Social Network

Social network technologies broaden the availability of research tools to meet the educational needs of students. Thus, it is important to understand that not all the information found on the internet has been researched; therefore, many articles are not considered empirical data. This causes an obvious problem when students are becoming familiar with new information or trying to build on new principles.  My biggest concern with technology is that it takes away from creativity and using your imagination.

Asynchronous and Synchronous Online Learning

Because I am taking online classes, my educational environment is structured to meet the needs of an asynchronous collaboration.  I believe many people who take online courses choose this type of learning because it is more convenient and meet the needs of their busy schedules. For this very reason, asynchronous collaboration works best for me.  As it relates to synchronous online environments, I have not used many of these methods-other than chatting.  My husband takes online classes at Regent University and I have had the opportunity to observe audio and video conferencing. I believe both online environments are conducive to professional development and collaborative learning.

Reflections-WEB SITES

Because I am not presently teaching, I am not that familiar with many educational web sites. Nevertheless, I did not want to appear incompetent on my blog, so I began to google some Family and Consumer Sciences websites. I found a slew of sites that would benefit me in the future. I will briefly discuss two of them.www.aafcs.org, American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences, the American Association of Family & Consumer Sciences (AAFCS) is recognized as the driving force in bringing people together to improve the lives of individuals, families, and communities. Their mission is to provide leadership and support for professionals whose work assists individuals, families, and communities in making informed decisions about their well being, relationships, and resources to achieve optimal quality of life (Retrieved June 12, 2011, www.aafcs.org).  As a Family and Consumer Sciences Teacher, I am sure this would be one of the organizations that I would want to join. www.glencoe.com is a website that provided subject matter related resources, additional websites, and general teaching resources.  Personally, I enjoy www.blueletterbible.org. This website could be considered as a cyber Bible. I use it as my concordance.

Presentations

I am a more visual and tactical learner. I have always enjoyed teachers and facilitators who are able to incorporate a variety teaching styles and activities that could capture and maintain my attention. I normally disengage during lengthy lectures. When I was an undergraduate student, I would have to make myself stay focus by talking quietly. I would repeat stay focus on Design, Nutrition, etc. These professors normally had monotone voices and they rarely deviated from lecturing. For me, these classes were a form of torture. Therefore, I have a better understanding of why it is important to incorporate variety in your lesson planning. As regards to presentations, it is important that the classroom, audience, etc. are fully engaged. Ideally, I would like for the presenter to ask questions and really dialogue with the audience throughout the presentation. I also enjoy facilitators who are able to make their lessons or whatever they are presenting relevant or practical. Many times if I do not understand the relevance; I am not very interested in the material. In these moments, my mind has to override my will.