By: Amy B.
Online learning. It’s the next big thing and further testament to the fact that our world really is becoming dependent on technology. This phenomenon is something we should be taking full advantage of as not all states have access to programs like NCVPS; we are, you might say, the pioneers of the online classroom. While there are many strategies and opinions on how to get the most out of long distance learning – the improvement of time management, requesting the help of peer tutors, working on self discipline etc. – there’s one fairly important group of people that keep the operation going. There will always be teachers who aggravate us, (the ones who seem bent on making our lives miserable with copious amounts of homework), but the teachers who work with NCVPS are of different stock. They’re genuinely interested in the success of their students, proven by their willingness to invest time in the grading of extra credit and sometimes even in their giving of second chances on assignments. These educators are dedicated men and women who have interests, quirks, and personalities – lives.
Self motivation and responsibility in an online class are excellent qualities to develop but I encourage each online student to reach out and get to know their online teacher. I’m not advocating schmoozing them with multiple compliments or sending them gifts in the mail, but if you have a spare moment, try shooting them an email or an instant message. In responding to a Blackboard message from my journalism teacher by beginning a conversation about what we had in common, I found someone with a big heart, a wealth of knowledge, and true appreciation for my work on the other end of the screen.
Whether you’re enthralled with your lessons or bored out of your mind and wishing you’d never started, I guarantee that contacting your teacher, just sharing a little bit about yourself with them, will help you become even more invested in your class. Believe it or not, they don’t just sit around all day at their computers waiting for you to finish that unit you’ve been procrastinating on…
Amy, I couldn't agree with you more! Reaching out to your teacher can make all the difference in the world. Students aren't expected to automatically get everything on their own. They are expected to have questions and need help. It is the instructor's job to support, teach and reteach. And, as I tell my students, I love my job!
ReplyDeleteAmy, wonderful Blog. It's so important that student today understand that online learning has the expectation the students will become responsible for part of their learning. The teacher using technology is more of a facilitator than a "sage on the stage". Learning in a community of learners online is so exciting when students and teachers understand this new paradigm.
ReplyDeleteGreat blog! I was so amazed when during my first two online classes I found myself very interested in the lives of my students. I love the emails that veer slightly off topic to other student interests. It is often thought that life and personality cannot be conveyed during an online course, but that is just not true. Online teaching is powerful and continues to get better and better. Thanks for your thoughts.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed reading your thoughts Amy! Online learning can be a unique educational experience for any student. It also is excellent preparation for the community college or university since many of these classes are also online. Thanks for your thoughts! :-)
ReplyDeleteThank you everybody! :)
ReplyDeleteI appreciate this blog because it encourages me to interact with my teacher as if I was in a classroom. This is my 1st online course and I although I like the subject, the format takes some getting used to. I'm sure I will be taking more online classes in the future.
ReplyDeleteNice article. And I completely agree; the teachers are actually really cool and try to help us as students out as much as they can...and it's good to know that they're with us to help the whole way.
ReplyDeleteNCVPS Teachers are terrific - I have never worked with a group of people so dedicated to the success of their students - thanks for highlighting that, Amy!
ReplyDeleteAmy, Thanks for taking the time to share with students your wonderful insight about our teachers. We are fortunate to have some of the best teachers in North Carolina teaching with NCVPS. The major focus of our teachers is to be student-centered. That means students are their #1 priority.
ReplyDeleteI hope students will take the time to reach out to teachers whenever they need to ask a question or get more one-on-one. NCVPS teachers ROCK!
Congratulations, Amy. Great article.
Very well written article. I couldn't agree more with this. This is my second online class, and I like how you state so clearly that that the teachers are here to help you. My first online class wasn't as active as my current class. I am now looking more forward to my current class
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