ETC647 Reflection

This semester has been long, with a lot of work, much of it only do-able with the excellent input of my group-mates. Thanks Michelle and Teri :-)
My students are at such low levels in reading and writing, and usually have few if any technological skills, that I didn't think that there would be anything from this course that I could apply. However, experimentation and dialogue with peers in the course has demonstrated that there are ways to integrate Connectivism with my students, and begin acclimatizing them to PLE and ONLE environments. Many of our students are with us 3 or more years, providing an opportunity to scaffold connectivist strategies within the construct of basic instruction. Conceivably, implementing these techniques in their education now, by the time they move on to College level courses they will be comfortable with online technologies, and have developed the kind of self direction online courses require, that taking online courses and pursuing PLE will not be problematic...and they will gain more from online instruction because, even in a traditional LMS, they will be habituated to working with their peers and less likely to feel the isolationism that is so daunting in traditional online courses.
Personally, I generally tend to be an anti-social over-achiever, and prefer working alone, yet I found the group work this semester to be rather satisfying. Considering the work load, it was often a relief to know that one of my group mates was taking a percentage of the work and could be relied upon to complete it--saving me the stress I have frequently experienced in group work in the past. Of course I have worked with Michelle in the past and was glad to work with her again because I already knew how well we work together. Teri was an unknown, and I am glad to have had the opportunity to work with her, and get to know her, as well. We make a great team!

Thanks again ladies :-)