My Journey ...
My experience in SUNY's Exploring Emerging Technologies for Lifelong Learning and Success course was intense and rewarding. The hours engaged in researching technology tools and experimenting to determine their application to my teaching practice were well spent. I end the course in the same way I began - by considering these four characteristics of lifelong learning.
Personal
My participation in the learning experience was personal. My interest in learning about effective use of technology tools from peers was a great motivator. Consequently, the manner in which I use the knowledge and skill acquired will be guided by my own interests and needs to enhance online learning experiences.
Cumulative
I enjoyed the course because I was able to build on my existing knowledge and skill as an online instructor and instructional designer. Having used Microsoft PowerPoint, I was comfortable adapting those skills to Google Slides. Additionally, the cumulative experiences of my peers provided me with ideas and inspiration. Open Broadcaster Software as a communication/collaboration tool?
Constant
Every thought and action associated with my participation in the course was guided by how a specific tool or technique might enhance the teaching and learning experience. Rather than a cold start and a hard stop to the course, it was as if there was a heightened intensity to the ongoing pursuit of excellence for the duration of the course.
Motivating
During my participation in the course, I was motivated to contribute a technology tool I use frequently, WordTalk, to the EmTechWIKI, and I earned a badge! Furthermore, I am inspired to integrate into my teaching practice - in time - some of the technology tools I explored. Finally, my experience has empowered me to examine, evaluate, and integrate technology into the teaching and learning environment.
Personal
My participation in the learning experience was personal. My interest in learning about effective use of technology tools from peers was a great motivator. Consequently, the manner in which I use the knowledge and skill acquired will be guided by my own interests and needs to enhance online learning experiences.
Cumulative
I enjoyed the course because I was able to build on my existing knowledge and skill as an online instructor and instructional designer. Having used Microsoft PowerPoint, I was comfortable adapting those skills to Google Slides. Additionally, the cumulative experiences of my peers provided me with ideas and inspiration. Open Broadcaster Software as a communication/collaboration tool?
Constant
Every thought and action associated with my participation in the course was guided by how a specific tool or technique might enhance the teaching and learning experience. Rather than a cold start and a hard stop to the course, it was as if there was a heightened intensity to the ongoing pursuit of excellence for the duration of the course.
Motivating
During my participation in the course, I was motivated to contribute a technology tool I use frequently, WordTalk, to the EmTechWIKI, and I earned a badge! Furthermore, I am inspired to integrate into my teaching practice - in time - some of the technology tools I explored. Finally, my experience has empowered me to examine, evaluate, and integrate technology into the teaching and learning environment.