As I sit back and reflect on life and my career I would have to honestly say I never saw myself to be where I am today. I definitely didn't see myself pursing a different avenue in my career. I was quite content with nursing leadership until eight years when I was asked to teach clinicals in a nursing program. I had no idea that my passion for teaching was as strong as it was. With each new semester I was met different challenges and experiences that continued to grow my passion. It didn't help any that my students constantly told me how pleased they were with my teaching style and the fact that I cared about how well they did not only in my class but in all their classes.
So here I am today pursing another degree and looking to expand my horizons even more. The question arises why or why not online? Why online is simple, people live very diverse and busy lives and traditional school does not always allow the opportunity for continuing education or advance degrees. Why not would have to be personal convictions as to why one feels that online classes aren't for them. My first experience was with hybrid classes this time last year. I enjoyed the set up of my classes and the fact that I didn't have to go to class every week. Then I experienced a total online class and I didn't like it. Not because I couldn't do the work but because I had become accustomed to structure in my classes and that class lacked structure,
The reason I am taking Intro to Online Teaching is two fold. One because I like the idea of having options and the other is because I want to learn as much as I can in order to give my students a well rounded learning experience and be able to be creative in doing so. I understand online learning to be self learning through guided instruction and assignments to facilitate the learning process. Where online teaching is more of a facilitating learning the assignment of readings and activities to assist the learner in understanding the content. I also see the online teacher as a resource person that is available to the learner by several vehicles. I look forward to this class and all it has to offer and then moving forward through the series.Also taking this class will assist me with my classes that are either hybrid or online. I am not one of those people that think online learning is easy. To be successful at online you have be disciplined and dedicated otherwise you will fall behind in your studies. Fortunately, I am both and I work very hard at getting the most out of all my classes. My philosophy is in order to teach well you have to be a willing and efficient leaner.
