Learning From My Students

At the end of every course, I like to ask students how they have changed or grown as a result of the topics and tools they’ve explored. Everyone enters classes with some preconceived notions about technology, technology integration, or online learning – I feel like part of my job is to give people the experiences that will really challenge their assumptions.

Typically, there are many comments about what students have learned, both about technology and education:

• I didn't give it a second thought as to how in the world they were doing that. 
• What I didn't realize is that I was utilizing several Web 2.0 tools already. 
• It helped me see how technology can be used in the classroom to benefit the students. 

Occasionally I get comments from students who are quite technologically proficient suggesting that the course isn’t challenging enough. I need to remember to examine the assignments, and make sure that I have some direction for proficient students in terms of what they might do next. I need to be sure that I help technologically proficient students focus on pedagogy and student needs, so that they have reason to delve more deeply into the “why” and not just the “how”.

I believe that, as an instructor, part of my responsibility is to grow and improve. While sometimes its easier to dismiss student comments that are not complimentary, those are the comments that really should guide reflection about what is working.

Leap

Creative Commons Licensed by cdgillman on Flickr

One of my favorite sayings by Confucius is, “Wherever you go – go with all your heart.”

One way I try to interpret that saying is to embrace things I am passionate about, follow that passion, and inject passion into the things I do every day.  The other way I  interpret it is to do my best, and hopefully be the best, at whatever it is I do.

What gets me up in the morning, and often keeps me up at night, is the creativity and passion of exploring new ideas, learning new concepts, and testing new theories. Sometime that means I need to challenge myself; push myself into an area of discomfort so that I can continue to grow.

Sometimes you just need to go for it; looking is fine, but the leap is what matters!