Online Communication
Reflection of Reading Teacher Listserv
I have
found the Online Communication Module to what I believe one of the most useful
learning experiences toward professional development that I have had in all my
college experiences. Focusing on the Listserv, I was made aware of what a
listserv actually is and then was able to participate in one that has enabled me
do develop as a professional in the reading field. I signed on to the Reading
Teacher listserv approximately three weeks ago. I typically receive about five
email messages a day. Sometimes I can get as many as ten messages. The
exploration phase of the Learning Cycle, is what I believe to be exploring other
parts of the teaching field throughout the US. I’ve talked to people from all
over the United States. It’s neat knowing that a person in Oklahoma can
communicate with a teacher in Washington. They are two very different worlds,
but have a common goal and that is the education of children. On this listserv
we explore several topics. Since I’ve been on the listserv we have talked about
ESL websites where I was able to use my ESL Pathfinder to help a lady find
useful ESL websites for her class. We’ve talked about assessments in reading. It
is here where I suggested Johns’ Basic Reading Inventory and where others
suggested various forms of IRI’s. Many of them I had not even heard of, but now
I am aware of what they are, how they are used, and who uses them. Of course,
NCLB has been a topic of conversation, but thankfully we haven’t dwelled on the
dreaded subject. Other topics include the STAR test, Low level High Interest
books, books to integrate with Math and science and I could go on. The Listserv
has allowed me to apply my knowledge from other classes to help teachers with
their questions. These teachers have also helped me with my questions.
Talking about participating on the listserv I was not for sure how it could be
useful to me, but once I was on it awhile I could see the continuous flow of
useful information I was receiving for viable sources. If I was in a school I
wouldn’t be talking this much to the teacher next door. For this reason, I will
continue the listserv after this course is over and into my next year when I
begin teaching.
I’ve attached a sample that I put together of some of the discussions that have
been going on between all of us. Hopefully within time, I’ll know them much like
I am becoming familiar with each of you.
In reflection to the other part of the Online Communication which involves
communicating with all of you in a classroom online environment, I have seen the
powerful affects communication can have in an online class. Communication is
what I believe to be ESSENTIAL to make an online class successful. This is my
second online class and I would have no reservations about taking another one.
Before, if I had a choice of taking the class at the college or taking it
online, I would have always chosen taking it at the college, but through the two
classes I’ve had online I see little difference in the two. Communication is
just as good if not better in the online class. With this class I can view
everyone’s work and comment it on it just as you can view my work and give peer
feedback which is just as effective as teacher feedback. It is rare to do this
in a classroom. Overall I am very pleased with the Online Communication we have
been able to participate in.
