Introduction
My name is Margarete (Peggy) Draver but I prefer using my nickname of Peggy. I’m taking this course mainly to get the TOUT certificate. The TOUT program should enable me to learn the latest skills and techniques to produce interesting online learning materials. With all the changes in technology available today the virtual classroom creates a different skillset needed to engage students in the learning process.
Professionally my main employer was the Chicago Tribune as a video editor. As a video editor I created videos that accompanied the online stories. Working with the photographer’s raw footage I edited it down to approximately a 3-minute or less video that told a visual story. The skillset I’ve developed over time is mostly audio and visual communication.
This semester I’m taking two courses in the TOUT program and this first week I am feeling a little stressed. It’s been many years since I’ve taken any classes. My previous coursework involved graphic design, photography and multimedia. So my audio and visual skills are more advanced than my writing skills. When I read that 500 words were required I hoped that I would be able to write that much. In video editing words are spoken to me and I try to get to story as quickly as possible. To tell a compelling story from a lengthy interview in just 3- minutes is challenging.
I’ve never taken an online course before and I’m looking forward to the challenge of learning different ways to teach. I’ve taught college technical classes in computer graphics and website development. All of my experience in teaching has been in a normal classroom environment. I enjoyed the classroom setting and was excited to work with such creative and talented students. I could feel the energy in the room.
During my college years I’ve had many great teachers. My favorite professor taught a beginning programming class. She was organized and presented the material in a variety of ways so we would grasp the concepts. She was also a fun teacher and encouraged us to enjoy the process of learning. Her patience and guidance during the course created an atmosphere to allow our creativity to flourish. She was also instrumental in encouraging me to join the adjunct faculty, which I’m glad I did.
I hope to follow her example and keep some fun in the virtual classroom. By using an interactive multimedia approach to teaching the entertaining aspect will engage students and enhance the subject matter. Younger students have grown up with technology and I believe they expect coursework to hold their attention as well as interact with the material.
Adult students know the best time that they can fully devote themselves to their studies. By allowing them to access course material anytime and anywhere that works with their lifestyle will help with their retention of the course material.
The disadvantage of online instruction is if the student does not have good study habits and becomes easily distracted. With face-to-face instruction the instructor can visually see the student struggling. Written communication can be misunderstood and become frustrating if words don’t come easily.
Professionally my main employer was the Chicago Tribune as a video editor. As a video editor I created videos that accompanied the online stories. Working with the photographer’s raw footage I edited it down to approximately a 3-minute or less video that told a visual story. The skillset I’ve developed over time is mostly audio and visual communication.
This semester I’m taking two courses in the TOUT program and this first week I am feeling a little stressed. It’s been many years since I’ve taken any classes. My previous coursework involved graphic design, photography and multimedia. So my audio and visual skills are more advanced than my writing skills. When I read that 500 words were required I hoped that I would be able to write that much. In video editing words are spoken to me and I try to get to story as quickly as possible. To tell a compelling story from a lengthy interview in just 3- minutes is challenging.
I’ve never taken an online course before and I’m looking forward to the challenge of learning different ways to teach. I’ve taught college technical classes in computer graphics and website development. All of my experience in teaching has been in a normal classroom environment. I enjoyed the classroom setting and was excited to work with such creative and talented students. I could feel the energy in the room.
During my college years I’ve had many great teachers. My favorite professor taught a beginning programming class. She was organized and presented the material in a variety of ways so we would grasp the concepts. She was also a fun teacher and encouraged us to enjoy the process of learning. Her patience and guidance during the course created an atmosphere to allow our creativity to flourish. She was also instrumental in encouraging me to join the adjunct faculty, which I’m glad I did.
I hope to follow her example and keep some fun in the virtual classroom. By using an interactive multimedia approach to teaching the entertaining aspect will engage students and enhance the subject matter. Younger students have grown up with technology and I believe they expect coursework to hold their attention as well as interact with the material.
Adult students know the best time that they can fully devote themselves to their studies. By allowing them to access course material anytime and anywhere that works with their lifestyle will help with their retention of the course material.
The disadvantage of online instruction is if the student does not have good study habits and becomes easily distracted. With face-to-face instruction the instructor can visually see the student struggling. Written communication can be misunderstood and become frustrating if words don’t come easily.