WEEK 3 Jan 27-Feb 2/2020

One of our classes this week (Monday January 20/20) was online using ZOOM software.  I had mixed feeling getting started and wasn't sure what to expect.  After downloading the software and signing onto the synchronous class, I began my online journey.  I quickly saw some advantages to conducting classes this way.  I have taken asynchronous online classes before and they were ok.  This method of synchronous learning was more fun!  I could see my classmates and interact with them via a messenger platform or address the whole class by messaging.  Also we could speak to the whole class if we wanted to unmuting our microphones.   I did run into some problems as well though.  If there is any interruption in the internet connect, so will there be in your class.  Of course at some important informational moments during the lesson,  my internet connection was dropping and it frustrated me.  This process is limited by connectivity without a doubt.

On Wednesday in our classroom, we had a guest speaker Chris Fredrickson who is the Web Based Course Consultant from MB Education.
He presented on web based courses in Manitoba and what exists in Manitoba curriculum currently and what will be introduced in the future.  I see the options for students will increase and the delivery of education changed in a way to suit learning for a diverse student population.  Most importantly, no matter where a student maybe located, as long as they have an internet location they are able to learn online.  A couple of new pieces of information I learned was that MB teachers could access information through this platform and help supplement their classroom.  Especially if they find they are suddenly teaching outside of their specialization.  These guides help teachers meet curriculum outcomes and the content is written by MB teachers for MB teachers.