Dr. Harland’s Hangout

I’m a neophyte when it come to blogging. (Less than a year.) But when I was approached to be part of a panel discussion during ISU’s 2009 Teaching & Learning Symposium, I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to share how blogging has changed my view of teaching and learning.

I have seen the power of blogging when used with college students, and now can’t imagine how I did without it. I like blogging for one main reason–Its student-centered. More specifically, It allows the  voice of each student to be heard. In my personal experience I find that students reflect on a more personal level and are better able to apply what they learn when they express it to their peers. Students are more likely to admit what they are confused about, what they disagree with, and how the course has helped (or not helped) reduce their fear about becoming a teacher. Blogging, whether its the extra time students have to construct their ideas, or its the camaraderie students feel while online, I don’t know, but it gives me access to students in a way I’ve never had before…and for that I am thankful!

Here are 2 google documents I will be using during the presentation.

Blogging with students handout:

The handout includes the subheadings of: What is a blog?, Blogging works great for a 3-week summer school course, Training students to use the blog site appropriately, Assessing students’ blog entries, Logistical issues, and Tips for Great Educational Blogging.

Blogging Rubric

This is a rubric, that I modify every semester, that has helped me keep on top of the assessing student blogs. I not only put in their point total, but I also indicate which blogs I’ve posted responses to, so that I can be sure to post reponses to everyone at least once!

I had an ISU student that I had 4 years ago as a biology and English high school student come by my office today. She had studied abroad (England) and will be working in France, teaching English this fall! While we didn’t have a whole lot of time to talk, she did mention that it was a comment that I made to her her senior year in high school that encouraged her to pursue a career in English. I do remember this, but didn’t know it was that much of a turning point for her in her own life.

When I was a high school student I had a photography teacher pull me aside, and tell me that I had a natural gift for composition, and an understanding of basic photography, that others in my class did not have. I was so surprised. If it had not been for her taking that moment out of her day, to let me know this, I would have thought that everyone had the same skills I had, because it came naturally to me. I guess, this is what I did for this former student. I pulled her aside, and let her know that her writing and insight to literature, was above someone her own age, and wondered if she’d ever considered “going into” the field of English. Apparently, until then, she didn’t even know how far advanced her answers were to her peers. I am just so pleased that I was able to do for another student, what a teacher had done for me!

Most of us (teachers) assume our students can see with the clarity we have. But they don’t. So when I see those moments…I seize them!  Its just nice that every once in a while, a student comes back to say “Thanks!”

Also…if you have had a teacher influence you in this way, please let them know!

I’ve recently made the jump from teaching high school to the university and I’ve noticed quite a few differences–some obvious and others not so much. As you will learn about me, I like lists. So here are my observations categorized–as all good thoughts are!

The obvious

• The bells don’t run my life anymore
• Reduced F2f time with students

The less obvious

• I can go to the bathroom when I want
• Maturity level of the students NOT that different
• Camaraderie among the faculty at the university is refreshing

Technology-wise

• Its easy to access all sorts of technology at the university
• My pre-service teachers think they will have access to the same technology they’ve gotten used to at the university (ha)
• Informality of students with their professors. A pet peeve of mine is when individuals email, skype etc.. and use super casual/IM language. Where has our sense of proper grammar gone? Snicker if you like, but still enjoy capitalization and punctuation!

Most surprising to me

• While my student contact hours have drastically been reduced at the university level-the preparation and grading is as much or more than it was at the high school level
• The university student’s belief that instructors should be available 24/7 for questions (that are clearly answered in the syllabus!)
• I feel like a first year teacher all over again, trying to keep my bearings of deadlines, who to contact when etc…

Well, I’m here! I officially have my own professional blog site! I look forward to becoming a member of the ed tech community! I’ve taught biology and English in the Illinois public school system for 12 years. I’ve just recently made the move to the university. I took a year sabbatical from my high school teaching job to teach in the Curriculum and Instruction department at Illinois State University. I was worried that I would miss teaching high school students, but I’ve found working with future teachers quite rewarding. I miss my content area, but love having time to get up to date with the latest technologies.