Amazing how young adults and kids today pick up on new technological concepts and ideas so quickly. Therefore, I am finding staying abreast on what technologies are emerging, how best to use them, if they are applicable, if they are accessible and if they will be well received a full-time job for an online instructor. Any suggestions?

In a university with no entrance requirements I often run into students who seem to have no understanding of how an online course works.  They can be hard to bring into the classroom.  They don't seem to know to read my announcements, to attend live chats, or to check their emails.  How to reach them?

I am really glad I took this course. I do have a lot of stressors in my life and also suffer from chronic anxiety. This course was incredibly helpful in so many ways.

I have to say that I learned a lot about myself.  Some things I do well and others I still have to work on.  There was a ton of insight from other instructors. I highly recommend this course, not just from the teaching aspect, but can be used in our personal lives as well.

Hello

I just finished the 107 course and it was very interesting to learn how to integrate a more blended learning into my classroom. The Internet and information which has been made available to us in  Age of Information and Technology can certainly boost students learning like never before. I really enjoyed learning about integrating technology and new teaching methods which I am eager to bring into my classroom.

This was a good course with a lot of useful information

I am not an administrator, but am an adjunct instructor who feels somewhat in the dark about the goings on at my school.  I have attended numerous faculty meetings and in-services, but after completing the MaxKnowlege compliance course, realize how little I knw about the workings of my school.  It would be helpful at an in-service to give all faculty an overview of who's who and how recruiting, aid, scheduling, and school programs are handled.  It could be an option at an inservice for those who are in the dark, like me.

I really enjoyed the class.  It helped reinforce what I was already doing in the classroom, but also gave me a few other ideas.  Thanks.

Where I work in education, we are required to bring in guest speakers once a quarter.. I find the students really enjoy this aspect. I am new to Max and not quite sure who I am contacting.  Will enjoy surfing through this wonderful knowledge. Thank you.   

Students with learning Disabilities seem to a harder time with reading comprehension.  As instructors we need to support and give them the help they need to be successful. Giving extra time on an exam or creating a quiet enviroment can help.  Students are of average and above integence.  We also have to remember that they may have reading problems such as Dyslexia.

Teaching is an ongoing learning experince for both the teacher and the student, many times we may have to change the class for instance maybe the class is moving slower then expected because this group needs more time in a certain area or maybe the class needs to move faster because this group of students need more stimulation.  What ever is happening we need to be student focused and always have the student in mind.  It is important to be able to be flexible to modify and revise if things are not working in the classroom.  Also it is important… >>>

Helping student to become engaged in the subject matter is important, bringing in guest speaker to talk about their expertise or field of student is very interesting to students and helps to motivate them.  Keeping abreast on new and exciting changes in their field of study helps to motivate the student and open new challenges that broadens the way they may approach or think about the career path they have choose.  This allows the student to explore areas of their field and maybe look in an area they have not thought of before.  This can help build self esteem for… >>>

Several of The Lounge's bloggers who have completed online faculty development courses have mentioned that the experience not only provided new information, but reinforced what they have been doing in the classroom or lab. It reminded me that continuing education is not only about new ideas, but also about self-reflection and reinforcement. To know that we are on the right track with our teaching methods and instructional delivery, and that we share similar best practices with one another as colleagues, is a critical component of real faculty development.

It is true that planning and setting rules are essential and pay off, however it is crucial to consider that students’ thinking should be shaped since day one so that they can get actively involved in the process of acquiring scientific knowledge as
they feel motivated and interested. This can be accomplished by introducing the practical use of the scientific knowledge (Scientific literacy). Once the students realize that they can use scientific knowledge in daily life situations and associate previous experiences with the recently gotten scientific data or facts, they will certainly become more interested, motivated and knowledgeable about science.… >>>

What I like most about being an instructor is that I am always engaged and learning. Whether it be learning about a new topic or about students, I am always growing professionally and personally.

One of The Lounge's bloggers, Kevin Shockency, recently noted in his blog, "Selling the Goods," similarities between sales and teaching, and concluded "...finding the value in the content I create and deliver, is not hard to find, and I can sell that idea and value to the student/customer."

This struck me as interesting and quite true. In many senses, faculty are sales professionals too. This does not diminish the importance of instructors' educational roles, or the acumen of teaching, but we do sell ourselves not only as subject-matter experts, but as agents of the disciplines we represent, the workplace… >>>

So I recently completed teaching my first online class, and I am really excited about applying the concepts that I learned about in E102 in my next class now that I have more experience and knowledge. I will keep you posted!!

At this time, I am designing online and have found the handouts that were available to print have been quite useful. (Analysis Phase info/Course Design Specifications)

Becoming a successful instructor is not a skill that can just be handed to you. It is something that is developed over time. Classes always have different personalities so instructors need to change or presentation and style to adapt to the uniqueness of the class. I am always excited to get started with a new group just to observe the personality.

I truly love teaching. I have found my calling. However, there are days that there are challenges presented that get us down or we may have been having a bad day. The most important thing to remember is that students need to see the excitement and do not need to see our drama. I put a lot of energy into teaching and have been rewarded 10 fold simply by seeing student success.