The BilBea Learning Journey

In the interests of “beginning with the end in mind” these are my thoughts regarding online pedagogy learning aims.

What do I need to know about online pedagogy that I don’t know now?
Running a course start to end sounds a little frightening to me still (even at this late stage in my degree). It’s like the first time stepping in front of a class, there’s so many variables to think of… let alone the learning value for the students.

I guess mine is not as much a knowledge quest as an understanding quest. I want to implicitly understand when and what to do to pick up a dying group so they can finish the course easily and happily. When and what to design into the course so that interactivity is maximised and continuous (without dead/boring patches). And just the right level of interaction needed to be a guide on the side without becoming a bossy-boots or lurker.

What do I need to be able to do that I don’t do now?
Being able to deliver content in an enjoyable, interactive and (hopefully) educational manner.

Through the course, creating a learning community with authentic assessment that’s not a chore for the students while adequately measuring their competence and knowledge.

Being a guide-on-the-side without becoming a lurker or overly present.

What are the sources of that knowledge/skill?
Sources might be literature (some theory, some case studies), experiential (delivering something), my other subject (assessment), my prior subject (communities of practice), putting prior knowledge into action (again experiential), vicariously (learning how students and teachers coped), and reflection-on-action from my present and prior experiences as a teacher and learner.

Are there useful interactions in which I can participate in order to acquire it? What other things might I do?
Definitely, asking others about their experience as we go through the course and participating heavily in the practical component (teaching something online). Asking them and myself – how did we keep the interaction going? how could we do it better next time? etc. And of course, reflection on my own actions.

How will I know that I am accessing the correct information and if I am comprehending the knowledge base adequately?
Checking back at this posting for my personal aims. Perhaps I could create a project out of my aims with to-do’s, etc. Of course, reflecting on my aims and how the course is progressing.

How can I test out my new knowledge/skill in the context of an applied situation, and through social interaction?
The first test would be the practical inside the course. The next would be actually designing and teaching something online. For me this will start off slowly, but increase over the next year.