Task 1.5 Online Microteaching

Task 1.5

Online Microteaching

What did you like and dislike about online teaching?

I enjoyed a few aspects of this experience although i disliked many aspects. I found it tedious and stressful. I honestly don’t feel like this lesson had any value for preparing me to eventually teach actual grade 7’s in this format. The rationale was cumbersome and just unintuitive to use.

I disliked the isolation present encountered when using this teaching format. Although I can hear the voices of the others it still feels somewhat hollow. For instance when explaining a topic it is difficult to determine if learners are understanding as you cannot pick up on the more subtle facial expressions that would be observable in a face to face lesson. The fact that that the lesson is entirely dependent on technology is also a huge concern as a sudden drop in Wi-fi or software update may derail the entire lesson. The lesson also gave me slightly more confidence in delivering lessons online. As it is the first experience

What new skills did you learn through this experience?

There are a few skills new ICTC skills I picked up such as presenting slides and audio on Blackboard Collaborate which I’ve never had the opportunity to do before. The skill I learned in Google Earth to create an interactive 3d presentation happened completely by accident and is what I am most proud of for this lesson.

I also learned how to create a Wix blog which i actually quite like.

What would you do differently?

I would include more collaborative activities and provide greater opportunities for learners to engage with me during the lesson. I felt that the lesson I gave was more of a lecture format which needs some adjustment. Perhaps a restructure of the lesson where I show the more interesting aspects as the lesson hook. For instance showing off the Mauna Loa volcano first.

I need to reduce the amount of information present in this lesson as it is may be a bit too much for this stage. For instance removing the structure of the volcano.

Did you choose appropriate tools to teach your online lesson, explain why?

I think the Google Earth portion of the lesson I implemented quite well as it successfully demonstrates the point of volcanoes around the world. It also forms a more interesting way to view the ring of fire and the different volcanoes around the world.

How has this experience developed you for teaching in a school?

I did not end this lesson thinking that this would end up assisting my development for teaching online. The skills are straightforward enough and what I am used to at this point as each lesson I have done requires some form of presentation tool to demonstrate content.

The most positive aspect of this experience was the peer collaboration that occurred. It therefore showed how imperative the relationship between colleagues can really help make the professional development tasks simpler and more enjoyable to do.