Patricia Miller-Kielhack

I have taken both types of classes and there are pros and cons to each.  For the math courses I teach using a VC is the best.  This way we can do examples together and talk things through.  I have the blessing of my students all being from the same area so the timing is not an issue.

The use of technology in the classroom and online has always been important to me.  I have looked for ways to implement group activities and now I have a few ideas.  I never thought of using wikis.  This will help in my upcoming courses.

While I teach mainly math I have often utilized posttests.  However, I do need to use multiple methods not only for the math courses but also all the other courses I teach.  

I usually teach math and never thought of using a rubric for that.  I do however utilize exit tickets.  These help me to see where I need to review the next day.  

I have always felt that scaffolding is important in any learning environment.  I have always had good communication with the majority of my classes, however there are always some who do not want to talk or participate.  I have to find ways to encourage and bring those students into the discussions.  

During the pandemic I have been teaching all my classes online and have tried to structure them similar to each other.  I never thought about using a database to speed up the process.  I can understand how beneficial it will be for a database as we move more into online eduction.

I always thought that synchronous was a better way to go.  I can see how that is not accurate with a text based course.  Using synchronous teaching is better with fewer students and with a video conferencing set up.  I need to use the students preferred name when responding to the discussion and bring everything together and keep everyone on track.

I have always done an introduction for the students, I never thought of writing out a short auntobiography for them.  I will try this.  I also feel having students write one will help me with my teaching.  I will better understand the students and where they are coming from.

I have learned that different instructors will use different methods to ge to the end gosl.  A combination of asynchronous and synchronous learning is optimal.  Before becoming an effective online instructor I have to familiarize myself to all the different aspects of the class.  

Looks as if online courses are a good way to keep students on track. However, technical ability is not always the same with the students. This needs to be a priority.