Barry Westling

Hi Rob: You bring up a very interesting point. Obviously there are some skills and taining that must be always provided in real time by a live, knowledgeable instructor. However, innovative trends and individuals are always coming up with newer methods that address better (or equivalent) training methodologies - many times in the online delivery format. So I wouldn't be surprised if more online instruction in trdaditionally hands-on only settings begin to appear. Regards, Barry

Hi Rob: Finding that perfect blend of media that suitable for each learning session can be a challenge for committed instructors. We have the knowledge - trying to find the best way to transfer that knowledge takes some thinking and planning. I agree it's wise to vary your media depending on the delivery format. What works perfectly in one setting may totally inappropriate for another. Regards, Barry

Hi Andrea: Yes, and as we have discussed, these are useable, viable media choices for your special learning environment. Regards, Barry

Hi Andrea: Right! More of the appropriate media choices an instructor incorporates into the lesson the more likely something will spark a "Ahha" moment for the student. Doesn't have to be fancy or special, just variety and`related to the student's study. Regards, Barry

Hi Andrea: Yes, engaging students is an important task, albeit not an easy one. When one is engaged, they're participating, interested, and benefiting from the time spent on their learning,. Obviously, most of that will be misseed if they are not fully engaged. Regards, Barry

Hi Brenda: What you're describing is a very specific kind of class that doesn't follow the usual rules. I think there might be some theory or general information that might be tested on - perhaps at the beginning of the term, perhaps not. Regards, Barry

Hi Brenda: Great. In fact maybe those substitute receipes may turn out to be better than the one planned. Ummm...yum! Regards, Barry

Hi Brenda: Yes, your is a specialty kind of training where the media choices are limited. You probably have some lecture or discussion material that goes along with a class - maybe photographs of how meals are supposed to look like could be projected on an overhead projector or PowerPoint slide. Or maybe steps in a process could be listed and dicussed, then....on to the baking lab! Regards, Barry

Hi Brenda: Working at home in preparation for the kind of classes you teach makes perfect sense. I bet your familiy appreciates your "homework". Regards, Barry

Hi Andrea: We all have aspects of each of the teaching profiles. It's interesting to see where we see ourselves. It'd be fun to see if our peer faculty and even students would rate us in the same way. Regards, Barry