Vehicles for Learning
Each of the activities listed on this page have all contributed to my learning in this graduate program.
Case Study
The case studies were highly beneficial in helping me to situate prior problems in my practice by providing a method for investigating specific problems and possible solutions in my teaching practice.
Policy Analysis
Understanding educational policy was an area in which I had previously ventured, but had little comprehension on what they contained or how they were determined. Studying these documents allowed me to form connections between the case study and the policies to develop an understanding between what is (the policy) and what should be (the study).
Group Discussion Threads
The discussion threads were extremely important avenues of learning and for obtaining other points of views or perspectives, clarification of concepts or theories, and in forming opinions that could be posited for further debate. Additionally, the variety of discussion threads used in this program not only provided variety, but it gave a me great deal of technical knowledge in WebCT, Ning, Wiki, blogs, and Twitter, none of which I would have ventured into had they not been a part of my studies.
General Room
Although situated in virtual reality, this room was essential for group meetings and collaborative works, having private discussions, as a place to test presentations before delivery, or simply to experiment with adobe connect before leading a class discourse.
Online Research
The vast library resources available to UOIT students was an absolutely essential part of my learning, especially since most graduate students do not live in close proximity to the university, making visits to the library physically impossible. Having such an array of titles to read at any time of day was not only convenient, but allowed me to gain in-depth information on anything I needed, whenever I needed it.
Leading a Discussion
Although this was a little daunting at first, it soon became second nature after doing it so frequently. Furthermore, leading a class discussion is a task required of all educators/trainers, which fosters authentic assessment since the presentation was either well-received by our colleagues/peers or was not.
Project-based learning
This is one area of my learning which I was familiar with from my training in the Arts. As well, I am a visual learner, so retain far more information when I am able to physically create something, whether in virtual reality or real space. Moreover, project-based learning allows for greater depth of topic and develops higher order thinking skills in both the creation and the telling of the project.
Technology
This is an areas in which I have worked and played since it first began, but had never been aware of the sheer number of creative technologies available as open source software, which in itself is amazing considering corporate greed these days. Moreover, through research and in presentations by my peers, this graduate program introduced me to a variety of technologies for young and old, easy or complex, there is something for everyone.