Nearing the journey's end

Well, the classroom part of this Reflect and Connect journey has finished, now I just have to get complete the assignments, with a little more help from the tutors (they have been great) I'm sure that I will get there. I have learned so much along the way about web 2.0, self reflection, self assessment, support communities and so much more it makes me feel that I have been asleep until I started this course, it was a real wake up call for me, leading me into the world of modern learning.

My support networks

My support network starts with my partner and children who I know love, trust and believe in me, it extends as shown in the mind map below to friends, colleagues and my manager and coordinator, as well as various online groups and resource centres. To maintain and strengthern my support networks it is my intention to not only keep in touch with people and groups already in it, but to actively seek out further contacts and resources. Constantly striving to update and improve my knowledge through my support network .We can draw on these varied sources of support for love, trust and belief, as well as feedback, information and resources. They can be so intertwined that they are more and more an integral part of every day life in this modern technological world. With the release of new technology every day, I find myself turning more often than ever before to other people and resources for support

Moving forward

As we near the end of this Reflect and Connect course, and with my first course as a Trainer/Assessor under my belt, I find that I am more determined than before to be the best possible Tutor that I can, assuring that my learners gain maximum benefit from what I am endeavouring to impart to them. I believe that by utilising and continually upgrading my knowledge of, and familiarity with, the tools, resources, support networks and knowledge that I have gained along this journey, I will be better equiped to achieve these goals. I said earlier in the course that it had been a head spin for me, but I realise now that it was more of an eye opener, and I have learned much about what is actually out there to help us and also the importance of honest self assessment and reflection.

Community of practice

This weeks assignment was to join a community of practice and assess it as a team, we chose Classroom 2.0, the following are my thoughts on it;

Classroom 2.0 Community of Practice is relevant to my learning as it's an excellent place to communicate with other people engaged in education, there doesn't appear to be a subject relating to education and e-learning that is not discussed at some level. Resources are boundless and there always seems to be someone willing and able to assist with queries.

My first impressions of it were that this could just be the ideal conduit for linking with peers and like minded people, AND ITS FREE.

I would absolutely recommend it to others as it would seem very selfish not to share such a fantastic resource.

The job is not finished until it is finished

Who said you knock off when you lock the classroom up at the end of a course?? The final night of my first course as a Tutor/Trainer was Tuesday March 29th, but, because the classroom is closed, doesn't meen that the course has ended, still have some follow up to do chasing missed signatures and missed answers on assessments. Almost there, and then it's time to REFLECT.

Reflect, Web 2.0, Moodle, Mahara ?!&*??

Critical reflection, Web 2.0 tools, Moodle, Mahara, Blog, Twitter, Mind Maps, Eportfolios, WOW, this stuff is making my head spin at times, so much to take in and sort through, so much reading to digest. Hopefully I'm getting on top of it, I think I can, I think I can, I think I can.

Tutoring

3rd night as a tutor completed, after some not so flattering feedback about last week's class, (my first on my own), I gave it some thought and think that this week went much better. I look forward to receiving more feedback, so that I can identify areas to improve and strengthen my delivery.

Mind mapping

Just completed my first mind map, will have to wait for feedback from my tutors to find out how I went and whether I have a grasp of what they are about.

Helping hand

One of my learners is having a problem, so I'm off for some 1 on 1 tutoring.

My learning goal.

I am currently undertaking a study course called Reflect and Connect, hoping to gain a better understanding of elearning so that I am able to use it in furthering my ability and effectiveness as a Trainer/Assessor, I am also hoping that it will help me to be more subjective and honest with myself when self assessing and reflecting on previous events.
First solo session as a Trainer/Assessor, I believe went very well, had a minor hiccup but quickly adapted and moved on.

These 2 pictures remind me that sometimes it can be very rough trying to reflect on things, yet at other times reflecting can be so pleasant and serene, but we need to be able to handle the rough times if we are to be true to ourselves and honest with ourselves in reflecting and self assessing

Reflections