Category: Module 1

Take a look at my ETEC 565A goals on my Flight Path page.

For this next task I decided to choose one element from Chickering’s Seven Principles. Many of the seven struck a chord with me, such as timely feedback, which I have always made a priority in my teaching. What I found as I read these seven principles was what resonated most with me, and consequently what I try to develop in my teaching, are the things that I appreciate most as a student. Last July I was in a face-to-face class, which I thoroughly enjoyed. I think the reason why I enjoyed it so much was that there was a heavy emphasis on group work. For this reason, the element that I have chosen is #2 ‘Develops Reciprocity and Cooperation Among Students’.

As a teacher I try to do this to some degree, but I know that I have a long way to go. I frequently encourage students to work in pairs and discuss their thoughts while they work on homework. I teach science and math and I feel that learning from peers is extremely valuable. I try to set my seating plans (very discretely) once I get a sense of the abilities in my class. I consider the students’ personalities but a large part has to do pairing up the academically strong with the weak.

As a student I have enjoyed the Think-Pair-Share strategy, which allows students to independently form opinions on a given topic, share those opinions with a peer, consider the ideas of their partner, and then share the results with the class. This is a great way to really promote critical thinking skills while at the same time encouraging team work. Working in larger groups is also valuable but I find that the task needs to be conducive to that type of learning. So often there are just too many cooks in the kitchen.

References

Chickering, A.W. & Gamson, Z.F. (1987). Seven Principles for Good Practice in Undergraduate Education. American Association for Higher Education Bulletin, 39 (7), 3-7.

When it comes to NETS Competencies I definitely see myself as work in progress. However, I do think that I measure up pretty good in some areas.

1. Facilitate and Inspire Student Learning and Creativity
I feel that I do a decent job engaging my students in exploring real-world problems using digital tools.  In my Physics 11 and 12 classes I use a number of computer simulated applets, which serve as a useful medium for demonstrations.  Specifically, I use a computer simulated computer construction kit (cck) from PhET to demonstrate DC circuits.  I am also planning on using this as a lab where students will construct virtual circuits and perform calculations.

I also use Onenote daily and students have become familiar with my method of note-taking and assessment.  I have gotten positive feedback from many of them.  In addition, just last week, I encouraged a project to be handed in as a Prezi if the students wanted to and I was pleased to see a number of them do just that.

2. Design and Develop Digital-Age Learning Experiences and Assessments
As mentioned above, I hope to develop more labs with a computer simulation aspect to them.  I would even like to compare how simulations fare against traditional lab methods.  Student learning styles need to be considered when teaching a class of 30 so I try to provide variety in how students can demonstrate knowledge.  For projects, my students usually have the option to use software like Prezis, PowerPoint, Xtranomal Videos, etc.  I find that the MET program has exposed me to so many fabulous programs out there for all to use.

3. Model Digital-Age Work and Learning
I value collaboration and this is an area that I know I do well in.  It has helped that two of my colleagues have gone through the MET program already so we have many good discussions about technology and we even share which ideas work for us in class.  I co-created a professional development website in ETEC510 that I hope to use to help inform my technology-challenged colleagues about what is out there now.  In addition, I try to involve parents as much as possible and I have found email, as basic as it is, to be a valuable medium for that.

4. Promote and Model Digital Citizenship and Responsibility
I suppose that in the past year, as I have been exposed to various new technologies and tried to implement them into my teaching, I have been a model to my students.  I hopefully show students and fellow teachers that change is good and that we are all life-long learners.  I try to show my students what a responsible user looks like; we have had the odd discussion about ethical issues like illegal downloading of songs and videos.

5. Engage in Professional Growth and Leadership
The MET program is the avenue that I am taking for significant professional growth in the area of technology and education.  I value collaboration with colleagues and, as mentioned above, I hope to assist other teachers by sharing fresh ideas that I learn in this program.

Personal Goals
After looking at the course schedule, I know one of my main goals is to work with Moodle.  I have very limited experience using this software but I know that it is something that I may want to incorporate in my teaching.  I have a desire to have a more blended approach to learning in my classes and I feel that Moodle can help me accomplish this.  It would be nice to have an asynchronous component, perhaps in an online discussion forum.  I look forward to what this course will offer.

My name is Kevin Wilnechenko and ETEC 565A is my sixth MET course from UBC. The pages in this blog contain the assignments that I completed for this course. I hope you enjoy looking through this site.