Participating in Vancouver Island University Online learning and teaching graduate program has been an incredible experience. As I approach the end of the “OLTD 501- an introduction to online learning”, I feel the course and program has far exceeded my expectations. My original motivations for choosing the OLTD program was rooted primarily in flexibility that I assumed an online masters would provide for my busy lifestyle. I have been interested and involved in using technology solutions in the classroom for many years now, and wanted to deepen my understanding of technology. OLTD 501 has given me so much more than I could have expected from an introductory course. I was initially surprised by the synchronous commitment of the course, but soon found myself reshuffling priorities and taking so much more satisfaction from the program than I ever expected. Primarily it has completely shattered my former conception of how education should and can be delivered using technology. Secondly it has made me so much more functionally confident with an array of programs and learning tools. Finally, through exploring educational models and philosophy it has forced me to refocus and reshape my own personal philosophy of education. The practical nature of the course assignments and the introduction to diverse content, paired with a strong focus on reflection has made this experience a deeply rewarding rejuvenation of my own practice. Ultimately I feel the course is making me a stronger teacher and so much more focused in the classroom. My confidence with technology has exponentially grown since we started in September. What I appreciated more than anything about OLTD 501 is that it “talked the talk” but also “walked the walk.” The design of the course epitomized the model for how effective and engaging online learning can be if delivered correctly.
As I am a committed classroom teacher, my current interpretation of the course has been to integrate online learning models into a face to face environment. This may change as I progress through the program, as may my position in the district. I suppose the question that I am most interested in at this stage is what role that online learning will play in BC schools and districts in the next 10 years? Will online learning enhance and improve education in BC or lead us down a path of lowered standards and cost cutting?
As I am a committed classroom teacher, my current interpretation of the course has been to integrate online learning models into a face to face environment. This may change as I progress through the program, as may my position in the district. I suppose the question that I am most interested in at this stage is what role that online learning will play in BC schools and districts in the next 10 years? Will online learning enhance and improve education in BC or lead us down a path of lowered standards and cost cutting?