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Online classes have been another way of learning and obtaining high school diplomas, certifications, training and college degrees. It provides students with online books and articles that students are able to access though the internet. There is endless information that is found on the intranet that teachers can access and relate to. Below is a figure from the Spiral technique that Mack’s indicated a teacher go through to ensure that students were learning the concepts being taught.
The spiral assessment could be used in a variety of ways and teachers could use it to evaluate students, or principals evaluating teachers or it can also be used as a self evaluating assessment on content learned. I will be using Dr. Mack’s model as a self evaluation of the online learning experience and will reflect back on the experience and decide whether the online experience contributed to my learning or if it inhibited my learning. I will follow Paul Mack’s spiral plan and evaluate the design of the online lessons and programs I have experienced thus far.
The spiral technique is reflected in the Figure 7. 1: ; ; ; ;; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; 1. LEARNING: GETTING READY; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ^v ^v 5. LEARNING: THINKING AHEAD GENERATIVE TOPIC2. LEARNING FROM SOURCES ^v ^; ; Revise ; ;v ; ; ; ;4. LEARNING: FEEDBACK; ; ; ; ; ; ; ;3. LEARNING DOING; ; ; ; Dr. Mack’s spiral assessment asks about the content and delivery of the learning experiences, did it align with the objective and relevance of the needs of the learner? I felt like it did.
The objectives were relevant to me as an educator because I do want to make changes and I want to be an effective teacher. I feel like it is my job to make sure that I continue to learn all that I can so that the students with special needs get the most up to date teaching strategies that are appropriate, effective and research based. The modules were all informational and the assignments that went with each of the modules helped me learn about the information with deep understanding because it offered a variety of web sites to look up, which provided me with more information on learning standards and the disabilities that children have.
It also gives feedback to educators on how they can help the students with special needs so that they can have the appropriate learning experience which will provide them with a quality education. Each module took us through Dr. Mack’s learning process by having us learn the information. Then we were able to receive the resources from the instructor to find out more about the topics. This allowed us to reflect and discuss the topics with other professionals and we were able to give our input and receive feedback from other teachers and the instructor, this allowed me to stay focused and reflect on the topics presented.
The second level is identifying what was learned in the experience. This was my first online class and it was challenging at first but then I got use to it. I was able to learn about the special education standards that the National Board of Professional Teaching Standards and the Council for Exceptional Children provided. These were standards I did not know existed and were not familiar with. It helped me understand the accountabilities we have as teachers and the services we need to provide to kids with special needs. Another learning strategy that was helpful was looking up the variety of websites that pertained to special education.
I have access to informational websites that allows me to learn more about the different disabilities that are out there. I also felt like the discussion questions allowed me to learn from other colleagues who were in the special education field already and the experience and insight that they brought to the discussions were very informative and helpful to me as a regular education teacher. The experience has also made me more aware of how important it is to make sure the students who have an IEP and are a part of my classroom and that I have high expectations set for them.
The parents who have special needs also need guidance and a resource to refer to when trying to help their child with special needs. My learning behaviors have changed from the experience by making me more aware of the different learning strategies that are out there. Like I have said this was my first online class and when I first signed up I felt like it was not going to be effective because I was use to the traditional setting where I would go to a classroom and listen to the instructor. The experience has definitely changed my views and has allowed me to be more open to the different learning experiences that students have access to.
The discussion questions were required and responding to two other classmates was mandatory this allowed me to reflect on the views of other educational professionals. I did have a difficult time collaborating with my team mates to complete the CLC assignment. I felt like it was difficult because of the different times we had access to the internet. Overall the experience has been informative and convenient. The impact of my learning experiences has served as a foundation for future learning by making me aware of the different learning strategies that we have as educators.
The special education standards have provided me with the knowledge that is necessary when teaching students with special needs. It also has made me more aware of the variety of disabilities that children have and how I can adapt and modify lessons based on their needs. The E portfolio has given me another insight to the educational field it is another way of gathering information from students. Teachers could also benefit from the E portfolios by using it as a resume and a collection of their experiences as an educator. The online experience has provided me with endless educational opportunities for me and the students I will be teaching.
Having a knowledgeable and effective special education teacher will help students to gain the necessary teaching techniques that will help them achieve their academic goals. Dr. Mack’s model allowed me to reflect back on my learning experience and decide whether the online experience contributed to my learning or if it inhibited my learning. The reflection of my learning experience shows that it has definitely contributed to my learning experience in a variety of ways. The design of the online lessons and assignments was a great way for teachers to learn and collaborate with one another.
The discussion questions provided me with the thoughts of other teachers and the assignments allowed me to reflect what I learned. The feedback that the instructor gave me was informative. The learning experience was valuable to me as an educator and I know that the rest of the classes that I will be taking will contribute to my knowledge and benefit me as an educator. References Mack, P. (1998, December). A spiral plan for delivery and evaluation of continuous professional development. Paper delivered at the National Staff Development Council Conference, Washington, DC. (ERIC Document: ED426981).