It is important to me personally to be a quality educator, to use research based effective strategies, not just because it is the ethical path to take but because I constantly think about what kind of teacher I would want my own children to have. iNacol have given us parameters of what quality online teaching looks like, and just as we have for our students, we have standards to define what we do.
Standard C discuss our plans and designs. Because our curriculum is mapped out and given to us via GAVS, we can spend our time supplementing, providing different ways to apply the knowledge, new ways to interact online with the information that we want the students to learn. Knowing what resources are factual is necessary when choosing these supplementary activities and plans. Standard E reminds us that we need to teach the students how to be responsible digital citizens. We cannot just assume that students know how to be responsible online. Direct instruction is not only necessary in for the content material but also about technology use. Standard J is where I have to say that I have made the most growth while working through the Participate section of TOOL. I have had previous problems with students and their interactions via email, as well as issues with interactions with parents on the phone and via email. Now, I am not using this as my confession to say that I have communicated inappropriately with parents because I would certainly like to think that I modeled professional behavior, but I have learned that how I approach people, how I say what I need to communicate is often what provokes the response that I get. I have certainly learned that front loading with positivity will create a positive relationship. That relationship will be what spurs support in later situations. Also, teaching students what Netiquette is from the beginning of the course will help them understand what is expected of them. Since most students aim to please their teachers, this will motivate more positive interactions. Modeling correct behavior is absolutely a plus, but simply being straightforward about the expectations with students will spur compliance because they want to do well!
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. My family As online workers, it is easy to get sucked into the digital world and getting stuck there. I have to admit, it happens to me. I have to limit my time on social media, time myself when grading, and only check email at allotted times. Stepping out of the schedule could mean problems with balance, and perhaps even issues with health. All aspects of our lives need balance. While it is important to get all of our work done, it is also important to spend time with our families, and also to decompress. Sometimes, however, life picks up and it is difficult to maintain that balance. This is when it is most important to try to keep it. For me, that time has come. My family is moving in the next week and a few days, so there are items that I need to keep in order... like, EVERYTHING! I have a calendar put together to help me keep life in balance. Take a look: During this particular week, my technology habits were modified in that they were scheduled at specific times. Because it is summer, I can schedule that time during the day. I will also modify it by spending my work time in my office rather than in common areas of the house to limit distractions and maximize productivity. This will also help me sit in a position that helps my posture; rather than relaxing on the couch and being distracted by the television, children, dogs, phones, etc., I will hold proper posture at my desk in my ergonomic chair. As my productivity will be heightened, this balance is what will help me keep my entire life together. If you notice, there is time schedule in for my kids during the week where all technology is put aside. All of us need this balance, not just me. Let's face it, my children have their iPads, their tv shows, their game systems... and I have two jobs, both of which require me to use a computer. Also, notice that Sundays are scheduled as tech detox days. This is a time scheduled so that we can be active, outdoors, and together. This particular Sunday we will go bowling with our extended family and then enjoy a cookout together. For a balance of work and play, business and pleasure, this is what is necessary. All of us need time away from the tech. This way we get our work done, but we are safeguarding our health, as well.
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