Mackenzie Bristow – M2 Reflections

I am interested in creating online material to provide learners with more flexibility, give me the opportunity to flip my classroom, and finally to consider my audience beyond the US.  Here at Emory, many of the learners who attend ELSP are also pursuing their PhD or are research employees.  It would benefit them greatly to have certain activities or whole courses online so they do not have to travel to attend class.  Additionally, I would like to spend less time teaching certain grammar or organizational points and more time practicing and using them when we have time together. I believe those focused lectures could exist online with ease.  Finally, it cannot be ignored that much of my population is not here in the US.  I would like to reach learners all over the globe and assist them with academic English.

I think there are a few areas that I can perform well taking my experiences into consideration. In Van de Vord and Pogue (2012) instructors reported feeling surprised at the amount of time needed to deliver student feedback within the online environment.  For me, this is the norm. Within my field instructors to provide focused individual feedback on almost every speaking and writing event.   Each learner will experience variations in their language development, and as the instructor we must respond in relation to the language objectives set forth in that particular task. Although we do not fix all the grammar errors, as you might imagine, we may spend an hour on one paper addressing organization, word choice, tone, and clarity.

An additional instructor concern, illustrated in Lin and Dyer (2012), addressed student survival and learning capacity within the online environment.  Understandably this thought has crossed our minds as we experience our own learning curve within this course.  Interestingly enough, we are experiencing firsthand the solution proposed in Lin and Dyer (2012) where the online instructor is omnisciently present though the “Ask the Instructor” discussion forum. As learners we feel assured and supported though this simple feature. Other factors such as the video tutorials and exploratory phase of the curriculum allowed us to smoothly move into the online learning space. Personally, I hope to pull from my skills in scaffolding information to achieve a similar structured environment where students are successful.

I also see opportunities to create dynamic experiences though Content Based Instruction.  This method of creating curriculum has been in the ESL field for a number of years. At its core, curriculum is developed so language learning is facilitated through an extended topic.  It would be useful to create a content based course focused on technology. This would provide the framework to address some of the technical needs of the students and give rise to simulating topics as the course progressed.

 

An area of concern for me revolves on my reliance to spontaneously address misunderstandings. Although I could articulate my appreciation for tutorial videos and discussion forms above as a learner, I still feel concern as an instructor.  Lin and Dyer (2012) illustrate this reality when describing the role instructor’s play beyond simply delivering content. This general description rings true when I reflect on how aspects of non-verbal feedback, empathetic movement, and paralinguistic sounds ( i.e. the verbal sounds or tones we add to convey meaning) pay a role in a successful language learning classroom. This is in addition to the overwhelming literature on the importance of social interaction when learning a new language.  Solutions for this may include heavy use of tools like Voicethread and Adobeconnect.  Google hangouts might also be useful tool as students could see when other learners were around so they could work together.  I can also imagine the a chat function being very useful with lots of positive feedback from the instructor on a regular basis.

Lin H, Dyer K, Guo Y. (2012) Exploring online teaching: A three-year composite journal of concerns and strategies from online instructors. Online Journal of Distance Learning Administration15(3).

Van de Vord R, Pogue K. (2012). Teaching time investment: Does online really take more time than face-to-face?. International Review of Research on Open And Distance Learning. 13(3). 132-146.

128 thoughts on “Mackenzie Bristow – M2 Reflections

  1. I agree with your point Mackenzie, about the helpfulness of the “ask the instructor” thread in the discussion forum. This both aids the student in feeling always supported and saves the instructor from having to answer the same emailed question repeatedly!

    1. This basic tool gives us a sense of security and safety as students. The video lessons and preliminary drift hunters curriculum exploration also played a role in our ability to make a seamless transition to the online environment.

  2. Wow! I hadn’t thought much about the ESL learner in the online environment. That is a great point. I think it is especially relevant because minoritized and low-income Americans make up a large demographic of the students who are choosing to study online (as many of them need a flexible option to balance work and school). Yet I can imagine the additional hurdles that language acquisition might present in these spaces. You have my wheels turning on this one…

    1. I agree, Adrianne–this was a great point. It also makes me think about how misleading the idea of the “digital native” has been. Yes, current college students may have grown up with the web, smartphones and other technologies, but most of them have not used Web 2.0 technologies, at least not in the ways we are asking them to use them. So in some sense, most students in an online class are learning a type of “language” and students for whom English is a second language are dealing with 2 types of new language learning.

  3. Mackenzie, thank you for your thoughts which raise a couple questions for me. On the time front, do you think this is because online teaching inherently takes more time, or just that it’s still new and the artifacts and methodology to design are still being learned. Also, I agree with on the non-verbal part, but do you think this is something technology can really ever over come without face-to-face contact? I think of how many times in a classroom that the students misunderstand a concept, but it’s only through spontaneous conversation where the instructor picks up on something that this is uncovered. Would serendipitous discovery be as common in the online environment?

    Joseph Drasin

  4. Thank you for all your great comments! As a response back to Joseph, I don’t think online teaching takes more time than in class. I really can only speak towards my own experiences and time I spend on classes. In my reflection above I attempted to articulate that I did not feel time would be an issue. Maybe part of my writing was unclear. I really liked your observation that serendipitous discovery could also happen in the digital context. I think you are correct, perhaps it is just a matter to reading those signals online as I have learned to do in the classroom.

  5. I really am inspired by the ask the instructor discussion, and I hope to introduce it in my face to face class that has a Bb site. I also appreciate MacKenzie’s comments about online teaching not taking more time, because the time issue concerns have passed through osmosis to me. But like anything else, I am sure that I will navigate faster once I am more familiar with some of the tools.

  6. I’m writing on this topic these days, , but I have stopped writing because there is no reference material. Then I accidentally found your article. I can refer to a variety of materials, so I think the work I was preparing will work! Thank you for your efforts.

  7. I think I have never observed such web journals ever that has finish things with all points of interest which I need. So sympathetically refresh this ever for us. This is very interesting,

  8. I commend your hard work on this and thank you for this information. I know it very well that if anyone visits your blog, then he/she will surely revisit it again. Feel free to visit my website;

  9. Awesome and entertaining article. I like to write a little comment to support you. I just stumbled upon your blog and wanted to say that I have really enjoyed reading your blog posts. I wanted to see hope in future you will continue to sharing such an excellent post.

  10. เกมสล็อต Totem Wonders อัศจรรย์โทเทม เกมสล็อต pg ล่าสุด 2022 เกมใหม่มาเเรง เกมสล็อตน่าเล่น น่าลงทุน เกมสล็อตตัวคูณเยอะ เข้าโบนัสไว เพียงแค่คลิกเดียวก็ลุ้นรับเงินรางวัลก้อนโตเเล้ว มีฟีเอจร์โบนัสฟรี หมุนสปินฟรี เกมสล็อตเบทขั้นต่ำเพียง 1 บาท ทุนน้อยเล่นได้สบายๆ เล่นง่ายได้จริง สล็อตวอเลท ฝาก-ถอน AUTO 24 ชั่วโมง.

  11. Excellent and engaging article. I’d like to leave a little note in your support. I recently discovered your site and wanted to express how much I have loved reading your writings. I hoped to see whether you would continue to provide such a wonderful content in the future.

  12. Furthermore, traders can utilize tools such as technical analysis indicators, crypto trading platforms, and market sentiment analysis to enhance their decision-making process. Technical analysis involves studying historical price patterns, volume, and indicators to predict future price movements. Charting platforms provide advanced charting tools and features that enable traders to visualize and analyze market data effectively. Market sentiment analysis involves monitoring social media trends, news sentiment, and discussions to gauge market sentiment and potential market reactions.

  13. Vợ chồng tôi rất thích blog của anh và thấy gần như tất cả các bài viết của anh đều chính xác như tôi.
    đang tìm kiếm. Bạn có đề nghị các nhà văn khách mời viết nội dung trong trường hợp của bạn không?
    Tôi sẽ không phiền viết một bài viết hoặc công bố chi tiết về
    những chủ đề mà bạn viết về nơi này.

    https://www.sportstotozone.com/
    Một lần nữa, weblog tuyệt vời!

  14. A requirement that they allocate four votes to restaurants outside their home region is designed to remove any home-ground bias. But that system in fact puts far-flung countries like Australia and New Zealand at a disadvantage. Why would a naga4d London-based food critic travel for 24 hours to visit restaurants Down Under, when they can be in Tokyo in 13 hours or New York in eight?

  15. I just love this blog and this piece of art. It’s just so romantic and life affirming. When all we’re ever fed in the media is 99% bad news isn’t it great to see a city and it’s people portrayed as wonderful beings. I just really hope they get together! https://www.sportstototv.com

  16. One of the things I enjoy regarding reading websites such as this, is that there aren’t any spelling or lexical errors! Causes it to be tough about the readers sometimes. Very good work upon that and also the subject of this website. Many thanks!
    Cryptocurrency Prices

  17. situs masa depan slot88 kini sudah hadir sebagai penyelamat kalian yang ingin mencari uang sampingan, langsung saja daftarkan diri anda ke situs gacor ini

  18. This one-of-a-kind game has sparked a lot of attention. You must go on a tour of the Playtime toy factory in run away 3. The question of what happened to the missing employee must be answered. There are several revenge toys available. Make every attempt to avoid capture while remaining alive.

  19. one piece an aniworld ist eine erstklassige Streaming-Plattform für Anime-Liebhaber und bietet eine riesige Bibliothek von Anime-Serien und -Filmen in allen Genres. Genießen Sie hochwertiges Streaming mit Optionen für sowohl untertitelte als auch synchronisierte Versionen. Unsere benutzerfreundliche Oberfläche, personalisierte Empfehlungen und Community-Funktionen verbessern Ihr Seherlebnis.

  20. panorama charter login also provides resources for training and development, helping employees stay informed and enhance their skills. By centralizing these functions, the Panorama Charter login streamlines operations and supports the efficiency of Charter Spectrum’s extensive workforce, ensuring that employees have the tools they need to succeed in their roles.

  21. عسل السدر الجبلي اليمني يُعتبر من أجود أنواع العسل في العالم، ويتميز بنكهته الفريدة وفوائده الصحية العديدة. يتم جمعه من زهرة شجرة السدر التي تنمو في المناطق الجبلية الوعرة في اليمن، مما يضفي عليه طابعاً خاصاً ويجعله نادراً وقيمًا. يُعرف هذا العسل بخصائصه الطبية، حيث يُستخدم لعلاج العديد من الأمراض وتعزيز الجهاز المناعي.

    سعر عسل السدر الجبلي اليمني

  22. Your article is truly impressive! The structure is clear and flows smoothly, and each point is explored in depth. Your explanations are easy to follow, supported by relevant references, and your creativity in presenting the ideas is refreshing. Great job Qqgaming!

  23. Rejuvenation Health is a trusted Weight Loss Boynton Beach, dedicated to helping individuals achieve their wellness goals. Offering personalized programs tailored to each client’s needs, their experienced team provides support every step of the way. With a focus on sustainable results, Rejuvenation Health empowers clients to make lasting lifestyle changes for improved health and vitality.

  24. Kocaeli’nin en önemli ilçelerinden biri olan İzmit’te meydana gelen gelişmeleri takip etmek için İzmit haberleri kategorisini inceleyebilirsiniz. Kocaeli Haber Dar, İzmit’le ilgili haberleri anında ve doğru bir şekilde sizlere sunuyor.

  25. Amberin Zaman kimdir, merak edilen gazeteciler arasında yer alıyor ve cesur duruşuyla dikkat çekiyor. Son dakika haber sitesi Sondakikam.com.tr’de Zaman’ın biyografisi ve gündeme gelen olayı hakkında detaylı bilgiye ulaşabilirsiniz.

  26. بسبب درجات الحرارة المرتفعة التي تعاني منها المملكة العربية السعودية في فصل الصيف نجد الكثير من السادة العملاء يبحثون عن أفضل عازل حراري للمواسير
    حتى يتمكنون من الاحتفاظ بدرجة حرارة المياه طوال فترة شهور الصيف، ولهذا فإن شركتنا من أفضل الشركات المتخصصة في عملية عزل مواسير المياه سواء كانت التي تخص شبكات المياه، أو الخزانات حتى لا تصبح معرضة إلى أشعة الشمس مباشرة لفترة طويلة من الوقت

  27. شراء معدات مستعملة بالرياض شركة حور كلين تهتم بشراء المعدات القديمة والمستعملة مهما كانت حالتها وبأسعار مناسبة ومرضية للعميل، حيث تعد من أفضل الشركات داخل المملكة العربية السعودية التي تقدم خدمات متنوعة ومتميزة وتمتاز بمصداقيتها وأمانتها في تقديم هذه الخدمات.

  28. Thanks for the marvelous posting! I definitely enjoyed reading it, you happen to be a great author.I will ensure that I bookmark your blog and will eventually come back at some point. I want to encourage you to definitely continue your great work, have a nice holiday weekend!

  29. I would like you to be aware that the words of encouragement and support you have sent me are of great value to me. They are of considerable importance to me in terms of their obligations.
    gacha life game free

  30. Ümraniye eşya depolama hizmeti konusunda Mavi Eşya Depolama, müşteri memnuniyetini ön planda tutan bir anlayışla hizmet veriyor. Farklı boyutlardaki depolama üniteleri ve esnek sözleşme seçenekleriyle ihtiyaçlarınıza uygun çözümler sunuyorlar. Detaylı bilgi için web sitelerini ziyaret edebilirsiniz. #Ümraniye #EşyaDepolama #MaviDepolama #MaviEşyaDepolama

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *