What are the most important things that I have learnt on the ONL course?
Undoubtedly the value of collaboration. Somewhat sceptical when I first started (I work most effectively by myself - or so I thought) I was astonished at the creativity unleashed once our team got to know one-another and started working collaboratively. And I'm sure that in eight weeks we spent on this, we were only scratching the surface in this regard. Of course, one has to overcome certain fears and uncertainties and also be prepared to share intellectual property, but the rewards could be significant.
Another important thing I learnt was the amount of tools and apps out there that are actually accessible and doable once you give it a try. I know a little bit about these things, and have used them, but my perspective on their potential applications has changed a lot. Twitter is one: I've avoided Twitter because I'm mostly old school and I'd rather keep quiet than mouth off at 140 characters at a time. But I now see Twitter in a different light and there is definitely scope there for using Twitter to create a better sense of community in some of the groups I lecture and also among our law lecturers. And to stay up date in certain fields such as blended learning, tech in the classroom and certain law subjects.
How may my learning influence my own practice?
Quite a lot in the long run, I would say. In the short term I have a few ideas to implement between now and commencement of our new semester in February. Also, I am expected to deliver a paper at the South African Law Teachers Conference next year July. I was starting to work on an idea ... but I've thrown it out. Now starting to work on paper that will focus on the development of a blended learning environment in the School of Law. But please don't tell anyone - I don't what them to steal this idea before I'm ready to submit. I'm very excited about it. Or perhaps I should collaborate with someone? 😁
My thoughts on using technology in my own context
My employer (Varsity College) is intent on introducing technology in the classroom and striving towards a vision of a comprehensive blended learning environment in the longer term. In the meantime, baby steps ... But we already have an impressive learning platform based on BlackBoard. Just last week I was give access to BB Collaborate. Things are looking up. May you live in interesting times, as they say. From being apprehensive, I can honestly now say that I'm looking forward to it. Already in my course development work (that I'm busy with right now) I am thinking about how it will fit in with a blended learning environment.
What am I going to do?
- Well, practically I plan to introduce a few tools as mentioned above - especially, in the short term, Twitter.
- I'm also keen on putting my name forward to teach on a programme that is fully launched on our LMS (it is a BB-based platform called VCLearn).
- From a more theoretical perspective, write a paper on the use of technology in the law classroom (and blended learning), and have it accepted by the conference organisers for delivery next July.
- Longer term, continue to develop my skills and see that I stay current with technological and other developments in this field (for example by following the right people on Twitter).
Thank you, it was great.
I liked that you jumped on "collaboration", especially since we spent a significant amount of time discussing it and how to achieve it. But here you (briefly) brought up a very important point and something worth further discussion--intellectual property.
ReplyDeleteWhen ideas are shared, the person who ultimately runs with them has the power and control. This can of course limit collaboration, especially when we don't all benefit equally from collaborating. A much deeper discussion on intellectual property, as well as how to be collaborative without worrying about someone stealing your ideas is warranted.
This is so great that you already have setting to use in practice the knowledge from this course in BB Collaborate. My university changed the platform recently, so they seem to be also very active in updating their digital solutions.
ReplyDeleteYou are so right to say that we were just "scratching the surface" in these 8 weeks. I had the same feeling and I think this course has a potential to be expanded for example for those who want to dig deep in online learning and digital tools. I would definitely apply for ONL part II if there was such:)