ONLINE MICROTEACH BLOG.

The likes and dislikes of online teaching

When considering the likes of online teaching. I believe that it is an opportunity to showcase my technological skills as developed over the four years of obtaining this degree. I enjoyed incorporating various technological skills to ensure that my online lesson was a success and engaging. I further enjoy the fact that the way the world is ever so changing that it proves that education can take place in differing forms. Online teaching allows for applications to be used, to track learners’ activity which allows the teacher to ensure learners are engaging with the content. I further think that online teaching allows not only the educator to interact but also allows the learner to develop beneficial online skills. The dislike that I found with online teaching that contributed to the overall online experience was the unstable internet connection. Due to the fact that I made use of a YouTube video as the pinnacle for the learners to perform the actions and did not plan for an alternative, I believe I may have disadvantaged the learners learning experience. Therefore, I would need to improve on having alternative backup methods if obstacles such as connection occur again. Furthermore, I found it challenging to not see my peers, I believe that this is a rule that I would have with online learning, to have the camera on. This allows me as the teacher to teach not just on a screen but to see learners’ reactions and understanding at all times.

The new skills I learnt through this experience

I believe that a new skill that I noted with the online micro-teaching was my ability to adapt rapidly. With my unstable internet connection as an unplanned matter, I think that when I was faced with the difficulty I attempted to make light of the situation and preserve it. I found that this was a new trait for me as I would usually freeze up and lose the ability to perform to the best ability. I believe that this is a new skill I have learnt. I believe that there were learning moments within this online experience that can provide opportunities for professional development. I believe that I have noted to always have an alternative activity when working with an online platform, additionally, I believe that with the experience I will be more confident in an online space. Overall, I believe that the lesson was organised, and I would use the lesson again.

What I would do differently

With regards to what I would do differently is linked to the unstable network connection, unfortunately, a big part of my lesson was not clear. This was the YouTube video which linked to the topic and the objectives. In future online lessons, I will ensure to have screenshots with subtitles of the YouTube videos that I would display to ensure that learning can still take place. I believe that I would further ensure to have cameras on at all times during the lesson as when my peers did turn on their cameras, I felt more confident to conduct the lesson. It created an environment where everyone was comfortable engaging with the content.

Did I choose the appropriate tools to teach my online lesson?

In order to promote effective learning, the following online tools have been selected. Firstly, the use of a PowerPoint presentation has been selected to ensure that the teacher is able to stay on task and to have a guide for the lesson. Additionally, PowerPoint is used as an online tool that allows learners to visually be captivated which intern allows for the class to be managed and promotes effective teaching. Furthermore, a YouTube video has been selected as an online tool to add to the teaching experience. This tool has been selected to serve as a relatable element to the learners and an age-appropriate way for the learners to gain further knowledge on the differing emotions. Additionally, the use of Blackboard has been selected as the platform to which the lesson will take place as it is an effective online tool to navigate for the teacher. The digital tools selected for the lesson serve as a way for the teaching and learning to be structured and effective. Therefore, the selection of PowerPoint as a digital tool has been decided. The reasoning for this is due to the fact that this allows the learners a visual and auditory learning experience that enables the structure of their learning experience. Furthermore, the selection of PowerPoint allows the teacher to pace the lesson in a structured manner, which contributes to the overall flow of the online lesson. An additional tool that has been implemented is a template form of the classroom rules, this tool has been created on Canva and will add structure to the lesson as it links to the behavioural expectations for the learners to follow.

How was the online microteaching experience developed me for teaching in a school?

I believe that this online microteaching experience has developed my confidence in teaching in a school. I believe that technology is imperative in the new era of education, educators should be equipped with the skills of incorporating technology in the classroom. I believe that having this skill allows for teaching to take place in an integrated manner as well as being relatable for the learners. Furthermore, I believe that this experience provided me with the opportunity to be pushed out of my comfort zone. At the start of the lesson, I found myself very nervous and anxious, and as I began to teach I found myself more confident as I was able to make use of the online tools to create a fun learning experience.