and responsibility that one must uphold for themselves. When I am a teacher, I plan on implementing a checklist schedule for students that gets updated as the course progresses. With this checklist schedule, students can make sure they complete each necessary task. Additionally, I would host live lectures once a week that summarizes what has been taught in the previous week. 

2. According to the “Open Educational Resources” page in canvas, open educational resources are “learning resources that anyone can access and use in a variety of ways, and they are typically distributed online. The concept of “open” is really about intellectual property rights.” Basically, open educational resources are learning resources that are free and open to the public. The OER that I have found is Kahn Academy. Kahn Academy is a free, open, online resource that has educational videos and assignments. Both teachers and students can find a use for Kahn Academy, and it is open to anybody! https://www.khanacademy.org/

3. While working on the two PowerPoint assignments, I learned many things. When working on the first assignment, I was already aware of how to make a basic PowerPoint, but I did not know how to add narration behind the PowerPoint. I think that learning how to make a PowerPoint a “PowerPoint Show” was an extremely useful skill. I will be using that feature in the future. When working on the second assignment, I learned many things as well. The most important skill I learned is linking a PowerPoint slide to another slide. While making the jeopardy board, it was interesting to be able to click on the number of the jeopardy question and be directed to the slide! I was pretty confident in my PowerPoint skills prior to this assignment, but now I feel as if I am even more skilled in PowerPoint!