Virtual Schooling

After reading all the articles, the one I gain the most insight on Virtual Schooling was Barbour, M. K. (2009).  The discussion about generational labels from unit 1.  In the beginning, I thought that maybe I was a Digital Immigrant, but now after reading this article, I came to the realization that I too can function like a Digital Native even though my generation is the baby boomer. 

Here is another part of the article I found interesting.  Synchronous e-learning involves online studies through chat and videoconferencing. This kind of learning tool is real-time. It is like a virtual classroom which allows students to ask, and teachers to answer questions instantly, through instant messaging, which is why it is called synchronous. rather than taking lessons alone, students associating themselves with synchronous e-learning software or online courses can easily interact with fellow students and their teachers during the course.

On the other hand, Asynchronous learning can be carried out even while the student is offline. Asynchronous e-learning involves coursework delivered via web, email and message boards that are then posted on online forums. In such cases, students ideally complete the course at their own pace, by using the internet merely as a support tool rather than volunteering exclusively for an e-learning software or online interactive classes.

Finally, I think that I am more a Synchronous learner because of the learning style that this model offer.

On-line Schooling

I first learned about online teaching when my client was working on her GED.   The state of Michigan supplied her with a laptop and instructions on how to study for the GED test.  Also, she was able to practice taking the test and using materials from the web in order to study Math and English subjects.  After learning from the website, she had to schedule the GED test in person.

Secondly, I had an online class before my current one.  I had a very difficult time keeping up with the readings, assignments, and responses online. as well as,  I missed deadlines and got confused about due dates.  As an older student, I do better with a lecture, review, and studying.  I can take exams online but, retaining information from the readings alone is hard.

Twitter and Blobs for PLN

Here are my 3 blogs

Child Development Tracker

www.pbs.org/parents/child-development/

I used to work with parents that really didn't nothing about their child's development.  I needed websites like this one to teach. I was able to explain that while there are many styles of

 parenting, almost all parents have the same basic hopes for their children. We want them to be kind, confident and brave.

How do Children Develop?

https://www.gdrc.org/kmgmt/learning/child-learn.html

This little article is a quick way to teach parents and workers about children development and learning behavior.  It explains how a child's pattern of learning is through physical, social and emotional.  As well as, how to prepare children to be ready to learn with reading, writing and math skills.

The Importance of the Home Learning Environment 

www.scottishbooktrust.com/bookbug/.../the-importance-of-the-home

I had learned that the interaction between parent and child at home can have a significant impact on a child's language and literacy development. One of the hardest things for a family to understand is the necessity for an home environment be conducive to growth and learning.

Twitters (5 twitters)

Dr. Marcia Tate‏ @drmarciatate  

Dr. Marcia Tate inspires and educates our communities. She is an acclaimed educational 

consultant, author of 8 bestsellers and speaker on 5 continents.

Oskar Cymerman@focus2achieve

HS Educator with a book called Crush School is a guide to learning anything http://bit.ly/crushschool 

Katy Ackley

@Kackley77

TPS Dir of Teacher Dev, 3rd gen TPS teacher, dedicated to the success of students, helping empower effective educators through powerful professional learning!

The Kind Leader

Jay Dubois‏ @Jay__Dubois

Lucky husband, dad and elementary school teacher in Ontario. Embracing power of

 edtech. Ss not just consuming content but creating content. GCE Level 1.

Kenny Frederick‏ @kennygfrederick  Feb 22

A former secondary headteacher & now an Education Consultant. Most recently a PhD student at Brunel University. A lifelong learner! Exciting times!

The Pros and Cons of Wikipedia

Cons of Wikipedia

• Less popular topics will most always contain less trustworthy information because fewer people are editing them.
•  Easier resources, like Wikipedia, do not equal academic resources.
• ·Because the content is free, there is a chance that less research is involved in creating the       articles.
• ·Anyone (literally, anyone) with access to the Internet can edit the articles.
• · Entries tend to be fragmented and unsubstantiated
• ·People's names/pictures are used without their permission.
• 
  

Pros of Wikipedia

• ·Saves time and eliminates face to face meetings
• ·Adds variety to the educational process
•  Reading what others have written could provide insight for other students.
•  Chance to teach students how to form judgments on accuracy of information on the internet
• ·Promote student-to-student participation
• ·Would allow parents to view what their children are working on and see the thought process and development of their child at work. 
• · Promotes collaboration.