As I prepared to put my thoughts together for my “Flight Path”, I decided to do a little research so that I would have a better understanding of the term “Flight Path”. The information I found stated that “Flight Path” may be defined as the precise route taken or due to be taken through the air by an aircraft or spacecraft. This plan is made usually by a computer, reviewed by a dispatcher, and approved by the captain of the flight. It is then transmitted to the FAA, and when the crew calls for clearance, the FAA gives it to them. The FAA is responsible for maintaining a clear air space around the aircraft, so its computer checks for traffic considerations. Based on my research and as I share my “Flight Path” I want to use John Egan as the FAA, dispatcher you my colleagues in the course, the computer is the course materials and I am the captain.
Flight ETEC565, is in the preparation stage to take off. I would however like to inform you that I am qualified to fly the aircraft. I am a lecturer at a Teachers’ College in Kingston, Jamaica and I am a part of the team in the Education Department. We are responsible for teaching compulsory education courses which includes Principles of Teaching and Learning and Technology in Education Courses. I have experience using Learning Management System – Moodle but I know there is more to learn and I am ready to do so. It is my desire to always be learning and seeing that I would love to have a safe flight then it makes sense to learn as much as is possible. In case there are any eventualities then I would be better equipped to handle the various situations.
On this flight I want to have a better understanding of how to effectively design and implement an LMS, select, design and utilize assessment tools, utilizing social media effectively and also to incorporate multimedia in teaching as a means of enhancing the teaching and learning experience. Bates and Poole (2003) mentions, that students will have different preferences for various kinds of technology or media. They go on further to state that the design of teaching should cater to these differences. On this flight I hope to gain more insights in being able to do this as I put forward my ideas, you my colleagues share your ideas and John (FAA) gives the final approval.
MET has certainly opened by eyes to online teaching and learning, to the point where I am ready to change from face-to-face to online. From this flight I hope to gain additional insights that will enable me to be more knowledgable of using learning technologies with my students.
I do trust that our “Flight Path” will be effective and that we will have a safe flight to our destinations.
References:
Bates & Poole. (2003). Framework for Selecting and Using Technology
http://www.thefreedictionary.com/flight+path