When I was first given the topic of eBooks (which I chose) I was actually a little disappointed in my choice. I felt this way because I thought eBooks weren’t new and exciting. How was going to compete with the topic Wearable Technology? eBooks seemed so boring compared to Google Glass! Everyone has heard of eBooks, everyone has probably read and experienced one and how was I going to make this seminar engaging for my participants? My instructor knew how I was feeling and was kind enough to encourage me to find a topic that made me excited. I decided to do a little research on eBooks before I threw in the towel and I am sure glad I did! When I planned my seminar on eBooks I knew I wanted it to be clear, concise and meaningful. I had it set out as three tasks and the final assignment. I wanted a nice mixture of reading, video, and “hands on” creative experimenting. I believe I accomplished this and I hope my participants do as well. I did receive a comment at the beginning of the seminar that left me confident that my participants would feel like they knew exactly what was needed from them and they could dive right into the material without trying to muddle their way through instructions. Laura wrote: “I like how you have organized the seminar, Tracy! It's very clear, easy to follow and super engaging. Looking forward to digging in more deeply as the week progresses :)” Being the seminar leader I knew I had a lot of information that I had gathered prior to the week of learning and sharing and I had to remember not to bombard my participants with all of the information. After all, a part of their tasks was to seek out information regarding eBooks and form their own opinions regarding eBooks in learning. If I shared everything it would have been like the teacher telling the students all of the answers before they even had a chance to try it for themselves! I found myself pacing my release of information and being more of a facilitator than a participant. I struggled with this notion as facilitator vs. participant because I felt like I should also be doing the activities. I eventually had to let this go, as a participant wasn’t my role for this seminar leader activity. I was there to share information about a topic that I had become versed in prior to the seminar. I was there share information, facilitate conversation and encourage further thinking and questioning. I did my very best to keep up with commenting on the posts, and while I didn’t comment on everything I did make sure to lurk often and read all posts. I also know it isn’t necessary for a facilitator to comment on everyone’s posts when you have such an interested, keen group of participants that carry on in depth educational conversations. The sharing and deepened thought of eBooks in the educational world that occurred this week in our group surpassed my expectations for this seminar. I know on several occasions this week I shared information I learned in this seminar with colleagues at work. I actually sought out those teachers that I knew would be extremely excited about my “finds” and they often had something to share with me in regards to eBooks! Overall this experience was a very rewarding one and in the end such a useful seminar to have created. I now have started using eBooks in my teaching and I know I will continue to explore the use of them. I’m glad I followed through on the topic and I hope my participants are pleased I followed through as well. |
AuthorTracy is a teacher in School District 79 (Cowichan Valley) on Vancouver Island, British Columbia. She graduated from Vancouver Island University in 2007 with a Bachelor of Arts in Physical Education and English as well as a Bachelor of Arts in Education. She is currently completing an Online Learning and Teaching Diploma and a Masters in Leadership. Archives
November 2014
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Voices of OLTD 505
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Learning Blog
Here you will find a blog of my learning that is happening in the OLTD program at VIU.
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