4 pairs of shoes
To me, seems as if we are saying we are attempting to put ourselves in our student's shoes and attempt to meet the multiple variety of students we encounter in our classrooms.
Not only are we meeting the student's needs in terms of their academic level, but we are attempting to create an understanding across cultural lines, other languages lines, as well as other issues the virtual environment brings into the classroom.
Putting on different shoes allows us to best meet all the student challenges we encounter in the virtual environment we teach in.
Jorell,
Well, when you walk a mile in someone's shoes. . . . You have to at times know where someone is walking to appreciate the pair of shoes they are wearing.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Hi Marti,
This is a great point! I often try to ensure that I am meeting the needs of all students, as well as learning styles in my online classrooms. I like the idea of putting on different shoes, it allows us to see things from different perspectives and also appreciate those perspectives.
Jorell
David,
You are correct. Research shows the best way to become a good online educator is to be an online student.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
When we try,the operative word,to put ourselves in our student's shoes and attempt to understand each student's situation, challenges, concerns, learning style etc., then we will improve our chances to engage them in meaningful learning.
As online instructors/facilitators we can wear "four pairs of shoes". We can be an instructor, social director, program manager, and technical assistant. These shoes help us to structure the facilitation plan in order to define all the roles an instructor must fulfill in order to ensure good student learning.
By putting on different shoes we change our perspective in order to better deal with all the various student challenges we encounter in the virtual environment in which we teach.
Dale,
I agree. I learned so much about online learning and what to do and not to do as an online teacher when I took an online course. Seeing things from the student's point of view is essential. Thanks!
I really like the comment, "attempting to put ourselves in our student's shoes". Not all shoes fit the same foot either. As an instructor, when giving a specific assignment, I complete the work myself in an attempt to see exactly the amount of time it requires, plus the amount of effort required to complete the task. This brings reality to the instructor when assigning tasks. 4 pairs of shoes as compared to only 1 pair will basically quadruple your success as a facilitator.
