I think I am in sync.......

     After completing the required readings for Module 2a, I feel I can safely say that this information is starting to make sense.  For the longest time, synchronous and asynchronous (communication), pedagogy and Web 2.0 were all Greek to me; I can say with the utmost of confidence that I comprehend and understand synchronous and asynchronous (communication) and even pedagogy.  Web 2.0 is still a bit confusing (I understand that applications/websites such as Facebook and Twitter are considered Web 2.0, but it is not yet clicking in my brain housing group what exactly sets them apart).  
     One of our required readings really brought to light a fact that I know I have been overlooking.  Kurtz & Sponder (2010), in their explanation of asynchronous communication stressed that learner and teacher are separated not only by time, but also by location.  I know that myself personally, I take the separation of location for granted as if it is a given and I need to remember that it is a significant part of what designates asynchronous communication.  
     I make the time to do the required readings and I set aside time for the conference participation, but in reflection I need to set aside time to think about what was read and what it truly means.  Writing this blog actually helps because it is forcing me to admit if I understood what was covered in the readings and what we (as students) were supposed to learn.  Hopefully, I will be able to take what was not only learned from the readings and be able to apply it in real life, but that I will also be able to remember to sit back for a minute and digest (if you will) what was just read or taught or even said......


Missy

Reference

Kurtz, G., & Sponder, B.  (2010).  SoTL in online education: Strategies and 

     Practices for using new media for teaching and learning online.  International 

     Journal for the Scholarship of Teaching & Learning 4(1), 1-6.  Retrieved from 

     Education Research Complete database.